Expert: Dr. Thomas M.Walter, M.D. - 3/16/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -  Hi Walter,

I want to thank you very, very much for responding.  I am now detoxed down to and feel quite comfortable on 5mg per day of Trifluorperazine which is the generic of Stelazine.  I will get myself a yoga video and do yoga as you suggested.  Do you know of a website where I can find Stressnorm?  I would like to buy some.  If the prices keep going up I won't be able to buy my Trifluorperazine at all.

Thank you in advance for your response and may God bless you!
Julie
Hi,

I have been taking prescribed tranquilzers for 30 years.  I can no longer afford to take them but need something to keep me calm so I can function.  I am very hyper active without them.  Could you please tell me an herb I could take to tranquilize me, I need something pretty strong.  Please help.

Thank you in advance for your resposne.
Answer -
Hello,

    Tranquilizers are used to treat insomnia, pain, anxiety, or agitation.  

    You have been taking prescribed tranquilzers for a pretty long duration and it is not always advised not to stop them abruptly since sudden abstinence will cause withdrawl symptoms.

    After sudden cessation of treatment with tranquilizers, withdrawal nausea, vomiting may develop in as many as 30% of individuals. Muscular discomfort, exacerbation of psychotic states and insomnia have also been reported. The characteristic craving is absent and the withdrawal symptoms are essentially mild.  So you can gradually taper the dose and then stop it.

    Regarding natural tranquilizers, they are not usually strong since they don't have a direct action on the Central Nervous System.  Since you have taken strong drugs for a prolonged period, natural, herbal tranquilizers won't be a 100% substitute.

    In my clinical practice, i usually prescribe Tab. Stressnorm, an Ayurvedic medicine from Bajaj Pharma.  I also use infusions prepared out of Withinia somnifera and Baccopa monieri.  In addition i advice my patient some simplified Yoga and Breathing exercise (Pranayama).  They are very useful in the initial stage of treatment.

    To conclude, i advice you not to stop the drugs abruptly.  You can taper the dose and take some alternate natural drugs such as stressnorm.

Thanks,

Walter,

Bethesda Team.

www.herbaleducators.com  

Answer
Hello,

   I am Dr. Walter's assistant Helen.  Dr. Walter went on a sudden, unexpected tour program and he asked me to convey his apologies for not answering your question now.  He will be back in a week's time.

    Sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Thanks,

Helen.