I'm not sure of the rules on this group since I am new. I seem to remember something about not discussing treatment when I signed up.
Is it OK to discuss/ask questions about medications and other treatments people have tried?
I ask because I'm considering some type of medication and new input.
Thanks!
I have read many posts where members discuss medications, how they work for them, how long they have taken them, etc. etc. In fact, I have discussed my experience with Clonazepam many times. So far I haven't been told that this isn't recommended.
Best you can do is go ahead and start the discussion, I have a feeling that it will be okay. Perhaps some one else will reply who knows more than I do.
Snowdaze, I too am taking clonazepam. Can you share some of your experience with it. I tried to search for your previous posts but was unable to find anything. Thanks, Bill.
Hello, Byoung. 🌸
If you go to my Intro Post on my profile page, I talk a little about my experience, there. I can sum it up quite quickly here, though.
I was prescribed Clonazepam "as needed" and took it for a total of 18 months. Around the 18th month I noticed that it was losing its effect and in order to get the same relief I would need to updose. This is when I made the decision to taper off, slowly, and use some of the new coping skills that I had acquired.
My withdrawal symptoms were mild, although consistent. I had a return of my anxiety, headaches and pretty bad insomnia. The insomnia still persists, but it is getting slowly better. No more headaches, thankfully. I would have to say that the worst is my constant thoughts about maybe just taking one dose, to relax me. This is like a craving such as when one quits smoking or coffee or alcohol. I have had a rescue dose, once, but it was easily overcome and I am doing pretty good now.
If I were to suffer a bad setback, I would take a dose. When my GAD decides to be a bully, it is relentless. The key is "as needed." This can be done safely, I truly believe this. 🌿
Thank you so much for your story. I have been on clonazepam for about 2 years now. For most days, I am able to function with 0.25 mg twice a day. On the bad days, I will go up to a third tablet. Early on, I struggled with having to take a benzo, because of the possibility of dependency. My psychiatrist said that I am at a low risk for serious dependency because I don't drink alcohol or have risky drug behavior. For the time that I have been on it, it is the only thing that has really helped me get through the daily battle...and I mean daily...of serious anxiety, especially in the mornings. Your information has really been helpful. Thank you!
I also take clonazepam. I've been taking it for 27 years with a year or so break around 18 & 23 years ago. It still works and I still only take 1mg at night to sleep and occasionally 1 more when my anxiety is too much to bear.
I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't need even increasing doses. I also tapered twice by myself with only mild withdrawal symptoms. I'm not sure how well that would go today. It's 1000x more difficult for me to quit cannabis. It also doesn't seem to affect me the next day.
It's safe to say that I probably would have never had my career without it because my panic attacks started soon after I started my first "real" job and I could not function without it.
In any event, everyone is different. What has your experience been with it?
MusicLover67, I understand, completely.
I once heard it explained so well, by a young man on a mental health website. He told his pharmacist that he has never had or felt the need to increase his dose of Clonazepam. He explained to the pharmacist that he never once felt sleepy, euphoric, drugged, or otherwise. In fact, he said that he felt normal, like he could just live his life, without the pain and suffering that anxiety can cause. He wondered why this was. The pharmacist replied that "you have an anxiety disorder, the medication treats it."
Would it be better to not have to take medication? Yes. It is just that there are those who need medication. There cannot and should not be judgement. 🦋
That's exactly me. I agree 100%.
“Whatever gets you through your life, it's all right - John Lennon
Yes, exactly. 🌈
Medications dull the physical effects of depression and anxiety but do nothing to address the root causes. So be careful with your medication if it's one that causes dependency.
Way too late for that but thank you
I think it is possible to address the root causes and develop coping skills, along with the use of medication. The key is balance, I believe. We do what we have to do to live our lives, comfortably. Perhaps there isn't a perfect answer? We do what we have to do.
I have been taking clonazepam for years now. I’m down to 1mg once a day.
W1, I have been thinking of cutting back. Do you mind if I ask how much you were taking and how long it took you to get to 1mg?
I was started on 4mg twice a day. Then down to 3mg twice a day then 2mg etc. I’m supposed to be taking the 1mg twice a day but I only take it at bedtime unless I’m having a time with my anxiety.
Hey, the strong medication I take is morphine for the constant pain I'm in but it's losing its effectiveness but I got a feeling it could get taken away slowly as I have an addiction to it but I also know the joint pain & aches caused by fibromyalgia men's its a losing battle for me I enjoy my life & am in a place where I'm 93.76% happy.
Hahaha that's very specific. My friend swears by gabapentin for pain. I have bad back pain too. I heard it helps with anxiety too
Gabapentin didn't work for me , I was on 3 tablets at a time & I refused to take them as I don't see the point of taking something that didn't work.
I don't blame you. Everyone is different. If you find a good pain Med let me know!
Trying new medication
New to group. Getting back on medication for anxiety. 
New medication: any thoughts?
Why Life Not Fair
Wanting to share
