Hi all,
Has anybody else developed a dependency on benzos like Xanax, Ativan, lorazepam etc? I find I’m needing my Xanax more and more to function/leave the house. I feel my GP is getting more and more cautious when it comes to prescribing them for me so I’m afraid of how I’ll manage without them. Any advice??
I hesitate to tell you this but the worst hell I have ever gone thru was withdrawal from Ativan. Ugh. Your doctor should know about this and will transition you to another drug whilst coming down. I did it alone and would not recommend it. It plays havoc with your brain. Why I only use Ativan for emergencies now, very sparingly.
Thank you for reply. I know I need to be strong and fight through the panic without the use of Xanax! It’s just sometimes it’s just so much easier to take it and get some peace from my mind and body for a while. My anxiety is so bad it’s like I’m in hell ☹️
I know how you feel. Ativan is the best thing for me right now, but I’m afraid to use it too often - I’m afraid the doctor will take it away from me or not let me have any more.
My anxiety had gotten so bad that my psychiatrist insisted that I take Ativan regularly while I adjust to a new medication. I've been doing so and it has helped enormously. I do take as little as possible to keep the anxiety at bay and I can certainly feel the unpleasant difference when I take very little. The doctor assures me that when it's time to step down we can do it safely. In fact, I see him tomorrow and will talk about it. I agreed to his directions knowing the risks fully but several trips to the ER over two months had made me feel I have no other sane choice. This is after a huge amount of study, therapy and other modalities attempting to make peace with my anxiety.
Have you addressed these problems to your GP?
I personally think just because the tolerance level with many brain stimulants is so low (meaning that you need to constantly up the dose every time quite significantly over just weeks of use), GP should develop a plan where drugs are cycled - i.e. week-1 to 3 you use xanax. 4 to 6 some other drug, that has similar effect, but whose method (binding whit elements in brain) is completely different etc.
So people who truly are clinically depressed can just surf over depression without getting addicted.
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Also Xanax is a very known drug among recreational users. Addiction is a real thing, and you are right to notice there may be a problem. I would suggest reading something like drug-forum website and see that recreational users do to avoid addiction.
Yes you do develop a dependency to them. Xanax was a wonderful anxiety medication for me I took it for about 5 years. My doctor moved and I had to see another doctor. This doctor decided to switch me to klopion. While the klopion is in the same category as Xanax they last longer. I will tell you that when he switched me I did go though withdrawals from the Xanax. It was the worst thing. Mind you that I am a recovering addict. Xanax is something I will never touch again due to the withdrawals I had. I would talk to your doctor and explain that they don’t last that long for you and maybe you and your doctor can find a solution. Good luck.
Try CBD gummies I been taking them for a while and only take my xanax when really needed. I know about the habit forming and also I have a very addictive personality I have used drugs in the past and at times in my manic episodes I tend to as well but for some reasons xanax doesn’t appeal to me much to the point I have accumulated bottles of them. I really like the CBD gummies especially when I take them so I can sleep which is nice cause I can just wake up in the morning which is at 5:30 am and don’t feel so groggy 🥴 especially because of the other build up of meds from the day I take mood stabilizers and an antidepressant.
Benzos work well, however, not meant to be taken for long.
I know the feeling as well. I think I’m addicted to clonopin unfortunately. I’m going to talk with my doctor. I need to reduce my intake and believe I’m ok without it.
Thank you all for your replies. I guess I’m going to have to have a chat with my GP about my worried and maybe I could try something else instead that is not so addictive. It’s 11.30am here and I’m already thinking I want to take a Xanax just so my body can relax. I have terrible physical symptoms of anxiety that drive me insane x
They are gummies made from marijuana but there are two main components there’s the THC which is what makes you high and the CBD which is the component with lots of health benefits. Do some research on it. Hope it helps you out cause it has for me!
I have been on xanax as needed for about 4 years. I dont need it all time at all, but it helps when I do. I dont think taking as necessary has caused any dependence. My doctor prescribes it in limited amount of pills and I have to ask for more. I just feel good that I have them even if I dont take them.
Thoughts on Klonopin or other benzos?
Anxiety Meds and Pain Meds
weaning off Xanax 
Off benzos
