Benzos for Anxiety

[fallenwing]

I recently got recommended klonopin for my anxiety since it got in the way of my life as a student and at my part time job. I feel so much guilt about trying more daily medications for anxiety as well as being prescribed klonopin. Any positives about taking a benzo med for panic disorder/social anxiety/agoraphobia?

[ChicagoGirl1961]

Positives? For the symptoms you describe Klonopin should be a real game changer and help you significantly and can dramatically improve the quality of your life. Negatives? Very habit forming and can be very difficult to stop once you have started taking the medication. Research this drug and educate yourself about it. You need to use the medication wisely and fully understand how this med may impact you going forward. All meds have side fx and it all comes down to risk vs benefit. Based on your symptoms the benefit may outweigh the risk, but use caution. Good luck to you. PS. No reason to feel guilty if you need the med. Do diabetics feel guilty because they need meds? No , they don't, and niether should you. Anxiety is a disease/illness just like any other, just not as well understood as most illnesses. No shame in taking this med if you need it, none at all!

[fallenwing in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

Thank you so much! I'm happy to see your reply, my anxiety was so debilitating that I can't leave the house for events and go to places so I think I'll try and take the klonopin on bad anxiety days. My doctor also recommended that I'd take a test run to see how it'll effect me at home so once my prescription comes in I'll try that.

[Elfje in reply to fallenwing]

Same here now

Xanax realaise don't be ok

So

Had anxiety crisis again

So i have klonopin thé try

But again nerveus about 'it

Anxiety Panic omg hell

[Hidden]

chicagoGirl is absolutely right. I take a benzo myself only on an as needed basis and at the minimal necessary dose. It helps and gets me back to the place I need to be: present in what I'm doing and who I'm with. I also felt guilty and nervous about taking them; however, they helped my quality of life. Just follow the doctor's exact instructions and report any concerns/issues. You wouldn't feel guilty about taking blood pressure meds, anti-seizure meds, or diabetes meds if you had a health condition that warranted it. This is the same. Give it a try and see how you do.

[fallenwing in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! This reply means so much to me, I'll definitely follow your advice.

[Hidden]

I've taken klonopin for restless legs syndrome for years, but it also works amazing for my anxiety.

I take half of the pill on an as-needed basis, and haven't found it to be habit forming.

[Elfje in reply to Hidden]

Klonopin

I am really wonder if it help like Xanax ? I think With my ptsd

Xanax realaise don't do good work

Chort one ok but not in thé night

[gggg123]

Try magnesium glycinate before you take addictive benzos.

[Mishkacat]

Definitely, I have suffered since 2003 and was fobbed off with useless antidepressants which are

A joke.

Benzos are a double edged sword in they work quickly and you can function again, plus if you snap in half and place under tongue even better.I was initially prescribed diazepam for flying but since the first moment of using diazepam, I thought. Yayyyyy never should I be nervous again...so because most GPS new in job have little idea about mental health anyway I was

Never gonna get a script so found a great online chemist.hey it allowed me to fight in Afghanistan

With anxiety but over 10 years idvspent £30,000 on diazepam.regret???a little cos I could have had a house but

Without those little.bluebtablets I'd probably done the unthinkable.

Anyway I had tried all ssris-JUNK

I got a script off a pro army go so I like mostly stress free.few side effects of course like loss interest in sed and erection difficulties but hey I'm still alive and managed to find out I had PTSD but diazepam is the only drug that helps.

When I got diagnosed the psychiatrist told me that gp's have very little training in PTSD and suggested they not be allowed to prescribe such medicine.i agree as they just throw enough meds at a problem hoping one will work! Guinea pig comes to mind.

Anyway the issue with benzo meds is they are too bloody good.cos they actually work that when you try quit them the withdrawals are amongst the top hardest prescription/illegal substance you

Can get as the withdrawals really are terrible it's a wonder I'm still here!!So you have the answers.try them to make u feel better but try alternative thearapies too as you don't want to be life dependant, take good care and good luck xxx

[lorianxiety in reply to Mishkacat]

HI CHRISZAJA,can identify somewhat with what you said about Gps ssrisand of course the famous diazepam of which I have spent most of my life using them as a crutch very helpful too,and you spending so much in getting them online.Well as you say it was worth it as they worked ,,,,my feelings now about diazepam,is that latterly had been getting 5mg on repeat prescription for at least 20 yrs,,,,,today I am lucky in some ways to be getting 2mg -my stress and anxiety levels had reached an all time high and now I cant visualise being without them (though cant talk to Gp new about it)im furious in some respects that he thought he had weaned me off them after several months of 2mg ...but I have a few left of the last prescription and about 10 of 5mg---I find I am not coping though im hoping this year will be better after xmasect.my anxiety started off with socialising and again not much nearer to achieving a less isolated life...……….I think ,that depending on them for you or anyone else is not exactly the proper way without getting counselling/therapy----which because im still tapering down is according to a trainee psychologist not suitable as im still on them,but im going to try private help t

herapy…...congratulations in your overcoming your anxiety/fears in facing actual danger via the army,you must be stronger than you think......be nice to hear from you again---but im still trying ……..with the hope of kicking a very lifelong dependency.!!!

[Mishkacat in reply to lorianxiety]

hi do you have a private means i can contact you?

[MamasBlue]

Yes, it works for most people. I am on the same and have been for about 14 years now. It's a very low dosage that I take at night but it just takes the edge off enough to have a life. Don't feel guilty, it's not like you are doing something wrong. I know there are plenty of places where they want to make you feel like you are a substance abuser or some addict that has to get off of these meds. NO! You are treating an illness just like diabetes or heart disease. No one would tell a diabetic not to take their medications.

[anonymous-one]

Klonopin does work wonders. I have to admit. But there's a big downside.

Please don't take Klonopin. It is very, very highly addictive. I've been taking Klonopin for over 29 years now. It was prescribed for me after a horrible car accident. I still have PTSD from the accident. But I was hurt pretty bad and the head injury took over a year to heal up. Regardless, I started on Klonopin in 89. My accident was on Dec 23 of 89. And now, all these years later I just can't get off it. I tried to taper and got half way. But I went into seizure mode. I was trembling, crying and really disoriented. I also bit through my tongue.

One the other hand, if I had taken one Klonopin pill...I would have pulled myself together within 20 minutes. It does work. But think very carefully if it is the risk you want to take. I would have never started back then if I had known the risks up front. It's really your choice. Best of luck with your decision.

[designguy]

I took zoloft for years which helped some. i was then prescribed buspar which was to enable the zoloft to be more effective for anxiety. I was then also prescribed klonopin which was the most effective for me. it was almost like someone flipped a switch. it reduced my ruminating and anxiety and allowed me to feel what "normal" was like. I was on a low dose of the klonopin. In my case, I still had anxiety disorder, the meds helped me cope and make it more manageable but it didn't resolve my anxiety. I've read that this is quite common for a lot of people. This summer I slowly tapered off of all meds including the klonopin. i didn't have any real issues maybe because I was on a low dose.

[Elfje]

Take what works

[TriggerPoint]

Guilt ?* For What ?* BENZO'S Are What I Call " Clutch Drugs". There Are Long Term Anxiety Meds Like Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, ECT... Then There's The "Clutch Meds" Like Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, ECT... For Those "Panic & Anxiety ATTACKS". Some That Seem To Come Outa Nowhere [ spillover ] With No Triggers. Sometimes Just Having "The Option" Of That Relief Can Keep Your Anxiety At Bay. Wile Paxil [ ect...] Usually Takes Weeks To Kick In & Are Designed For Helping You Feel A Little Better Increasing The Serotonin Chemical In Our Brains & Making It Easier To Pass Off Unreasonable Fears & Acts Like A Base Drug To Lift Us Outa Depression Ect.... They May Also Lessen The Severity Of An Anxiety Attack & Keep Them From Happening As Often. BUT !* It Doesn't Mean That You Won't Ever Have Another Severe Anxiety Attack or/ Dictate Where, How, & When They May Come ? [ that trigger or spillover where your subconscious does a "adrenaline dump" in your body ]

THAT Is Where You Want That Option Of The "Clutch Drug" To Be There. [ though most of those attacks last 10 to 15 min. ?] The problem is the fear of another can bring another and you can get in a vicious cycle. that is where the benzo's act like putting your foot on the chain of an anchor dropping to stop it .

I Try To Take My Xanax & Do On A "As Needed Basis". These Drugs Are EXTREMELY Addictive. I've Been On Them For 30 Years Now. So Addicted ? Most Likely. I "KNOW" You Can't Just STOP These Meds or It Can Be Dangerous. But ? Even Though I HATE Taking Any Pills & Being Dependent On Meds !* I Use Them As Needed, But I Make Sure I Have Taken Some Each Day. [ common sense in my situation ] But !* If I'm Having A Full Blown Panic Attack ? I'll Chew Them Bitter Pills To Get Relief As Fast As I Can & NOT Feel ANY Guilt About It. Why ? Well First Of All That's What I Have Them For, & Secondly ? I KNOW I'll Be Back On My "As Needed Basis". Nobody Knows What A Day May Bring.

Look Friend. If You Were A Diabetic ? Wouldn't You Use Insulin If You Needed It ?* What If You Were A Asthma Patient And Had To Take A Med Everyday & Keep A "Emergency Inhaler" If You Needed It. Would You Feel Guilty ? Of Course Not. YOUR Situation Is Just As REAL ? It's Only In A Different Place For A Different Need.

Sorry...LOL..., What Am I Doing Writing A Book ?....LOL...

Prayers For Ya !*

[fallenwing in reply to TriggerPoint]

Thank you for this reply! Yeah I'm going to stop feeling guilty as I do need this med to function and all that. I think I was afraid of having to take it everyday if I had to.

[TriggerPoint in reply to fallenwing]

Heck, "IF". Let's Say "IF" You Needed Some Everyday ?* It's No Big Deal. Just Remember You're No Different Than That Asthma Patient ? & It Doesn't Mean You'll Be On It Forever....

[Elfje]

Are you ok with klonopin?

[fallenwing in reply to Elfje]

I had to take it last night for a panic attack and it made me feel normal again and took away all my physical symptoms (choking feeling, nausea, racing thoughts). It's definitely my clutch medication for panic symptoms now

[Elfje in reply to fallenwing]

Ye its really so hard thé attacks

I had one Yesterday so badly

But thé dark days and christmas i dont like it

I hope you ok now

[fallenwing in reply to Elfje]

I'm ok now, my coping mechanisms are helping me through the holiday season. I hope you are doing well also.

[Elfje in reply to fallenwing]

I do my best

More i can not do

I happy you doing fine 💕

[Moon_Glitter]

I switched from ativan after a decade, to klonopin recently. It changed everything, I didnt realize how bad my anxiety and muscle tension had become

until the klonopin took it away. Only downside for me is the sleepiness. I've had to start cutting in half. Full dose is 0.5 3×s daily.

Good luck with everything

[Elfje in reply to Moon_Glitter]

Every benzo make a bit sleepy it's normale

Get better

[TriggerPoint]

Yo !* No Big Deal ? You Are No Different Than A Diabetic Needing Insulin or Somebody With Asthma Needing A Pill & A Emergency Inhaler To Carry Around. Your Condition Just Comes From A Different Area In The Body, The Brain. You Get Anxiety "Adrenalin Dumps" In The Body. Look At It Like This. My Paxil Is My Base Anxiety Med. My Benzo [ xanax ] Is My "Clutch Drug" In Case I Have A "Spillover" Adrenalin Dump. [ and believe me, i've chewed those bitter pills to get relief as fast as i can ]. But ? It's No Different Than That Asthma Sufferer ? Many Take A Base Med [ pill ] & Carry A "Emergency Inhaler". Look, When A Adrenalin Dump Runs Your Heart Rate To About 180 To 200 ? It's Just As Dangerous [ at that moment ] As Someone With Asthma Gasping For Air.

Prayers For Ya & Merry Christmas !*

[guynfl2chat]

I read all these posts. I am a strong believer in taking what works for you. Please find the right benzo or anti depressant that works for you. Dont go into thinking about addiction or fear or side effects. See how you feel as you take the pills. You be the judge and work with your doctor. I take a low dosage of xanax as needed. I have posted in the past and I feel that my anxiety is managed with this drug. I dont take it everyday, but I take it when I feel I need it.

[fallenwing in reply to guynfl2chat]

Thank you! I'm still looking for the perfect anti-depressant for my anxiety, but klonopin does help me with my panic attacks and anxiety.

[guynfl2chat in reply to fallenwing]

Anti depressants did not work for my anxiety. I tried Zoloft and Prozac. I worked with a therapist and we decided I would just take xanax as needed. The anti depressants made some sensations worse and there was a tremendous sense of disconnection with prozac. I would sit in my backyard and be completely disconnected with my body. It was a strange feeling. Doctors will try and tell you anti depressants can treat anxiety, but it really depends on you and what works.

[fallenwing in reply to guynfl2chat]

Yeah, I took Prozac and it made my anxiety worse once I started the 3rd week of taking it. I guess I'll try to learn coping mechanisms and regulate myself with the Klonopin when I need to take it.

[guynfl2chat in reply to fallenwing]

Yes, anti depressants start to make some changes in week 3 and 4. That is normal to feel something at that point. I have tried many different ways to manage my anxiety. I bought the fisher wallace device. Its an electronic headband and you set the level of intensity. I have had some luck with that.. I also tried this Neurocore brain training. Its an in person lab that hooks you up to a tv screen and you try and relax. I didnt like that at all.

[Pgh_Sue33]

Fallenwing, I have been on klonopin for a long time (almost 30 years). SSRIs don’t work well for me. I have a severe anxiety disorder and clonazepam helps me to work and function on a daily basis. That being said, I take the minimum dose I need to get through. Ideally you want to feel the anxiety but still be able to do what you need to get through your situation. The most bothersome side effect is that they “blunt” all of your emotions- you don’t get anxious, but you don’t get very happy or sad about anything either. I guess it’s the price you pay. Millions of people are on millions of prescriptions that they need to live- clonazepam isn’t really different if you take it with care. Take care and stay safe!

[fallenwing in reply to Pgh_Sue33]

Thank you for the input, my anxiety is very severe that I think about taking it daily. I'm on the minimum dose and that's only reserved for panic attacks. But my greatest wish is to return to school and work without panic and I don't know how to proceed with that without klonopin.