Combining benzo and antidepressants

Hi....my perfect medicine ‘cocktail’ if you want to call it that seems to be 100 mg of sertraline and 0.5 mg of klonopin daily. I have severe ptsd, ocd, anxiety and depression along with a health condition that will no doubt shorten my life. I am 64. I feel my very best when I take this combo, My dr is not crazy about the daily benzo but given my circumstances is ok with it.

Anyone been on this kind of combo? I love that it works for me....just curious if others have found the same effect. Thanks.

[Hidden]

That's one heck of a mix.I once used Xanax and prozac.. I could have been "Lead Zombie" on " The Walking Dead "... I decided I'd rather be dead..But as you can see I survived.

Benzo's are very addictive.

I've tried other combinations and now take Welbutrin and Paxil.. Seems to take the edge off of depression and PTSD triggers. Having a good social support system is one of the best things to have as well. I still get triggered, but no where near how it used to be.

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Well the mix works for me and I actually have energy when I take it. And I actually want to live which is a good thing. Glad your mix works for you. Prior to my finding this combo, not being here at all was becoming a consideration.

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I understand. I still have bad days off and on . My most difficult time is evenings. I still struggle with motivation to do much. A good dose of caffeine is helpful 👌🏻

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I struggled every day (and still do most days) to do anything. I still ruminate constantly and honestly there are still days when I wish I was not here. My situation is complex as I was ‘normal’ until 3 years ago when at the ripe old age of 60 my life fell apart. It stinks but it is what it is. I am doing emdr therapy ... only just started it. I am still grieving the ‘old me’....my life was perfect. Now it is totally the opposite but I keep plugging away at it...

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Don't give up or give in. I'm 71 been dealing with my " stuff : for 50 yrs. Stick around. It's worth it 👌🏻

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50 years! Wow....you are a trooper! Good for you. The combo of meds I take are the first that have offered the slightest amount of ‘stability’ and I use that term loosely. I am not used to being like this.,,,I used to fully enjoy life. Hopefully, I will get back to some level of what I used to be....thank you for the encouragement!

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Thanks. I decided that it was better to hang in there. I'd miss a lot if I gave in to the darkness. It hasn't been easy.

I've learned to identify my triggers and learn to cope. It isn't always easy or a perfect solution but it's worth it in the long run.

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That is amazing to me.....I am barely 3 years into this and sometimes can’t even imagine a future and I have lots to live for. Part of my problem is that I hurt someone else, not physically but nonetheless hurt them, after my trauma. I am trying to come to grips with that. Plus my health is not great which I believe was triggered by the trauma. All of this happened right at retirement ... so much for the ‘golden’ years!

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Ahhhhhhh...I thought there might be a tie in with retirement. I had similar issues when I retired. Many any people do.

Mostly it's due to the sense of loss of purpose and direction.

I had to retire due to complications from cancer and surgery. That was when I was 63. About a year and a half later I had a heart attack and have a stent in my heart.

I literally had to "reinvent " myself and write a new script for my life.

It wasn't hard or easy. But I am glad I stuck with it.

The "old me " has become a memory.

I embrace the new me and look forward to each days as renewal.

It's not always easy believe me.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

There is a tie to retirement no doubt but had I not had the trauma, I know the health diagnosis would have been easier to handle and some of my less than favorable actions would not have occurred. What therapies have you done to deal with the memories?

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Therapies? Take your pick. Mostly non traditional types. Gardening, self help readings, .CO.D.A. and AA because they have some very good ideas about life and personality. Trade " talk " therapy. Working as a volunteer at an animal shelter. Attending a weekly Veterans group. Journal writing. Scale models . I know you're probably scratching your head saying "WTF " but each thing has its place.They help learn about myself and my triggers. And my own guilt and demons 😈..

You have to forgive yourself for being i the place you were and where you are now.

If you can afford to, try to fid a therapy program or individual that specialize in PTSD.

MY memories never completely go away. They have become more distant and less bothersome, as I learned more about my role in their occurrence. I have come a long way by forgiveness both from myself and my peers.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Like an alcoholic or drug addict in recovery, take it one day at a time. If it helps you to chat here. Please do.

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That’s my motto...’one day at a time’...

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Good way to be! Sometimes it's all we can do

[Lindyloo53 Volunteer]

I’m not on that medication regime but I’m glad that it works for you and that your dr seems to be ok with it given the issues you are facing.I have complex ptsd, depression and DID, fibro and chronic fatigue syndrome. even with those diagnosis I can tell you recovery and healing is possible. I will carry the candle of hope for you until you are ready to carry it for yourself if that’s what you would like.

Keep moving forward towards your own recovery and healing.

[Hidden in reply to Lindyloo53]

Oh you are very kind, Thank you. I will carry the candle of hope for you also and for all of us who are struggling. Personally, I do feel I am moving forward as I have finally found a wonderful therapist after a lot of not so wonderful ones. I wish the same for you....

[ChaosButterfly]

I can relate to this. I'm 50.. same issues x keep Strong whatever yr choices r

[ChaosButterfly]

Some bad days r ok and normal. What is not ok or normal is people relying on meds to take the edge off... Same same.. nforgive me.. I'm still hanging out for the illusion that I can get over this.. I can't.