[mansfim]

Hey everyone,

I'm in need of some advice. Posted my story before. Short version - hit head may 31st. No headaches, the single biggest problem has been anxiety and sleep issues. I've had anxiety issues before but nothing like this. It's massively impacted my life.

Been taking clonzapam periodically as needed. Prescribed thirty 0.5mg tablets on June 26 and still have loads of them left, so I haven't taken th often. I don't like the thought of taking them, in fact, the anxiety over taking meds feeds my anxiety big time. I've had done decent stretches of okay days here and there but have rarely felt great. I was prescibed citalopram, took it for 3 days and had the absolute worst bout of anxiety so stopped taking it.

My question is should I commit to the citalopram and give it another go? I guess I have just felt, the anxiety is temporary and slowly buy surely I'd get back to normal, but that doesn't seem to happen. Is it worth dealing with all the side effects at this point?

Anyone else experience what I'm talking about?

[Mark in Idaho]

I'd try more of the clonazepam. Break the pills in half. Take them any time your anxiety get high. Use the time to learn more about your anxiety triggers.

[RAllen82]

Just messaged you!

[mansfim]

Thanks Mark,

You've mentioned in your sig you were on clonazepam for 30 days. Was it difficult coming off it?

I have been only taking half a pill, I'm just afraid it'll cause long term issues.

[Mark in Idaho]

I was on clonazepam ( a benzo) continuously for over a year in 2000. I needed it to settle my body so I could sleep without shaking. I cold turkey switched to gabapentin. No problem.

Continuing the anxiety can be worse than any problem from benzos. I am not a pusher of benzos but when they are needed, they can be a big help.

I was on citalopram for a year too. IMO benzos are better than an SSRI, especially if you can take the benzos ONLY when you need them. SSRI's must be taken continuously to get any benefit. I just finished getting off the citalopram 2 weeks ago. The side effects of citalopram are much worse than clonazepam. I was on clonazepam for the month that I started the citalopram while the citalopram took effect. I stopped it cold turkey that time, too. No problems.

Why do you have so much anxiety about taking meds ?

Are you taking a vitamin and supplement regimen ?

[mansfim]

I have been taking b12, b6, omega 3 and D for a few months now. After a few weeks I started improving. Tried taking 5htp for over a month, don't think it did anything as when I stopped a couple weeks ago I felt no difference initially.

My stress about meds is basically the side effects and the thought of dependency. My aunt has been on clonazepam for years and when she stopped taking it she had a complete mental breakdown.

[Mark in Idaho]

You can't compare your aunt's experience with clonazepam and yours. If you use it minimally, you should be fine.

Why are you not taking a B-complex for a more balanced B ? Plus, you need all of the anti-oxidants, C, E, etc.

[mansfim]

I was taking a complex for most of the time, ran out and the new stuff I bought was a B complex 'stress' formula. Which did have C in it. First day I took it, I was very dizzy that morning doni figured I was taking too much B.

[mansfim]

I should also say, I stopped taking the complex 2 days before my sleep/anxiety issues returned after 12 great days. Do you think that could be part of the problem?

[Mark in Idaho]

Most B Complex 'stress' formulas are very low dose. I have not seen one that isn't. I recommend a B-50 or B-100 Complex plus B-12 and some B-6. Unless you took a bunch of B-Complex the same day, you did not overdose.

Although I agree with taking Vit C, a B-Complex with C is likely almost worthless in B dosages.

Feel free to post the brand or dosages of what you are taking. I can easily critique it.