Hacker News Reader

Comment by almost_usual | Hacker News Reader

SSRIs not Benzodiazepines. Withdrawals from the later can be life-threatening if you abruptly stop after prolonged use.

While you are entirely correct that immediate withdrawal of benzos is life-threatening, the same is true for short-acting SSRIs/SNRIs.

For eg, when admitted to a psych ward, there are a handful of things that the hospital will continue giving to a patient and gradually taper. Benzos, SSRIs/SNRIs, anti-psychotics, anti-convulsants & alcohol.

I mention this just to urge folks not to go cold-turkey on SSRIs/SNRIs as it can be life-threatening.

"Prolonged" is not a long time either. You can be ensnared after just a couple weeks. And even a safe taper is still pretty hellish.

I had to wean off Klonopin, prescribed for a bout of COVID induced insomnia. Only on it for a month and it took a microgram taper and nine months to get off of completely. Had to go slow because the original recommended rate was wayyyyy too spicy for my central nervous system. Even at the slow rate I was going it was difficult to make it through life. Most doctors are unaware of how to deprescribe this shit safely.

I don’t think “most doctors” is accurate any more, but a doctor prescribing a month of klonopin for insomnia needs some urgent continuing professional development.

In France it is still "most doctors". They hand out benzos like candy there.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com