[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About” _builder_version=”4.23″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 0%|#ffffff 50%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” background_color_gradient_end_position=”50%” background_enable_image=”off” background_position=”center_left” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.23″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Montserrat|700||on|||||” header_text_color=”#393939″ header_font_size=”44px” header_font_size_tablet=”44px” header_font_size_phone=”28px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]

4 TIPS FOR THE SAFE USE OF BENZODIAZEPINES

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#393939″ global_colors_info=”{}”]When used correctly, benzodiazepines are a safe and effective option for several health problems, including anxiety disorder and sleep disorders. However, some people may abuse or become addicted to these medications. If your doctor has prescribed you a benzodiazepine, here are four precautions you should be aware of:[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” sticky_position=”top” sticky_limit_bottom=”row” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#393939″ text_font_size=”18px” link_font=”Montserrat|500|||||||” link_text_color=”#393939″ link_font_size=”18px” background_color=”#f4f4f4″ custom_padding=”60px|40px|60px|40px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

• Follow your recommended dosage to the letter
• Talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption
• Plan treatment discontinuation from the outset
• Discontinue benzodiazepine use correctly

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FOLLOW YOUR RECOMMENDED DOSAGE TO THE LETTER

If you stick to the recommended dose by your doctor or pharmacist and only use the lowest effective dose, then you will at lower risk of addiction.

Taking overly high doses for your actual needs, or prolonging your treatment for no valid reason, increases the risk of your body becoming used to the effects of the medication. This is known as addiction. People in this situation need to take ever-larger doses of the medication to feel the same effects as at the beginning of their treatment.

If your treatment is not providing you the relief you hoped for, do not adjust the dose yourself. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”section-2″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ text_font=”||||||||” link_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” link_text_color=”#fa546d” link_font_size=”22px” link_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#393939″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#007732″ header_6_font=”Montserrat|600||on|||||” header_6_text_color=”#007732″ header_6_font_size=”16px” header_6_letter_spacing=”2px” header_6_line_height=”1.5em” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”22px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Open and honest communication with your doctor and pharmacist regarding your alcohol consumption is crucial, especially since excessive alcohol intake raises the risk of developing an addiction to benzodiazepines. Additionally, both substances can significantly slow down breathing, posing a serious concern in the event of an overdose from either.

It is advisable to abstain from alcohol while using benzodiazepines, given that both substances impact the nervous system similarly, leading to drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. When combined, their effects are cumulative, heightening the risk of accidents or falls.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”section-3″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ text_font=”||||||||” link_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” link_text_color=”#fa546d” link_font_size=”22px” link_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#393939″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#007732″ header_6_font=”Montserrat|600||on|||||” header_6_text_color=”#007732″ header_6_font_size=”16px” header_6_letter_spacing=”2px” header_6_line_height=”1.5em” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”22px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]

PLAN TREATMENT DISCONTINUATION FROM THE OUTSET

The Canadian Pharmacists Association, as part of its Choosing Wisely Canada campaign, recommends that benzodiazepine discontinuation be planned and discussed with the doctor at the time of prescription.

This will help give you a better understanding of the treatment plan and reduce the risk of it being prolonged without good reason. It will also help avoid the medication being discontinued in less-than-ideal circumstances.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”section-3″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ text_font=”||||||||” link_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” link_text_color=”#fa546d” link_font_size=”22px” link_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font_size=”40px” header_3_font=”Montserrat|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#393939″ header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Montserrat|||on|||||” header_4_text_color=”#007732″ header_6_font=”Montserrat|600||on|||||” header_6_text_color=”#007732″ header_6_font_size=”16px” header_6_letter_spacing=”2px” header_6_line_height=”1.5em” max_width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|||” header_2_font_size_tablet=”” header_2_font_size_phone=”24px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”30px” header_3_font_size_phone=”22px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]

DISCONTINUE BENZODIAZEPINE USE CORRECTLY

When discontinuing benzodiazepines, it is crucial to undergo a gradual tapering-off process. The specific characteristics of the benzodiazepine, such as its duration of effect, the current dose, and the treatment duration, influence the tapering plan. Working in conjunction with your doctor, your pharmacist will formulate a personalized discontinuation schedule for you.

Responses to discontinuation vary among individuals. If symptoms arise during the tapering process, it is imperative to promptly consult your pharmacist. Adjustments to the schedule may be all that is needed to alleviate these symptoms. If not, your pharmacist can provide recommendations for managing and relieving them.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]