Dependence + Withdrawal

March 5, 2026··

questionventclinician experience

Been reading a lot of posts and I’m curious about something. How many of you were originally put on these meds for something that was supposed to be temporary? In my case it was a back injury. Doctor gave me diazepam to relax the muscles and help me sleep. Supposed to be short term. No real talk about dependence or withdrawal. When I stopped I thought something was seriously wrong with me for a while… turns out it was just the meds. Curious what others were originally prescribed for. Anxiety? Sleep? Pain? Something else? Also did your doctor ever mention withdrawal at all?

5 Replies

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Based PsychiatristStaff5mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Aaa the old benzos for back pain. The oldest trick in the book. I swear pharma just looks for the smallest genral impact they can have to make the drug a one stop solution. Truly insane

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Domagoj Jureta5mo ago

Welcomer

Yeah exactly… that’s what surprised me the most looking back. It was presented like the most normal, harmless thing in the world. At the time I didn’t question it at all — just trusted the doctor. Only later did I realize how common that story actually is.

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CatinaStaff5mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Hi Dom, I wasn't put on a benzo or AD for something temporary, but as you and BP have realized it happens all the time. When I was put on a benzo, it was prescribed to me for years and I was never warned of the dangers. Thankfully, I was able to taper off without any major issues. Many are not so fortunate. It has taken years for the medical community to acknowledge benzo harm. Now, the same harm from AD withdrawal is finally getting the attention it deserves.

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

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CatinaStaff5mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"just trusted the doctor" — @Domagoj Jureta

If we put our blind faith in doctors, we're a sitting duck. (Sorry, BP, I know you're a doctor, but you're one of the exceptions! 😉)

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Based PsychiatristStaff5mo ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"(Sorry, BP, I know you're a doctor, but you're one of the exceptions!" — @Catina

none taken i know how they are

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