As Prescribed

Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan — all belong to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines aka benzos. Commonly prescribed as treatments beyond their approved uses, news and entertainment media portray them in terms of either addiction and abuse or as innocuous medications that help relax nerves. As Prescribed documents a strikingly different narrative, following eye-opening stories amidst a mis-prescription epidemic resulting in illness and injury for countless patients.

After enduring her own personal struggle with overwhelming side-effects, dismissive medical professionals, and tapering off Klonopin, Filmmaker and Massachusetts resident Holly Hardman was compelled to join and document the community working to raise awareness of benzodiazepine injury. She soon came across Boston-based survivor Geraldine Burns, who leads a grassroots army of "good patients" that helps other victims and is advocating for state-wide informed-consent legislation to address the over-prescription of these drugs. But Geraldine and her allies meet strong resistance from powerful forces, including pharmaceutical giants as well as a medical culture that has denied the problem for decades.

As Prescribed chronicles these efforts and documents those who struggle every day to put benzodiazepine use before them once and for all. Featuring intimate segments with people in the midst of struggle, as well as stories of success of wellness, the film is a rallying cry for patient-centered care.

FILMMAKER'S STATEMENT: "I was prescribed Klonopin for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) and took it after my doctor assured me that the medication was safe to take long-term. However, as tolerance developed insidiously, I began to develop strange symptoms, including gastrointestinal issues, unexplained pain, and rolling panic attacks while driving. My doctor never connected these adverse effects to Klonopin, a common oversight, as it turns out; and it was only when I began researching online that I was able to make the connection and create a tapering plan.

It took me almost two years to taper off completely, during which time I experienced hellish withdrawal symptoms like derealization, aphasia, and akathisia. Even though my own discontinuation experience was harrowing, I learned of others whose benzodiazepine experiences were far worse. Tragically, a disturbing number chose to die by suicide. It was then I knew the story needed to be told and done so from a survivor's point of view, and I knew early on that I would call the project As Prescribed. I am hoping that the film get the word out about the dangers of benzodiazepine misprescribing to doctors and patients alike, allowing would-be and current patients the truly informed consent that they deserve and that most are not currently receiving.

In making this film, it is not my intention to have benzodiazepines banned or taken away from those patients who might choose to take them even after learning of the risks. Undoubtedly, benzodiazepines are helpful for short-term use. But research does show that benzodiazepines disrupt neurotransmitter function in the nervous system. Fortunately, as many as 50% of those prescribed a benzodiazepine do not suffer their adverse effects. In the film, I am focusing on those who experience life-altering harm. As Prescribed is not an easy film to watch, but it is with awareness that we can make urgently needed change."

— Holly Hardman

Preview link available upon request. Contact [email protected] for more information

A Film by Holly Hardman

92 minutes

Scene Selection • Closed Captioned

Grades 8 - Adult

Item #: ASP-2043

A documentary about the benzodiazepine misprescribing epidemic

Starting at $99

Licensing Options

K-12 Classroom, Public Libraries: DVD - $99 K-12 DVD + Digital File - $149 Colleges & Institutions: DVD - $395 Colleges: DVD with Digital Site License - $495 Community Screenings: Please Complete 'Host a Screening' Form found on top menu bar K-12 School District pricing available. Please inquire at [email protected]

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Reviews and Festivals

"Provides a service in alerting people to the benzo problem and is recommended for colleges and public libraries."

— Educational Media Reviews Online

"Delves into a riveting narrative surrounding benzodiazepines"

— Video Librarian

"As Prescribed is a powerful portrayal of the reality of benzo misprescription – a global issue that is all too often poorly understood by health professionals and legislators. Extensively researched and sensitively filmed, it is also a celebration of individual and collective determination, courage and vision; it’s a truly educational and inspiring watch.”

— Gerri McHugh MA MSc MBA, Founder and Director, Global Health Film

"Holly Hardman's film on the damage wreaked by benzodiazepines offers a poignant insight into a devastating social crisis."

— Raul Niño Zambrano, Creative Director, Sheffield DocFest

"Through emotional interviews, Hardman shows the massive impact benzos have had on these individuals' physical, social, and financial health... As Prescribed shines a light on a lesser-known drug epidemic, putting the personal stories of survivors in the context of our broken health care system."

— Judith Garber, Senior Policy Analyst, Lown Institute

"We are proud to have screened AS PRESCRIBED in the GlobeDocs Film Festival and to help shed light on the immense struggles of those adversely impacted by prescription benzodiazepines. This film deserves to be widely seen in order to facilitate much needed change around informed consent."

— Lisa Viola, Director of Programming, GlobeDocs Film Festival

"Holly Hardman has achieved an affecting piece of work that shows a wrong that needs righting... Groundbreaking. This film sheds a completely new light on the way these illness-inducing drugs are prescribed. The film makes clear that there is a crucial need for change in the culture of prescribing, and soon."

— Claire Violet Hanley, artist and benzodiazepine survivor

"As Prescribed is an eye-opening, stirring and necessary story of injustice and resilience...Superb...This sort of David vs Goliath story is gut-wrenching and shocking."

— Film Fest Report

"AS PRESCRIBED is an important film that sheds light on the serious dangers of benzodiazepines... Through the sharing of heartbreaking personal accounts, this compelling film challenges accepted notions of addiction, offering a deeper understanding of medication risks and serving as a bristling call to action for change."

— Mira Simon, Center for Independent Documentary

"As Prescribed helps foster a topical discussion on over-medication and general wellness. As Prescribed is a powerful and compelling documentary that we highly recommend!"

— Melbourne Documentary Film Festival

WINNER

Angeles DOC, Best Feature Documentary

Love Wins Film Festival, Best Message-Driven Film

OFFICIAL SELECTION

Sheffield DocFest

GlobeDocs Film Festival

St. Louis International Film Festival

Angeles DOC

New Haven Documentary Film Festival

Global Health Film Festival

Berkshire International Film Festival

Social Impact Film Festival

Love Wins Film Festival

Melbourne Documentary Film Festival

Awareness Film Festival

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