Clonazepam and panic with derealization

[Gill1970]

Hey

I am having a very hard time with my panic with derealization as the main symptom.

I am Zoloft and have had clonazepam on the side as needed. The Dr feels that i should taker it regularly but I'm scared to do that because it is addictive. However i am in a really bad way. Disassociated more often than not.

What are your thoughts and anyone with positive experiences with taking benzos long term.

Thank you i really need guidance. 😢

[Ffaiers]

My thoughts are maybe different to others... I take clonazepam daily & it helps immensely & gives me my life back.

I've got to the point where I'm no longer scared of the addiction because if it gives me my quality of life back then it's worth the addiction. People are addicted to many things, coffee, caffeine, SSRI's etc.

If you had seizures & was put on clonazepam you wouldn't question it. As long as you don't abuse it & overuse it you will be fine.

Most horror stories are from people taking high doses for recreational use.

Anxiety & panic forever or take clonazepam - clonazepam wins every time x

[Gill1970 in reply to Ffaiers]

Thank you very much..

You make a very good point.

I am certainly not the type to abuse it. I am the opposite thats for sure.

That helps me a great deal

Cheers

[HopingCat]

I am having the same problem. This hell depersonalization/derealization for 7 months with dissociative attacks. Xanax helps but I'm scared to take it everyday. The doctor did tell me that I should take it everyday and it's ok but I have heard horror stories about it. But days like today makes me feel like I rather get addicted to Xanax than live in this hell suffering all day everyday for 7 months straight. I don't know

[Gill1970 in reply to HopingCat]

I started taking it full time since last week and I'm feeling better.

I think it's the better of two evils.

Good luck 😶

[Hidden]

I suffer from EUPD (with dissociation being a major symptom) and anxiety and depression and OCD so I can relate 2 how u r feeling. Best wishes xx

[janeene]

I suffered the same symptoms for over a year. After being hesitant, I finally gave in and started to take Klonopin daily. I was on a rather mild dose, but continued daily use for an entire year. I was so scared to come off of it when I started feeling better, but took my time reducing the dose. I never had withdrawal and I am grateful for the med, like many others it saved my life. I know it is easier said than done, but don't read the horror stories!

[HopingCat]

How are you feeling now?

[Gill1970 in reply to HopingCat]

Hi there

Is it bad to answer 2 years later?

Things are terrible again. The derealization and fear of death is taking over my life.

I hope you are well

[Jax103]

I have taken Valium off and on for 30 years with no problems. I see no problem with long term use. The benzo class of drugs is much safer than the SRI, SSRI or tricylic antidepresants. The serotonin reuptake inhibitors have a strong black warning here in the US. I take clonazepam daily now and I need it to stop my racing mind and settle my nerves due to severe arthritis: DDD, Spinal stenosis, scar tissue on nerve roots and a spinal fusion at L5 S1 which has been giving me nocturnal pain 5 years post surgery. I got a plastic disc and a Ti plate and screws in the front.

[Gill1970 in reply to Jax103]

Wow you have come through a lot.

I hope your pain is tolerable and you are doing better.

I don't see harm in it either. However, my GP seems to think it's not great. I think benzos are a needed med.

I wish I could get my butt out of this constant state of fear and derealization.

I hope you have a good day