Your Views

Drugs' Upsides and Downsides

When I started menopause at age 37, I suffered more than just hot flashes ["Anti-Anxiety Drugs Raise New Fears," June 30]. It was awful! I felt like I was going crazy.

I found myself screaming at people who did not deserve it, the pressure in my brain made it feel as though my brain would come through my skull, and I couldn't keep my legs still. I would get up at night during these times and jog around my house for a long time, trying to get my legs and head to feel better. But that did not work.

I was later prescribed five milligrams of Valium, to be taken only when I had those sensations. Well, I took those pills and continue to take only about 60 tablets or less a year. I make sure to take them only when I have those sensations, and I have never needed to take them for any other reason.

Now almost 70, I continue to experience menopause, but having that Valium has been a lifesaver and a job-saver.

I agree with Robert DuPont. It seems that some people do not get addicted to medication when they take it only for the reason prescribed, in the dosage prescribed.

Beverly M. Bachemin

Washington

A big issue with benzodiazepines is that the body adjusts to the chemical's effect on the body and, as it does so, requires more of the chemical to do the same work. It's a subtle process not always apparent to the user. It requires diligent monitoring by the physician. However, he or she can easily overlook that responsibility if he or she is operating under the assumption that addiction comes from the mind-set of the user or those, to quote Dr. DuPont, "falling in love with a chemical high."

I've watched too many people prescribed benzodiazepines and assured by their physicians that they are safe. However, as the prescribing doctor increases the patient's "therapeutic" dose over time, pleased with the patient's report of its calming effect, he or she is letting the patient's increased tolerance of the drug continue without comment.