update: fatigued af

[tiredbbygirl]

so while the klonopin keeps my anxiety some what under control and eliminates my panic attacks it has me so tired! like a walking zombie, it sucks plus it seems to make my headaches even worse. i dont want to complain too much but having this drug in my system 24/7 is starting to take its toll on me. anyone else have this problem?

[Agora1]

Hi tiredbbygirl, I agree in how tired benzos can make you. But then again you know it's doing it's job. It's one of the reasons we have to find other alternative methods of controlling anxiety. For the most part, medication is short term. Therapy can help you but you don't want to stay on therapy for the rest of your life. Use the forum for ideas and advice as to what others use for getting through each day with anxiety.

While I was on meds and therapy, I tried many different techniques and methods to see what my body and mind adapted to best.. I tried them all as well as learned as much as I could about anxiety and it's complexity within the mind and body connection. I found after accepting that anxiety was not harmful, that just by ignoring the symptoms, it would reduce my fear. By reducing my fear, it will lower the adrenaline levels which in turn would stop an anxiety attack cold before it had a chance to build.

To be sure that I am back in control, I use meditation, visualization and deep breathing daily, several times a day. I had also weaned off my Xanax and Ativan since they were no longer working for me as well as making me like you said a "zombie" needing a long nap every afternoon and falling asleep watching tv after dinner. It wasn't much of a life. Since getting off the benzos, my mind is sharp and clear headed once more. I feel alive and well.

Medication served it's purpose for me and I still believe I wouldn't have gotten this far without being on meds. We need to weigh the pros and cons in taking something that may help the anxiety and panic attacks. Talk with your doctor and never stop your medication abruptly or on your own. It may be a little sacrifice right now that you have to endure to be anxiety free but know your day will come when you can make some alternate changes. Stay well xx

[GemBec in reply to Agora1]

Wonderful response to this post. Just reading it helped me to remember i can do it. Thanks

[Agora1 in reply to GemBec]

Thanks GemBec I'll be your cheer leader

I know you can do it xx

[tiredbbygirl in reply to Agora1]

wow thanks for the lengthy reply it helps to know others have gone through this i hope to eventually not need the klonopin

[old-soul]

I have not taken this I personally, but know tons of people who have. This is a very common side-effect, especially early on. Many adjust to it after a little while and it's not so debilitating, and in some instances that's not the case. At least your panic attacks are under control.

How long have you been taking the Klonopin?

[tiredbbygirl in reply to old-soul]

i think since early January ??

[old-soul]

That doesn't surorise me, and really don't thing it's anything unusual. Never hesitate to call yoir pharmesist if you have any concerns though. They are orofessionals and KNOW not just, "think."

Agora1 really phrases things so well. To add to what was already said, knocking the anxiety out really is importantbecause that gives you the reprieve needed to be ABLE to even try cognitive techniques and so forth.

Klonopin knocks the snot out of a lot of people, but it obviously kills panic attacks in their tracks too. I hope you can feel a little better even though you're feeling so lethargic. Sometimes writing a list of things that are actually good since you started taking it can help to pit the negative aspects into perspective.

I do hope the seditive effects start to lessen for you. Keep the faith, okay?