Phytotherapy aids in benzodiazepine withdrawal

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Phytotherapy aids in benzodiazepine withdrawal JoAnn Guest Mar 08, 2005

20:53 PST

 

http://www.herbs.org/current/phytbenzo.html

 

..Based on previous research and the author's own experience treating

more than 500 patients at a medical detoxification unit in Auckland, New

Zealand, this well-referenced paper discusses the use of herbs in the

management of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms.

 

Withdrawal symptoms related to the benzodiazepine class of anxiolytic

drugs (such as Valium®) are generally long-lasting and most often

include anxiety, insomnia and irritability. Dizziness, headache,

tinnitus, tremor, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal upset, and

perceptual disturbances are also common.

 

Many patients present at this clinic with a " polydrug " history of

substance abuse, including combination drug and alcohol addictions. The

therapeutic strategy used at the clinic is intended to help alleviate

acute withdrawal symptoms while providing supportive treatment for

underlying problems such as anxiety, depression and panic attacks. Most

clients receive concomitant treatment with conventional medications.

 

However, according to the author, " in a significant number of cases the

need for additional ameliorative orthodox medication (especially

diazepam and methadone) is avoided through the introduction of

phytotherapy, often after consultation between the phytotherapist and

medical practitioner. "

 

Although the paper does not provide long-term follow-up data, the author

considers botanicals particularly useful in helping to safely reduce the

anxiety and overall nervous system weakness often associated with

recovery from benzodiazepine abuse.

 

He states that " relatively large doses of appropriate phytomedicines are

often required to produce a significant effect in alleviating acute

withdrawal symptoms in [drug] tolerant individuals. "

 

The author, a phytotherapist and pharmacist, mentions 28 plants that are

effectively used by the clinic for anxiolytic, sedative, muscle

relaxant, antidepressant, and/or adaptogenic effects.

 

Seven are singled out for detailed discussion: valerian (Valeriana

officinalis L. Valerianaceae), kava (Piper methysticum G. Forster,

Piperaceae), passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L. Passifloraceae),

manuka (Leptospermum scoparium Forster & Forster f. Myrtaceae), St.

John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L. Clusiaceae), ashwaganda (Withania

somnifera (L.) Dunal, Solanaceae), and schisandra (Schisandra chinensis

(Turcz.) Baillon, Schisandraceae).

 

Part of the author's rationale for using these plants is that some of

them contain constituents shown to act as agonists at the central

benzodiazepine receptors in a manner similar to the drugs themselves.

Kava, Passiflora incarnata and P. coerulea, ashwaganda, Matricaria

recutita L. Asteraceae, Scutellaria baiacalensis L. Lamiaceae, and

manuka (a native New Zealand plant) are among the plants cited as having

demonstrated benzodiazepine receptor agonist actions.

 

Part II of this article will deal with the use of herbs in alleviating

symptoms of opiate drug withdrawal. -- Evelyn Leigh, HRF

 

 

Full article $20 - Review Order

[Rasmussen, P. 1997. A role for phytotherapy in the treatment of

benzodiazepine and opiate drug withdrawal (Part 1). The European Journal

of Herbal Medicine, Vol. 3, No. 1, 11-21.]

_________________

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

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