Benzodiazepines dependence

My name is xxx and I have been diagnosed with panic disorder 17 years ago. I am on an antidepressant, an antipsychotic drug, an unknown benzodiazepines at 15 mg (5 mg x 3 a day) and another anxiolytics. I am seeing another psychiatrist now and he said I am Benzodiazepines dependency. I would want to know if is the right time for me to taper off my benzodiazepines, are the medications I am taking the right one for me? I still feel panicky all the time as the benzodiazepines doesn’t work well any more. I am in a very depressive mood now and I am seeking for help eagerly. Thank you and I am looking forward in hearing from you.

Reply from psychiatrist, Dr. Chan Man Lui, Doris

Dear xxx,

Although panic disorder seems to be a simple condition, sometimes it can be quite debilitating. Using benzodiazepine group of drugs usually is a temporary measure to relieve the symptoms before other medications comes to effect. or as an adjunctive treatment. If the benzodiazepine group of drugs have been taken for a long time, sometime it can cause dependence. However, since I have not seen you in person, I cannot judge whether you have got benzo dependence or whether it is right timing to tail off the drug at this moment.

You can discuss with your psychiatrist about the issue.  Of course, you are more than welcome to come to see me for a second opinion.

Please kindly contact my assistant Miss Wong @ 23108918 for further information.

BR

Psychiatrist, Dr Chan Man Lui, Doris