And many times the medicines prescribed are worse than the problem being treated. Lorazepam (Ativan) is addictive and has some serious side effects, suicidal thoughts being just one of them. Our rehab centers in Texas and Florida deal with this addiction regularly. I have several Veterans I’m working with who were addicted to benzodiazepines. Withdrawals from these are as bad or worse than alcohol withdrawals, it can be deadly.
So what is the alternative to the benzodiazepines? I sometimes take 5 mg of Valium before I go to the dentist once a year.
On the plus side, Pharma stocks are up.