Using Homeopathy to help with Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal is difficult, but necessary, as dependence on these medicines is undesirable.
The symptoms of abrupt withdrawal are insomnia, anxiety, loss of appetite, tremor, perspiration, tinnitus and may be similar to the original complaint. These symptoms can also be experienced during gradual withdrawal and Homeopathic remedies can be taken to help to alleviate this distress.What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy, a therapeutic system used for over 200 years, works on the principle that ‘like cures like’. An illness is treated with a substance that could produce similar symptoms in a healthy person. However, Homeopathic remedies are given in highly diluted forms and are therefore extremely safe and have almost no side effects.
Homeopathic remedies can be safely taken along with other medicines. It can be dangerous to stop a medicine that you have been using for some time. Your Doctor will be able to reduce your other drugs if you begin to improve under the influence of the homeopathic ones.Insomnia and Anxiety
The preferred remedy is Aconite, taken in a 6C or 30C potency, with a daily dose taken in the morning whether symptoms are present or absent is a good protocol to follow. This remedy can also prevent/treat panic attacks.
For a panic attack, take one aconite 30C every five minutes until feeling better then every two hours for the rest of the day.(Homeopathic remedies are best dissolved in the mouth, without being handled, as they will be de-natured by touching. Just tip out one at a time into the lid and tip into the mouth to dissolve)
Many Homeopathic remedies treat more than one symptom (these remedies are known as polychests) and so Aconite may help other symptoms such as tremor, prostration and perspiration.
I quote some comments from a textbook
‘A great anxiety and an overwhelming terror of imminent death, with great rapidity of onset of these symptoms.’
‘Aconite can release a shock or fright that has been held in the body or mind for a lifetime’
‘fears: claustrophobia, agoraphobia, of crowds or being in a crowded room, bad news, ghosts, heart disease. Panic disorder, face full of terror, strong or even violent palpitations, flushing, shortness of breath, restlessness.’Other remedies can include
Arsenicum Album or Arsen. Alb.
For patients suffering a terrible feeling of insecurity. Again I quote the textbooks
‘fears: cancer and disease, robbers, poverty (displays stinginess), evil, vomiting, insanity, agoraphobia.
Compulsive disorders, extreme tidiness and fastidiousness.
Very chilly and most pains are burning.’
More specialist remedies are Tarentula, Hyoscyamus and Stramonium.Much depression and anxiety is caused through grief, bereavement, breaking up of relationships, children leaving home etc.
This is often treated with benzodiazepines and a dependency can be quickly formed leading to the long-term problem. During withdrawal of the benzodiazepines, if the original grief is treated homeopathically, then symptoms of withdrawal may be attenuated, helping to make the whole process easier to endure for the patient.
A major acute grief remedy is Ignatia, taken in 30C potency
Restlessness, apathy, much sighing and alternating moods, sometimes symptoms of hysteria.
Other chronic grief remedies are Caustcum, Nat. Mur., Pulsatilla and Acid. Phos..Links
www.trusthomeopathy.org
www.ainsworths.com
www.freemans.uk.com
www.nelsonshomeopathicpharmacy.comBach flower Remedies
As well as Homeopathy, the Bach Flower Remedies can be very effective in combatting the symptoms of withdrawal. These remedies are prepared homeopathically, but use a different philosophy when picking a remedy for a certain condition.
Created by Dr Edward Bach (pronounced ‘batch’) in the 1930’s, he identified 38 basic negative states of mind and created a plant or flower remedy for each one. He then devised seven emotional groups in which he categorised the 38 remedies
He also put together a special combination remedy, ’Rescue Remedy’, incorporating five of the single remedies, to use in stressful situations.Other remedies to go with Rescue Remedy are: -
White Chestnut. To help with unwanted thoughts preoccupations and worries (a gramophone record going round and round)
Honeysuckle. Live in the past, feel homesick or nostalgic
Aspen. Have unexplained fears and worries, are nervous and anxious.
Seven different remedies can be mixed during therapy and as Rescue Remedy already has five, you can add two remedies.
Much more information on this subject can be found on the following linkswww.bachcentre.com
www.bachremedies.com
www.nelsonbach.comWeleda
This Swiss firm specialises in Anthroposophic as well as homeopathic remedies. Anthroposophic medicine incorporates herbal and homeopathic potencies mixed together.
A good all round remedy for promoting calm is Weleda Avena Sativa.Link
If you want to get in touch with me for advice ring Murrays, Barrow island on (01229) 820733
Frank Randall PhC MRPharmS DFHom (Pharm).
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