$Unique_ID{BRK01947} $Pretitle{} $Title{Is Quitting "Cold Turkey" Safe?} $Subject{Quitting quit stop stopping Cold Turkey cold-turkey Safe healthy medicine medicines medication medications antianxiety agent agents benzodiazepine physical dependency problem problems Withdrawal symptom symptoms sleep loss restless restlessness tremor tremors seizure seizures drug drugs dependency treat treatment treatments addict addicted addiction counsel counselling} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Is Quitting "Cold Turkey" Safe? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: For years I was in a high pressure occupation, a regular boiler room. To keep up, and fight the overwhelming anxiety, I requested some help from my regular doctor. The medicine he gave me was very helpful, but he tried to wean me off of it before I felt I was ready. So I began to visit several other doctors, with the same problem, and managed to keep up a steady supply of the same medication. I also took the precaution of filling the prescription at several different pharmacies. Well it all worked, then. Now I want off, things have changed in my life, and I don't think I need or want to continue using this stuff. What would happen if I just went "cold turkey"? Please advise me, I think I need help. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: I know you need help. You played a dangerous game, and now must face the consequences. But courage, it can be done. Long term use of some antianxiety agents, particularly the benzodiazepine family of medications, can lead to a real physical dependency. Thus stopping "cold turkey", as you put it, could create a serious problem. Withdrawal symptoms can include sleep loss, restlessness, tremors, and on rare occasions even seizures. You would probably be best advised to cut back your daily dosage in a gradual manner, but I caution against trying to do this on your own. It could be dangerous. It is time to face up, confide in your personal physician and ask his counsel and guidance. If the problem is still one of relatively low dosages, you may be able to work it through on an out patient basis, with close supervision. If your problem is bigger, you may require the services of a doctor who specializes in drug dependency problems, and treatment may even necessitate hospitalization. I know that coming out of the closet may create its own set of problems, but you won't get any better continuing along this path. By putting yourself in the hands of a competent and considerate professional, you will have an ally in dealing with both the medical as well as the social issues you may have to face. You didn't mention a spouse in your letter, but it is time your partner was brought up to date as well. The more help you get, the easier this will be, and you will be able to face your future with this monkey off your back. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.