The ping-pong match in my head. “Do I write about it and post, or turn my head and just leave it alone? So many rely upon benzodiazepines for a fair shot at life. Do I present more upsetting news, or move-on?” Nah, I gotta’ do this…
When benzo use increased to three to six months, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s shot-up by 32%. And when use increased to more than six months, risk of Alzheimer’s skyrocketed by 84%.
alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), temazepam (Restoril)
Well, those are the five most prescribed, as well as the top-five on the no-no market.
I’ve written plenty about benzos here on Chipur. Here are the titles, starting with the most recent…
PTSD & Benzos: New Information You Really Need to Know
Benzodiazepines | The Gifts That Keep on Giving
What to Do for Anxiety? “Benzodiazepines, of course.” Hold on There, Partner!
Benzodiazepines: The Need-to-Know Series
Benzodiazepines: The Need-to-Know Series (“Addicted?!”)
Benzodiazepines: The Need-to-Know Series (Withdrawal (“Ouch!”))
Gotta’ tell ya, none of the articles (including this one) are the bearer of good news.
And therein lies the dilemma. Benzos bring so much relief – yes, a fair shot at life – for millions. Believe me, I’ve been there. If we could use them for very brief periods of time and turn-away, maybe we’re not having another benzo discussion.
But truth of the matter is, for any number of reasons, that typically doesn’t happen. And a bad moon is on the rise (ty, John Fogerty).
Benzos and Dementia and Alzheimer’s, Oh My!
So I’m perusing for article material last week and I come upon a piece from the American Osteopathic Association entitled Benzodiazepines Ineffective in Treating Common Anxiety Disorders and May Increase Risk of Dementia.
Um, it caught my attention.
There were no punches pulled in the article. I mean, it was made clear that those who are using benzos for psychiatric intervention need to consider other therapies. Why? Heightened risk for dementia – and even death.
Yikes!
The article cites “a growing body of research” indicating use of benzos could increase the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
According to Helene Alphonso, DO, Director of Osteopathic Medical Education at North Texas University Health Science Center…
Current research is extremely clear and physicians need to partner with their patients to move them into therapies, like antidepressants, that are proven to be safer and more effective.
Due to a shortage of mental health professionals in rural and under-served areas, we see primary care physicians using this class of drugs to give relief to their patients with psychiatric symptoms. While compassionate, it’s important to understand that a better long-term strategy is needed.
For the record, I’m not so sure antidepressants are the ultimate answer. I mean, we’re learning they aren’t exactly risk-free either. Consider tardive dysphoria.
Well, the article goes on to mention a Canadian review of 9,000 patients. Those who’d used a benzo for three months or less assumed about the same dementia risk as someone who’d never given them a go.
When benzo use increased to three to six months, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s shot-up by 32%. And when use increased to more than six months, risk of Alzheimer’s skyrocketed by 84%.
Similar results were noted by French researchers who studied 1,000+ elderly patients.
Benzo Use in the Elderly
It’s not surprising that benzo use by those 65+ needs to be limited. In addition to risking Alzheimer’s and other dementias, the “elderly” (I’m knocking on the door, by the way) are more suseptible to falls, injuries, accidental overdoses, and death by virtue of involvement with benzos.
Fact is, in 2012, the American Geriatric Society declared benzos “inappropriate” for treating insomnia, agitation, or delirium.
Back to Dr. Alphonso…
It’s imperative to transition older patients because we’re seeing a very strong correlation between use of benzodiazepines and development of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. While correlation certainly isn’t causation, there’s ample reason to avoid this class of drugs as a first-line therapy.
Let’s Wrap It Up
The – my – benzodiazepine dilemma: understanding and respecting how important they’ve become in the lives of millions, yet believing in soooo many cases, with long-term use, the potential for lasting harm is great. And that harm potential goes beyond dementia and Alzheimer’s.
You know, I can think of two clients in the recent past who I know were battling very unpleasant effects of long-term benzo use. They knew the cause of their misery, as well. It sure wasn’t pretty.
So, yeah, “I gotta’ do this.”
Plenty more Chipur titles where this came from. Feast your eyes.
Terriffic. When I was in my early 20’s, I was prescribed .5mg klonopin for over a year by a well-meaning psychiatrist. Wish this research had existed back then. And that I wasn’t currently taking ativan while waiting for a new SSRI to kick in. Wonder what the over/under is on a treatment for alzheimers appearing before I’m old enough to worry about it?
Hi, Peter!
Thank you for stopping-by and contributing. And your thoughts are at the foundation of my “benzodiazepine dilemma.” Man, I don’t want to bring readers down, or frighten them, with anything I post. Yet, facts are facts, and I have to bring them to the fore – especially if potential harm is involved. Still, it bums me out when I know something I wrote upsets a reader.
Well, for what it’s worth, I’m 61 and did a two year .25 Klonopin stint some 10 years ago. And the old brain is still clickin’ along just fine. So maybe that’ll knockout some of your worry.
I’m just hoping prescribers truly understand the potential probs associated with benzos, share them with their patients, and recommended alternative interventions.
Thanks again, Peter…
Bill
I totally understand why it’s important to get information like this out there, and also why you struggled with whether to post it or not. In the end, I think you did the right thing. Plus, hearing you did a stint with klonopin similar to mine and are still doing ok helps to know. For what it’s worth, I have no intention of staying with the benzo I’m currently taking (in fact I’m anxious to get off of it) for longer than it takes my slower-acting med to pick up the slack.
Thanks, Peter. And, by the way, how you’re using Ativan seems to make sense – a short-term hold-me-over ’til other options have a chance to produce results…
Bill
Great article Bill. It is shocking how many people are heavily addicted to Benzo’s and do not even realise due to repeat scripts from the Dr. The detox is so difficult with prolonged use. More needs to be said about this to raise awareness. Thanks Grant – http://mymainaddictions.blogspot.co.uk/
Hey, Grant. Thank you for your visit and participation. Yeah, “awareness,” a very good place to start. Readers – Grant has provided a link to his blog. Check it out for what describes as Addiction views, fighting news and internet chaos…
Massachusetts I believe just passed a law demanding full disclosure to patients…
Not familiar with the new law; however, it’s a shame it has to come to legislation. Right? Be it benzos, opioids – whatever – patients have the right to know the power of what’s being prescribed. And all too often, they don’t.
I will say, however, psychiatrists seem to be dialing-in. I do a lot of work with a community mental health agency and the psychiatrists are starting many clients on benzo tapers. So go figure.
Always appreciate your visits and contributions, Nancy. Please keep coming back…
Bill
Massachusetts Medical Society: Public Health Council Approves Regulations …your site does not like links..😳
Don’t know how to post it but there is one about first time rxs..
Go ahead and post the link, Nancy. FYI: When someone posts a link it automatically goes to me for moderation. I’ll be notified of the comment and will approve.
see how this goes…http://www.massmed.org/pmp/#.Vvm0iNUrKgA
It goes. Thank you, Nancy…