Now accepting Telehealth appointments. 
Skip to main content

Benzodiazepine Addiction Specialist

Northshore Health -  - Addiction Medicine Specialist

Northshore Health

Addiction Medicine Specialists located in Bothell, WA

Benzodiazepine Addiction

 

Benzodiazepines, commonly called benzos, are medications like Xanax, alprazolam, Ativan, lorazepam, Valium, diazepam, Klonopin, clonazepam.  They are downers, tranquilizers.  Most often they are prescribed for anxiety, muscle cramps, insomnia or with surgeries.  They are very addictive and once started can be difficult to stop. Withdrawing from benzos can be dangerous with death resulting from heart problems and seizures.  Benzodiazepines should not be abruptly stopped without medical help. If you want to stop taking benzos, there are two main ways -- a slow wean or a rapid taper.  A rapid taper requires the use of additional medications to keep you safe.  A slow wean requires a lot of patience.  We can help you decide which way is right for you.  Call us at 425-424-2100