Benzo Pharmacology, Dependence, and Advocacy: A Conversation with Dr. Robert Valuck (Part 2 of 2)

Robert J. Valuck, Ph.D., is a Professor in Clinical Pharmacy, Epidemiology, and Family Medicine at the University of Colorado (CU) and the Director of the Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention at CU. This is a conversation not to miss.

In part 2 of our conversation, we explore benzodiazepine advocacy and the hurdles we face, the use of flumazenil for benzo detox, the mechanisms of benzodiazepines in the body, and so much more. We also share a story from Chris in Australia and talk about how benzos have forced many of us to re-evaluate our priorities in life.

https://www.easinganxiety.com/post/conversation-with-dr-robert-valuck-part-2-of-2-bfp070

Video ID: BFP070

Chapters

00:00 INTRODUCTION

02:25 Re-Evaluating One’s Priorities

10:02 BENZO STORY: Chris’s Story

18:55 FEATURE: Conversation with Dr. Valuck

19:55 Raising Benzo Awareness

24:10 Doctors Not Taught to Stop Meds

25:50 Polydrugging / Deprescribing

30:18 A Pill for Every Ill Mentality

32:20 Patient / Doctor Partnership

35:28 Flumazenil Detox

41:27 Mechanisms of Benzos / GABA

43:23 Benzo Belly / GI Effects

45:22 Communicating the Severity

47:32 Is the Damage Permanent?

49:12 Dr. Valuck’s Closing Thoughts

51:18 Interview Closing: Part 2

52:49 MOMENT OF PEACE

 

Resources

The following resource links are provided as a courtesy to our listeners. They do not constitute an endorsement by Easing Anxiety of the resource or any recommendations or advice provided therein.

FEATURE: Conversation with Dr. Rob Valuck

• Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention
• “Tackling the opioid epidemic” / Article, University of Colorado
• FDA Boxed Warning — Drug Safety Communication
• Easing Anxiety Video on the Recent FDA Warning

 

Introduction

In today’s intro, I discussed how benzo withdrawal and other similar experiences can lead us to make changes in our lives, in particular with what we value as our priorities.

 

Benzo Story

For today’s benzo story I shared one from Chris, in Melbourne, Australia.

 

Feature

Our feature today is a Conversation with Dr. Robert Valuck, Part 2. This was an amazing conversation with someone who has decades of experience not only in pharmacology, but in advocacy for change, both for opioids, and benzodiazepines. Check out our chapter list above for highlights of our conversation. It’s a good one.

 

The Podcast

The Benzo Free Podcast provides information, support, and community to those who struggle with the long-term effects of anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium) and Z-drugs (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata).

WEBSITE: https://www.easinganxiety.com

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DISCLAIMER

All content provided by Easing Anxiety is for general informational purposes only and should never be considered medical advice. Any health-related information provided is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems, or to prescribe any medical devices or other remedies. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it. Please visit our website for our complete disclaimer at https://www.easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.

CREDITS

Music provided / licensed by Storyblocks Audio

— https://www.storyblocks.com

Benzo Free Theme

— Title: “Walk in the Park”

— Artist: Neil Cross

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