With the exception of buprenorphine naloxone and some stimulants, current guidelines do not recommend long term use of controlled substances. This includes medications such as Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium and Ambien. These medications are called benzodiazepines or hypnotics. They have been linked to early Alzheimer’s, severe memory problems, and premature death. For these reasons and as a general rule this office tapers and discontinues benzodiazepines and hypnotics.
In the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD or ADD, this practice follows the most recent guidelines published by the National Institute of Mental Health. Treatment with stimulants requires a current neurocognitive evaluation by a psychologist (within the last 3 years), a medication evaluation detailing DSM V criteria, evidence of inattention before the age of 12 and a signed controlled substance contract.
With the exception of buprenorphine naloxone and some stimulants, current guidelines do not recommend long term use of controlled substances. This includes medications such as Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium and Ambien. These medications are called benzodiazepines or hypnotics. They have been linked to early Alzheimer’s, severe memory problems, and premature death. For these reasons and as a general rule this office tapers and discontinues benzodiazepines and hypnotics.
