Benzos and seniors

Posted by sears @sears, Oct 20, 2020

Do any seniors out there have trouble with walking and coordination when taking a benzodiazepine?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

cb772 | @cb772 | Oct 21, 2020

@sears I've never experienced your issue, but do know others who have. Benzos actually help me with my mobility issues.

mariajean03 | @mariajean03 | Oct 23, 2020

I take 2 mg. of Kolonopin @ bedtime along with Serequel and wobble to the bathroom @ nite! But I'm scared to cut down. Maria.

doorman | @doorman | Oct 23, 2020

Define “senior.” I’m 65 and I have little to no dizziness. Depends on dosage. After 70 or 80........who knows? 🙂

sears | @sears | Oct 26, 2020

In reply to @doorman "Define “senior.” I’m 65 and I have little to no dizziness. Depends on dosage. After 70..." + (show)

My question was not regarding dizziness. I don’t get dizzy either. I’m 68.

Erika | @erikas | Oct 26, 2020

@sears unsteadiness is listed as a side effect of benzodiazepine, especially for elderly patients. Below is a link of a reputable site. I'm wondering if you have discussed this issue with your provider or pharmacist?

- Benzodiazepines https://www.rxlist.com/benzodiazepines/drug-class.htm

sears | @sears | Oct 26, 2020

In reply to @erikas "@sears unsteadiness is listed as a side effect of benzodiazepine, especially for elderly patients. Below is..." + (show)

Yes I have discussed this with my doctor. He feels sure my unsteadiness and coordination is benzo related. I’m in the process of tapering. My doctor believes in very slooooow tapers. I hate the unsteadiness and was just wandering how these meds affected others on this site.

cb772 | @cb772 | Oct 27, 2020

In reply to @sears "Yes I have discussed this with my doctor. He feels sure my unsteadiness and coordination is..." + (show)

@sears , I've never experienced un steadiness on Benzos. In fact, Clonazapam really helps my muscle spasms & unsteadiness.

rosa66 | @rosa66 | Jun 24, 2022

In reply to @sears "Yes I have discussed this with my doctor. He feels sure my unsteadiness and coordination is..." + (show)

How did you taper?
I’ve been on Ativan for 8 weeks and want off and am so scared.

sears | @sears | Jun 24, 2022

In reply to @rosa66 "How did you taper? I’ve been on Ativan for 8 weeks and want off and am..." + (show)

I’m not familiar with

short term benzo use. I took Xanax for 25 years, I switched over to Valium and have been tapering from that. I don’t think you’ll have a problem.

rosa66 | @rosa66 | Jun 24, 2022

Thx for your reply!
I’m so scared reading all the stories of crushing, making liquid and all that, I just can’t figure that out 🙁
Am on .25 three x/day, 1/2 of a .5. Wondering if I can taper by 1/4’s of a tab…..