Q I've taken sedatives (benzodiazepines) for a long time and want to stop. Can Korean medicine help?
A Benzodiazepine tapering must always be done gradually under a doctor's guidance, and Korean medicine treatment can help support relief of withdrawal symptoms during the taper.
Detailed Answer
Benzodiazepines (such as lorazepam and alprazolam) create physical dependence with long-term use, and stopping suddenly carries the risk of rebound anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. You must consult your prescribing physician and taper gradually by 10-25% over 4-8 weeks. During this period, Korean medicine treatment can play a supportive role in easing withdrawal anxiety and sleep disturbance, making the tapering process smoother.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we use modified Siho-gayonggolmoryeo-tang for the rebound anxiety that appears during benzodiazepine tapering. Yonggol (dragon bone) and Moryeo (oyster shell) have a heavy-settling, spirit-calming effect that helps relieve withdrawal anxiety. The Korean medicine doctor and attending physician monitor the tapering pace and symptom changes together.
Related FAQs
-
Q
Can anxiety disorder go away completely, or do I have to manage it for life?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I have anxiety disorder and suddenly my heart pounds and I feel like I'm going to die. Is this panic?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Is there something I can do right away when anxiety rises?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
Does exercise really help with anxiety? What kind of exercise is good?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
I'm pregnant and my anxiety is very severe. Can I take herbal medicine?
#Safety