mediciation for anxiety..worries

[jaderbug]

so, i’ve been taking klonopin and it helps incredibly when i have anxiety. when i just have anxiety i’ll take 1mg, and when i have a panic attack i’ll take 2.5 mg which it takes a little while to kick in but it eventually helps.

the thing i’m worried about is because the medication

makes me feel normal when i take it (no anxiety, completely rational thoughts, okay with the world) that i’m worried that i’ll become anxious without. i know it’s highly addictive so i only take it as needed, but it makes dealing with anxiety and panic attacks so much each easier. when i take it i have the mindset that i’m ready to be on the road to recovery, and i will be able to feel this way all the time without it. (which i don’t know if that’s stupid or not.)

i just want to get better, and klonopin gives me more than a glimpse of that. i feel even great after a few days after taking it. like i can get my thoughts together, and i can see the light at the end of the tunnel. i’m not a believer in taking anti-depressants for anxiety (lexapro, zoloft, prozac) which it just makes my anxiety worse. i wouldn’t mind trying something that isn’t an SSRI because i know it’s not my serotonin that needs help. if i’m depressed, it’s from anxiety. once my anxiety is under control, i won’t have depression.

i’ve also taken things like busiprone, propranolol, gabapentin, hydroxyzine, trazodone, but nothing seems to help as good as a klonopin or ativan.

if you guys have any opinions/concerns on taking benzodiazepines (valium, klonopin, ativan, xanax) short-term for anxiety please give me advice

[o2G2o]

I can understand your desire to remain free of drug dependency as I had the same fear just a few weeks ago. I was on Celexa 10mg until I missed a pill and felt fantastic. I skipped the next one on purpose and felt even better. I believe you can overcome the anxiety without drugs due to your dosing method. I sort of wish I'd gone the route you did, with something I could take only when needed. I've been 100% anxiety free for 10 days in a row now, and without getting overly optimistic and setting myself up for disappointment, this really does feel like I'm out the other end of the storm finally. I wish I could offer more than just hope, but unfortunately I didn't have the same journey as you with medication so this is the most I can give. Best of luck, my dear.

Jeff

[jaderbug in reply to o2G2o]

thank you! i just know that medication, especially for anxiety, is just a mask. i’m not too sure about other mental illnesses but i’m sure it’s not the same and they really do need medication. i try to tell myself it’s like my wheelchair right now, and i’m handicap. but i can’t necessarily do that because i take as needed, and i’m still worried about getting addicted! i cant talk to my doctor until the 30th but i’ll see what he has to say and keep taking as needed

[designguy]

Hello jaderbug, I took klonopin for a number of years and recently tapered off of it. Klonopin was like a switch that immediately slowed my ruminating and lowered my anxiety level. I also take zoloft and buspar and recently did a test that showed that the zoloft was not effective for me, which I had suspected. Buspar is supposedly good for treating anxiety and is different than an ssri. Personally I found and believe that the drugs are good for allowing you to see and feel what "normal" is like so you can see what is possible, but they are not the total solution. You will most likely still need to learn and educate yourself about panic/anxiety disorder and how to accept and recover from it. If you work with a therapist, find one who specifically treats and specializes in panic/anxiety disorder. Don't waste your time with a general therapist.

I also found that using CBD tincture was effective for reducing anxiety and allowing me to sleep better. I live in a state (Oregon) where marijuana is legal, so it is easily available.

The other aspect to look at with anxiety disorder is if there are any physiological aspects that are contributing to your anxiety. Thyroid disorder, adrenal fatigue, pyroluria, poor diet, etc... can all be physically contributing to brain and mood dysfunction and your anxiety. It really helps to optimize your gut which will stabilize your mood and lower your anxiety.