@Star64 Newer research is showing the dangers of benzos. Heart, vascular, vein, artery, cholesterol, thyroid, salvia glands and nerve damage is being determined. This is now showing up in professional case studies and that includes those with high cholesterol and pulsating tinnitus. Just one overall study, that only borders to what real complications may involve.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3203915/
ScienceDirect has many case condition studies. Doctors don't know much about drugs. They are told what to believe as they are employees of drug companies. The good is once one starts to taper, dangerous conditions rarely then develop.
Besides drugs, no vitamin or anything taken in large amounts for a period of time is safe. Most vitamins need to be taken with other vitamins. Many vitamins can't be taken with certain drugs. Even NAC that hospitals have used for years is now under review.
https://www.glutathionediseasecure.com/NAC-contraindications.html
I am familiar with the use of IV administration of NAC to counter act paracetamol overdoses as I came across it in my work, however I though it was safe to take orally for long periods. I was actually told just recently by a doctor to not take NAC continuously or at high doses... I have just started to use it since I have ceased benzos and I feel it has helped a little, but I only take 500mg a very low dose.
I plan to take it for a few more weeks, than stop and see what happens. I fully understand some vitamins should not be taken with certain drugs, and some herbs, vitamins I will not touch, especially if they target the same GABA receptors as benzos, which many do, as I am well aware I have down regulated mine
I totally agree doctors do not know much about drugs, on my husband's side of the family, Greg, we have 2 cardiologists, 2 anesthetists, 2 nephrologists, 1 pharmacist and an audiologist, but I have never asked any of them for help.
I have not disclosed what I am going through to them, not because I am embarrassed but because I know they would all want to help and I do not want to worry them, lucky we only catch up a spasmodically due to distance.
Most of my friends, are also nurses, and my daughter in-law is too, they have all been so supportive and have had many talks with doctors about the dangers of benzos, which is now being highlighted more and more.
I am not totally anti medication Greg, and I am mindful so many people on Tinnitus Talk use them because living with tinnitus can make life very difficult, but I will never touch another mind altering drug again. I only take vitamin C, Curcumin and NAC now. Acupuncture and meditation work best for me, so I am glad these appear to be the safest options.
I will not take Chinese herbs, and the practitioner I see actually said he would not recommend that I do.
I just hope my body knows what it has to do on its own to reach some kind of homeostasis... with just a little helping hand from me, and of course without any prescription drugs. Thank you so much for taking the time to inform me of all this, you advice is always welcome and informative, Tinnitus Talk is lucky to have you around