In October 2016, I wrote an open letter detailing my withdrawal and the dangers of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Many have asked how I am doing since that time. I’m going to be completely open and…
Note: Lori Heckenkamp passed away on July 14, 2017. Dear Dr. X, My name is Lori Jean Heckenkamp. I am 57 and a patient at the Cancer Center where you head the gynecologic oncology group….
It’s no surprise that drugs don’t always play together nicely in the human body. The term “drug interaction” can stir up a great deal of fear in unsuspecting healthcare consumers and, as a result, a…
I wrote a Facebook post recently stating “harmed, not addicted.” I was referring to those of us who have been damaged by prescribed benzodiazepine medication. For me, the words “addicted” or “addiction” are potentially damaging….
Dr. Isaac Marks and Dr. Richard Swinson led a study to determine the efficacy of the benzodiazepine class drug, alprazolam, marketed under the brand name, Xanax, by its developer, Upjohn. The Marks and Swinson study…
To Whom It May Concern: I am a 40 year old cardiologist from the state of Texas, and I have been harmed by benzodiazepines. I was prescribed Xanax 0.5 mg three times daily as needed…
On August 31, 2016 the FDA issued a statement about benzodiazepines receiving a black box warning in relation to combining with opiates. This warning is late and incomplete. The dangers of opiates and benzodiazepines needed to be addressed,…
Benzodiazepines (BZs) are mostly prescribed for secondary symptom management when used in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder. Most notably, they are given for insomnia and anxiety (in the form of hyperarousal). They work…
