I was just saying to myself this morning that I would like to back off my xanax. it isnt as effective as I would like it to be, and I would probably do better to take it as needed, instead of on a regular basis. I am down to 0.25 so I am on the lowest dose once a day. I really want off alot of the stuff they have me on. Enough! Now, watch I will freak out.

I have been on benzodiazapines since August of 2000. Before my 'official' dx in September, I was given generic xanax for the MS hug and my extreme anxiety about not being sure what was going on, no spinal tap yet, and was given the IV solumedrol...

when I saw my current neuro in September, he prescribed both Klonopin and xanax. over the years, up to 2006 I took .5mg Klonopin at bedtime and xanax only prn. I decided in 2006 I wanted off them--my neuro said NO, not a good idea, but I proceeded to wean myself off, going to .25 mg a night, then every other night, then every couple of days... over a period of about 6 months I was off of all benzos.

it did not work. I couldn't sleep, I was anxious all the time and my neuro said I really needed to go back on them. I did and it took several months for me to get to where I could sleep again, not have heart palpitations, and 'stabilize' on the meds once more.

last October I started chantix to quit smoking. to make a long story short, the chantix screwed up everything, yes I cut back to only smoking outside and down to 2-3 cigs a day (for a while was at a few puffs on one cig a day) but could not let go of that last cigarette and my anxiety levels, depression, etc went thru the roof. was up to 1.5 mg of klonopin a day and .5 of xanax frequently to curb the chest pains and anxiety.

yes, benzos are addictive and it looks like I will be on them for the rest of my life, so I'm just accepting that. now that I've stopped the chantix, am tapering back to .5 mg of klonopin at bedtime and the xanax PRN. still trying to quit smoking, but no more chantix.

I hate taking any meds period, never took anything before MS but now I have a boat load of drugs and it seems my social life consists of doctor appointments I refuse to worry now about being addicted to a benzo; I tried to get off and it did not work. the chantix worked but at a price; at least I only smoke outside now and don't jump up every time I get a craving.

so, benzos work for anxiety, if you're getting a 'buzz' you probably don't need them, but if they help you sleep/reduce anxiety, I believe they have a place in our MS life--addictive or not. just mho

This. I believe (personally) the small amount of benzos I'm taking (Klonopin, .75mg daily, sometimes .5mg daily if I can go without more based on my mouth pain) has helped me where no other medication has. I know that anxiety and stress were key factors in my life, and either or both can cause the burning mouth syndrome or other MS factors to kick up full tilt for me (I'm mostly sensory symptoms - numb, tingling, burning, pain). Thankfully Klonopin (Clonazepam in Canada) is my wonder drug where other medications didn't work what so ever, or caused incredibly horrible side effects.

(on an off note, yes I'm aware of the addictiveness of Klonopin. I accept this, I take a very tiny amount and it's beneficial for me to be taking it - versus Neurontin which was horrific with side effects, no benefit symptom-wise, and had dreadful withdrawal symptoms itself - but again, everyone's different and all medications come at a price, and it's up to the patient to take control of what works for them and to educate themselves in consultation with doc)

I'm not sure what you mean by "getting a buzz" from Klonopin

Is Klonopin addictive? Yes. Does that mean everyone using Klonopin gets addicted? No.

I use Klonopin when I need it, if I don't need it I don't take it. I have never had withdrawl symptoms, I simply start and stop as needed...with no problems.

[QUOTE=Snoopy;759784]I'm not sure what you mean by "getting a buzz" from Klonopin

Is Klonopin addictive? Yes. Does that mean everyone using Klonopin gets addicted? No.

[B][QUOTE]I agree, I use it as needed as well. I do not like taking any medication's however if needed I will use them, NOT ABUSE them. My Dr. gives me a 3 month supply @ a time and @ the end of 3 months I usually still have at least a months worth.

It is a medication that needs getting used to. In the beginning for me, I felt tired and goofy, now, It is no biggie. i do not have start/stop problems. Everybody is different though, so should be monitored by their doctor in the beginning!