Date: Thu Jul 1, 1999 9:30 pm

Subject: A Post from the Past for the Newbies

This one came to us from Marty Finkelstein, Ph.D.., a Naturopathic

Physician:

There are several points I would like to make regarding easing the

process

of coming off benzodiazepine medications. One or more of these may

already

be familiar to you. If so, you may skim over that part (though do

give it

a passing glance just in case there is something new there). Also,

since

you are on medication, I assume you are under a doctor's

supervision. It

would be wise to let him know about your using these strategies.

Some

doctors may scoff at them. If that's the case with your doctor,

just

because they are ignorant on this matter doesn't mean you can't benefit

from these things.

Ok - let's get started!:

1. TAPER OFF. The body quickly develops a dependency on the

benzodiazepine medications, and this mean an adjustment in your entire body

chemistry. To allow your body to adjust, taper off the medication slowly.

Sometimes, the amount which is cut back must be very small, smaller than

the dose the pill comes in, and even smaller than a half or quarter (which

are fairly easy to simply break).

If one is available, ask your doctor for a smaller dosage form - this

may allow for easy breakage. If this is not possible, you can crush the

pill

using a mortar and pestal, or even a spoon and plate. The pile of powder

can then be divided up. If the pile is too small to be easily managed, add a

half teaspoon of some benign powder (such as corn starch or sugar), and

thoroughly mix the powered pill with the "filler" powder. This is easily

done with a business

card, by "scooping" a bit of the mixture, folding it over itself, and

"chopping" it with the edge of the card. Repeat this process until the

mixture is completely homogenous.

Whether you need to use the filler powder or not, you can use smaller

and smaller doses. The other point in this regard is to take your time

regarding how long you stay at each lower dose. For some people, a day or

two will suffice. For others, a couple or a few days - even a week - may

be necessary. It is important to remember this:

EVERY ONE'S BIOCHEMISTRY IS DIFFERENT. JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING WORKED FOR

SOMEONE ELSE DOES *NOT* MEAN IT WILL WORK FOR YOU. PAY VERY LOSE ATTENTION

TO THE SIGNALS FROM YOUR BODY.

2. There are several BIOCHEMICAL STRATEGIES which can be used to make

the process of coming off a benzodiazepine not only smoother and easier, but

also more healthful. Here are a few of them:

A. NIACINAMIDE. This is a form of vitamin B-3, and is

different from the other form, niacin, in several ways. For one thing,

niacinamide does not cause the harmless but sometimes irritating flushing of

the skin which

niacin causes. So be sure to get *niacinamide,* not niacin.

Niacinamide gently binds to the same receptor sites as the benzodiazepine

drugs. It is not as strong, and doesn't have the side effects or toxicity

of the drugs (though it can cause mild sleepiness in high doses in some

people). Some people may experience some degree of stomach upset with high

doses of niacinamide, so it may be wisest to begin at 50 to 100 mgs. and

slowly build up to 500 to 1000 mgs. at a time. This can be taken two to

three times daily *as* you are tapering off the medication. Remember -

slowly build up over a week or so.

There are two additional nutrients which aid this process,

each in two ways. One is the B-vitamin related nutrient INOSITOL. Inositol

aids in

the benzodiazepine binding action of niacinamide. In addition, inositol

has been shown to act as an anti-anxiety agent on its own, probably through

its ability to improve norepinephrine metabolism. Again, start slowly and

build up. Inositol tastes mildly sweet, and so it may be most economical

to purchase it in powder form (usually available in 4 or 8 ounce jars).

Begin with 250 to 500 milligrams, and slowly build up to two to three grams

at a time.

The second nutrient which aids this part of the program is

the amino acid GABA. GABA also aids in the binding of niacinamide to the

benzo receptor sites. In addition, GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter

itself and,

while it crosses the blood-brain barrier poorly, some does get through.

GABA has a balancing effect on the brain biochemistry, and is well known

for its calming effect. Begin at approximately 250 mgs. and slowly build

up to 500 to 1000 mgs. two to three times per day.

All the above should be taken together, and may have the best

effect taken with only a small meal or snack. It may be in your best

interest to

try one at a time until you've tried each a couple of times, to be sure you

have only a positive reaction to each biochemical. You can also start them

together, and the re-track if you have anything other than benefits from

them. All these should be available at any health food store. In addition,

I will list an excellent mail order supply company at the end of this post,

which you can use. In addition, I will give you away to save 25% off their

retail price.

5-HYDROXY-TRYPTOPHANE (5HTP), and TRYPTOPHANE. Tryptophane

is an amino acid which is converted into serotonin in the body, and it was

in wide use in the early to mid 80s. In the mid-80s a contaminated batch of

tryptophane made it to the health food store shelves, and several people

got very sick, and some died. In what was at first a prudent move, the FDA

demanded all tryptophane be pulled from the shelves.

The contaminated batch was traced to a single company in

Japan, which had been experimenting with a new manufacturing method. The

situation was remedied. Now, with the contaminated Tryptophane recalled,

and the source found and dealt with, the tryptophane should have reappeared

on the shelves shortly after that. It didn't.

The FDA has continued the ban on this not only harmless (when

used in correct amounts, just like aspirin [even safer than aspirin

actually]), but

beneficial amino acid. Why? Within three months after the ban on

tryptophane - which increases serotonin levels in the brain - a new drug

was unleashed on the public: PROZAC! Prozac is a serotonin re-uptake

inhibitor, which means it too increases serotonin levels in the brain!

Prozac is now very big business, and many of us very strongly suspect a

covert agreement between the drug companies and the FDA.

Why is this important to say in this post? Because it is important to know

that the problem was *not* with the tryptophane itself, but with the

specific contamination. AND TRYPTOPHANE *IS* AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. AGAIN

THROUGH VETERINARIAN SUPPLY HOUSES, AND OF COURSE, ONLY FOR OUR PET.

;-)

Just as information, I will list directions for using tryptophane. I am

certainly not suggesting that you use a veterinarian nutrient on yourselves,

even though it *is* pharmaceutical grade, very pure, and completely safe and

free of contamination. This is purely for information's sake. ;-)

Tryptophane can be taken during the day in doses of 100 to 250 mgs. (more

can be taken during the day, but more can cause drowsiness in many people),

and it can be taken two to four times during the day in the short term (a

few weeks, or a bit more). Also, 500 mgs. to 2000 mgs. can be taken at

night to greatly aid sleep - and be ready, because for most people this

stuff is a real knockout! As a bonus, when taken at night immediately

before bed, tryptophane increases the output of Human Growth Hormone. This

is beneficial for muscle tone, immune function, and weight control.

Always take tryptophane with 10 to 50 mgs. of vitamin B-6,

and also 500 mgs. of vitamin C. For the best effects, it must be taken on

an empty

stomach about an hour before eating, or it will compete with other amino

acids and its passage into the brain will be compromised. A small amount

of carbohydrate may be taken at the same time, such as a piece of fruit or

some fruit or vegetable juice.

CAUTIONS ON TRYPTOPHANE: Some people (a small percentage)

will have a "paradoxical reaction" to tryptophane. For these people,

tryptophane has a stimulating effect, and in larger doses can cause

anxiousness. So, again,

start with low doses and build up slowly.

Also, in some people with systemic inflammatory conditions, tryptophane

may increase the inflammatory process. If you have a systemic inflammatory

condition, begin with very small doses and keep track of how you feel. If

you find yourself aching more, feeling "antsy," or waking up in the middle

of the night unable to go back to sleep, try eliminating the tryptophane.

For the very vast majority of people, the tryptophane would

be safe, help a great deal coming off the benzo drugs, and have added

bonuses. But remember, this is only for your pet! ;-)

BTW, you can order pharmaceutical grade tryptophane from:

BIOS Biochemicals, Pharmaceutical Quality Nutrients, Pet and

Equine

Division,

1-800-404-8185

They are located in Tucson, Arizona.

5-HYDROXY-TRYPTOPHANE (5HTP) is a biochemical step closer to

serotonin than is tryptophane. The effects of the two are *not* identical,

though

they are similar. Which one will be better for any given person is up to

that person's biochemical individuality. My experience, the responses I've

gotten from others, and the reports and anecdotal stories I've heard, all

resonate the following:

5HTP does not have the same profound sedative effect as

tryptophane, which makes it a little less valuable as a sleep aid, but more

appealing

for daytime use. Smaller doses of 5HTP are used, which makes it attractive

for people who have trouble taking pills (though the tryptophane *is*

available as a powder - though it's not all that great tasting). 5HTP

*has* been demonstrated to have definite antidepressant effects, and

performed better than Prozac - with fewer side effects - in some studies.

It will also have less negative effect on someone with a systemic

inflammatory condition.

5HTP will probably work very well for people coming off the

benzos, and it can be used during the day, with regular tryptophane used at

night. The only rub is that 5HTP is not cheap, though the price recently

came down.

5HTP should be taken on an empty stomach about an hour before

eating, with the same amounts of B-6 and Vitamin C as the tryptophane.

Start by

taking 50 mgs. once to experience how it feels. It may be used at 50 to

100 mgs. two times per day. It may take several days to three weeks for

the full benefits to build up.

ST. JOHN'S WORT. (You must get a high quality, *extract* version of the

St. John's Wort for it to be effective. The plain herb will not work.)

I recommend you take a good tour through the following web site, and

read the information there. The doctor who owns the site also put the

whole text of his book, Hypericum and Depression, online free! Read that

book -- all of it! Take your time, read it in spurts, but read the whole

thing! What I'm going to say next assumes that you'll read or have read

that book -- I'm *not* going to repeat information, cautionary notes, etc.,

which are in the book:

http://www.hypericum.com

You may start with the lower end dose, but you may need the higher

end to get all the benefits and positive effects. Remember, while the book

is

aiming at "depression," we are talking about something else. The St.

John's Wort may be VERY helpful. Since this herb is so well covered in the

book, and the book is available online free of charge, this is all I'll say

about it.

KAVA KAVA EXTRACT. Kava kava is an herbal extract which has

been used by the Fijians for centuries, much the same as we use alcohol. It

can have a definite calming effect in low to moderate doses, and might be

sedative in

larger doses. I most strongly urge that you get a high quality extract,

and not the plain herb - the plain herb will *not* be strong enough. The

Fijians make a strong brew of it to increase its potency. You must

experiment with the dose, more or less than the amount recommended on the

label may be necessary. If you can't find it, have trouble deciding on a

good brand, or simply want the convenience of having it delivered to your

door, order through Vitamin Research Products. See below for complete

contact and discount information - and no, I do not *not* work for or with

them.

CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM. Calcium and magnesium can be very calming for some

people, especially if a subclinical deficit exists. The form of the calcium

and magnesium is *very* important. For calcium, look for CALCIUM CITRATE,

CALCIUM MALATE, CALCIUM HYDROXYAPETITE, and/or CALCIUM MINO ACID

CHELATE.

For magnesium, look for MAGNESIUM MALATE, MAGNESIUM TAURATE,

MAGNESIUM ASPARTATE, and/or MAGNESIUM AMINO ACID CHELATE.

Take 500 to 1000 mgs. of each, one to two times daily, with

meals. (Note - too much magnesium can cause diarrhea. If you get diarrhea,

cut back a bit on the amount of magnesium you are taking.)

Ok - the strategies above should give you quite an edge

biochemically. Now, here's the contact information, etc., for Vitamin

Research Products:

Their web site is at: www.vrp.com.

Their web site has a tone of articles and information on it.

It is, of course, a commercial site, but their articles are well written and

referenced. Also, I believe you can order one of their catalogs free of

charge right off the site - I recommend you do so. It's free, and it has a

lot of good information in it.

Their phone number is 1-800-877-2447. When you order from

them, tell them clearly and specifically that you want "Dr. Martin

Finkelstein's

Client Discount," and give them this number: 215889. That'll knock 25% off

their retail price.

Final biochemical note: While all the above can be used

together, or in any combination, only use the amount necessary. If one or

two of the things do the trick - stop there. I have listed the biochemical

strategies

in roughly the order I would recommend trying them, but you are free to

trust your own intuition.

3. NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING (NLP). NLP is by far the most

advanced technology of changing brain state available. Unlike other

"therapies,"

which rely on the repeated process of going over the *content* of your

experiences, NLP focuses on the *structure* of your experiences. By taking

this approach, the code of the brain was discovered! We now know HOW the

brain creates states subjectively. Using these tools we can change state

easily and quickly.

In the hands of a very competent and advanced practitioner of NLP, I

would say there is a 90% chance that all or most of the "withdrawal

symptoms" of

coming off the benzodiazepine could be eliminated or tempered sufficiently

to be comfortable. Tapering off the medication may still be necessary due

to the nervous system's "need" for the drug.

Even with a mediocre practitioner, or going on your own from books and

tapes, should give you strategies for making all the necessary lifestyle,

attitude, emotional, and interpersonal adjustments which may appear as you

come off the benzo medications. For some people, being on benzodiazepine

medications for a long term begins to affect not only their chemistry, but

the internal strategies they use to cope and deal with certain situations.

With the drug being diminished, the inadequacies of the obsolete strategies

may begin to be felt. NLP offers fast, fun and effective ways of

"deleting" old strategies, and "installing" new and improved ones.

The changes can be - and usually are when used correctly - very fast.

For example, completely curing a phobia, relieving a trauma, or curing an

Obsessive-Compulsive pattern are all usually done in one session - about

ten minutes in the cases of the phobia or trauma! (I usually do have at

least one follow up session as a matter of course to make sure everything

is right where the individual wants it.)

You can do a search on the web for "Neuro-Linguistic Programming."

Many of the sites will be of little help, but several of them contain

overviews,

techniques, and strategies which can give you some idea of the processes

and their power.

I also most highly recommend the book, "Using Your Brain for a

Change," by Richard Bandler. Richard is one of the co-founders of NLP, and

he is who I received my licencing and certification from. This book is a

great

introduction to NLP, and doing, learning, and mastering the processes in

the book will help you to do amazing things with your state.

One point - if you are in therapy with a traditional therapist or

counselor, be aware. Many of them feel threatened by NLP - after all, if

challenges only took one to three sessions, and on top of that people

started changing themselves, the therapist might not be able to make his or

her rent or car payment! So, if you make a change and it works and sticks,

make sure you keep the change, and let anything other than positive things

that your therapist might say just roll off your back. Hell, let it roll

all the way onto their floor - after all, if it's anything other than

positive, it's theirs!

Well, that ‘bout wraps it up. If you have any additional questions,

do let me know. And please, pass this information on, and feel free to give

out my E-mail address to any and everyone. There are too many people

suffering who don't have to be! Until later, so long and may the Force be

with you!

Marty

IF WHAT YOU'RE DOING ISN'T WORKING -- DO SOMETHING ELSE!

Martin Finkelstein, Ph.D.

3419 East Monte Cristo Avenue

Phoenix, Arizona 85032

(602) 404-2457

dr-marty@p...

(website available soon!)