I know, everyones' experience will be different, but, I wondering,
if, people could share their experiences, because, someone suggested
it and I'm seriously thinking of trying it.

Phyllis

Hi Ponygirl

I haven't tried Klonopin, but I HAVE tried Ativan (so did my late husband) and it affected us BOTH the same way --- we both basically went "nuts." And I had a "blackout" that lasted for 2 days after taking only ONE PILL. My late husband was on it, when he was in the hospital and he thought we were staying at a motel -- until they took him off of the Ativan!!! That stuff is POTENT!!

I had very good luck taking Xanax, but it's VERY addictive! At one point, I was so anxious that I'd have panic attacks constantly -- and couldn't go anywhere because of them! The Xanax helped immensely -- but I had to stop it because I became addicted to it. Heck, I can get addicted to LINT.

Hope you find something that works for you. Take care. Hugs, Lee

are you saying, xanax is very addictive and *helped* you?!?
I guess, I'm not understanding, how it helped you, if, it made you so
anxious, you weren't able to do anything?? I mean, I'm having enough,
issues, without, taking something that will give me panic attacks,
when, I have anxiety, already???

Phyllis

Hello Phyllis

I think you misread Leesa's post

She said Xanax was addictive but that it *helped* her anxiety and panic attacks, not that it made them worse.

But, I *really* *don't* want to take *anything*, addictive, since, I
have an addiction to food, already! Yes, I need to get rid of these
thoughts, *but*, I *don't* want it replaced by addiction!!


Phyllis

Low dose Ativan worked wonders for me, but docs are hesitant to perscribe because it is addictive. Klonopin made me really sleepy. I cut it in half and it still made me sleepy.
Other people I know love Klonopin....but not me.
I have gotten some relief from the antidepressant Celexa. Paxil did not work for me for anxiety but the Celexa I like. I also lost some weight with Celexa.

My experience with Xanax. At first it worked wonders. My son was put into a facility for his psychiatric issues. I was a wreck to say the least. I was orginally prescribed three a day. It helped with my anxiety but it left me in this fog and I couldn't think right. So I cut it down and only took one at night. Occasionally one if I was having a hard time.

The addictive part is this.

My MD told me that Xanax is the "crack" of anxiety medications. I was on it for six years. I found that over time my anxiety was spiking for no reason at all. I was perplexed. My MD told me that my body is craving more Xanax. I could do two things. Take more and more or stop. I decided to wean myself off.

I will say that it was the hardest thing I ever did. It was harder than quitting smoking after twenty years. I couldn't sleep, I was a wreck. I had multiple panic attacks. But after a few weeks of dealing with it I leveled out.

So now I dont take any anxiety medications. I do take an antidepressent due to post concussion disorder. That I will discontinue when and if my brain heals.

I am now walking to ease any anxiety I have. Not only do I feel better, I look better.

I hope this helps. My anxiety is off the charts since my injury. Getting hit in the frontal part of your head can reek havok on your emotions. I have increased depression, anger and anxiety.

I have just started my walks this week. My MD said to rest if my head hurt but after four months of resting I was getting very depressed. So head pain or not I go...one foot in front of the other is my motto.

I hope this helped. Good luck...

wow... well done, crystal!

Yes, crystal... you managed a very difficult task well!

There is something you might like to try, that will help ease anxiety some without the habituation risk.

It is called theanine. It is not expensive, and is from green tea.

Taken in large dose, it calms the receptors like Xanax etc, without side effects.

Some of us on PN forum are using it and like it. It is supposed to have some effect on healing peripheral nerve damage, but I can't vouch for that aspect yet. It may be slow.

http://web-us.com/l-theanine_anxiety_reducer.htm

I've used two brands, Doctor's Best, and Swanson's form.
SunTheanine is the one to choose.

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...tName=THEANINE

I could not find interactions with drugs and theanine either.
I use 300mg at bedtime. I have not noticed an tolerance with it.

Hi, my name is Taylor and I've been on Ativan for 3 yrs...due to severe anxiety. If your asking if it works? Yes, it does.but as you may or may not know...it can be very addictive. S soas with any Benzo...follow your dr's orders when taking. (But I still became addicted=/ if you have any questions please feel free to ask me.