Posted by Gabbi on August 10, 2002, at 15:05:21
In reply to Re: Benzo Withdrawl, posted by hildi on August 10, 2002, at 14:29:51
Yes I was taking 50mgs x4 and I don't think Benzo's are innately evil it depends what you are taking them for, and for how long. I think that they can be a life saver if prescribed for a short period while waiting for an A.D. to work. Some people do need to be on them for a long time. My p.doc said some people take 2 mgs of Ativan per day for long periods and have no problem, I was just taking them to cope with any crises and because they are short acting my mood swings were incredible. They also tend to exacerbate most depression over the long haul.
Klonopin I've heard is easier to withdraw from than Ativan, though like anything that is subject to debate. The trazedone was given to me for sleeplessness but it is also prescribed for others as an A.D which alleviates anxiety. I take a very small amount and its only temporary. Because for me actually increases my depression and therefore my anxiety if I take it the way it is normally prescribed.
My anxiety was originally part of my depression but taking the Ativan for much longer than it had been prescribed for and in too high an amount perpetuated it because of the constant rebound anxiety it caused. Then I would take more to eliminate the rebound anxiety and so it goes....
Now that I'm off of it, I don't have those excruciating anxiety attacks because My A.Ds have lifted the depression and therefore the co morbid anxiety.
Its a really tricky thing though, because for me stimulants are actually much better for my anxiety than "downers" I'm on dexedrine which I thought would send me through the roof, but it actually makes me feel relatively normal!!
I really think its a matter of luck in finding a Doctor who is an artist in diagnosing, and atypical drug responses.
Its all so confusing,
But if I can help at all, ask away, I've been through many many treatments for Unipolar Depression with G.A.D.
I am fortunate to have a genius Psychopharmacologist who was consistantly correct in his educated prescription combinations which were seen as unorthodox to most General practioners. He is willing to see me as a patient again even after years of my taking other Drs advice because they were just closer. He also doesn't mind a bit If I ask a question for someone else.
poster:Gabbi
thread:115463
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020807/msgs/115946.html