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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MJGrand on May 21, 2012, at 6:42:05
Hi... I'm a lurker and have been for a while. I know there are posts buried somewhere about this topic, but I'd I just thought it'd be easier to start a new thread. I'm scared. I've been on valium 20 mgs for about 5 yrs (along with effexor). The combination has changed my life. Before, I was a hot mess of panic, anxiety, and obsessional thoughts. I now function, work fulltime in a career.... I do generally well I haven't ever upped my dose or used my meds to get high or anything. However, everything I've been reading on the internet is telling me I should not be taking a benzo longterm. My PDOC doesnt seem concerned BUT I AM. I don't know what to do. Should I go off of it? The literature seems to state that I'm headed for hell eventually anyway. The stories are soooo horrrible. I can't even imagine. Everything I've read states I'm not supposed to have been on it this long. The combo works so well. What do I replace it with??? I'm so scared of what is in store for me when and if I decide to go off. Will I have to go on disability? Has anyone ever gotten off and not had to head to the crazy house after or lock themselves up in their homes? Anyone sucessfully taken benzos longterm SAFELY? What is considered practical usage? I regret the day I ever started taking them now... But we were out of other options, as I couldnt tolerate the other stuff. I'm scared. Please... no messages of support without information. I don't mean to sound insensitive, but what I needs is some practical advice/literature/personal experiences. I'm very scared.
Posted by Dinah on May 21, 2012, at 7:59:06
In reply to Really scared of my benzo, posted by MJGrand on May 21, 2012, at 6:42:05
Many people have been on long term regimens of benzos. My personal experience was with many years of low dose Klonopin use. I quit because I no longer needed it. My pdoc never had any qualms about it at all.
The internet is full of scary stories about everything. Those stories can really stir up anxiety and obsessional thinking at times, particularly in those prone to it (including me). My advice would be to talk over these fears with your pdoc, if you haven't already. Bring up your specific concerns. If need be, get a second opinion from an experienced doctor.
Posted by mjgrand on May 21, 2012, at 8:37:45
In reply to Re: Really scared of my benzo » MJGrand, posted by Dinah on May 21, 2012, at 7:59:06
Thanks Dinah. I forgot to mention that it is daily use (not as needed). That's why I am so scared.
> Many people have been on long term regimens of benzos. My personal experience was with many years of low dose Klonopin use. I quit because I no longer needed it. My pdoc never had any qualms about it at all.
>
> The internet is full of scary stories about everything. Those stories can really stir up anxiety and obsessional thinking at times, particularly in those prone to it (including me). My advice would be to talk over these fears with your pdoc, if you haven't already. Bring up your specific concerns. If need be, get a second opinion from an experienced doctor.
Posted by Raisinb on May 21, 2012, at 9:42:50
In reply to Really scared of my benzo, posted by MJGrand on May 21, 2012, at 6:42:05
I know there are many scary stories, but there are many people who take benzos safely long term. I take 2 mg Xanax for sleep every night and have done so for almost three years. I've never habituated and had to take more. When I run out and have to take something else (like seroquel) once in a while, I don't notice any horrifying withdrawal symptoms.
Certain meds are like certain dog breeds: every five years or so the media gets worked up about a type and proclaims it dangerous for anyone.
Posted by Phillipa on May 21, 2012, at 10:40:28
In reply to Re: Really scared of my benzo » MJGrand, posted by Raisinb on May 21, 2012, at 9:42:50
I know exactly what you are saying as without benzos back in the 70's yes the 70's I had severe panic attacks where couldn't function at all. I am still on benzos and have been for over 35 years. Have switched as new ones released and never had a problem til the internet. Never ever doubted them til now. I've also never abused usually take less than prescribed which is a mistake. I've allowed the internet to scare me also. I admit to this. And thinking now this is why my problems are so bad now. Trying to drop all meds why? Cause others attempt to put fear in you. And as you none of my pdocs have ever thought my daily use was a problem. I've created my own problems with the internet. So fear not take what prescribed and enjoy you being able to function well. I will also try and do the same. Nice to know you also. When you find something that works just take it and let your doc and you decide if and when something should be changed. And thanks for posting you have given me something to think about. Phillipa
Posted by gadchik on May 21, 2012, at 11:21:35
In reply to Really scared of my benzo, posted by MJGrand on May 21, 2012, at 6:42:05
if you can, read this book, "The Anxiety Cure" by Robert Dupont.It has a great section on the benzos,very reassuring info about long term use,dosage,etc.I read it in the bookstore one day.Helped alot.
also read the benzo section in this link or all of it to get a thorough view of things.
http://bearpaw8.tripod.com/pd.html
Posted by Phillipa on May 21, 2012, at 21:23:55
In reply to Re: Really scared of my benzo » MJGrand, posted by gadchik on May 21, 2012, at 11:21:35
I fit with first IBS, family history, and thyroid later even after well controlled. P
Posted by gadchik on May 22, 2012, at 6:23:12
In reply to Re: Really scared of my benzo » gadchik, posted by Phillipa on May 21, 2012, at 21:23:55
Isnt that link so thorough. do you remember alan? I wasnt on here then,but I found some of his postings and hes the one that found that link.From 2006,i think??
Posted by Laney on May 22, 2012, at 10:10:05
In reply to Re: Really scared of my benzo » Phillipa, posted by gadchik on May 22, 2012, at 6:23:12
MJ,
I've been on Klonopin at half a milligram per day for 18 and 1/2 years. Yes, that long!
Stay away from the horror stories.
You'll be fine.
Laney
Posted by rjlockhart04-08 on May 22, 2012, at 15:22:44
In reply to Really scared of my benzo, posted by MJGrand on May 21, 2012, at 6:42:05
Well...if it works for you and your doctor has no problem with it, then it may be good. I know people who have taken benzos for over 10 years, there's alot of propganda from modern doctors today about older drugs that are addictive and they are ignorant that these medication can be helpful in cases where there needed. There mindset causes them to think to use sh*tty drugs that don't work, its vary annoying, sometimes I like to use dark humor with my doctor asking if I had severe anxiety and she would prescibe some sh*t like trazadone. Sometimes you have play along with their arrogance and ignorance. But there is something....Lyrica it does work similar to benzos but it does not have the addiction potential as they do, it does give somewhat of calming effect. Same to Nuerontin but it usally takes high doses of it to work for anxiety at high levels.
Good luck to you!
Posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2012, at 20:40:00
In reply to Re: Really scared of my benzo » Phillipa, posted by gadchik on May 22, 2012, at 6:23:12
Gadchik no wasn't on babble yet. Don't remember an Alan. What did he have to say? P
Posted by gadchik on May 23, 2012, at 6:10:17
In reply to Re: Really scared of my benzo » gadchik, posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2012, at 20:40:00
He was the one who posted that link I always refer to,about panic.he was very keen on benzos,and seemed to know alot about them.I put his name in the search box,and read his posts about benzos,and it gives me reassurance.
Posted by Phillipa on May 23, 2012, at 19:28:24
In reply to Re: Really scared of my benzo » Phillipa, posted by gadchik on May 23, 2012, at 6:10:17
Gadchik will have to do a search. P
Posted by xean on June 1, 2012, at 21:09:38
In reply to Re: Really scared of my benzo » gadchik, posted by Phillipa on May 23, 2012, at 19:28:24
I have been on xanax 2mg 3x daily and while I would be a bit worried about withdrawal it works great for my social anxiety.
Posted by ChanceOfSunshine on June 11, 2012, at 9:11:36
In reply to Really scared of my benzo, posted by MJGrand on May 21, 2012, at 6:42:05
I went through that last year, worrying about 5yrs of ativan usage. Big mistake; I'll never do that again.
What I didn't realize was, if it works, and there are no bad side effects, that's the goal of psych meds! My only issue was (like you) I'd read the anti-benzo crap on the internet and grew concerned about addiction. I insisted on a pdoc, went through a litany of new meds that made me know a new kind of hell, and a year later ended up back on the same benzos anyway.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. If a doc says you need a benzo, and it works, take them as prescribed and enjoy your life.
This is the end of the thread.
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