Posted by SPhobia on February 25, 2004, at 1:13:39
In reply to Re: About to try BENZOS, PLEASE HELP, posted by gheld on February 24, 2004, at 23:42:33
I'd agree with for the most part with the previous two posts.
Klonopin probably is the most widely used benzo (at least for those who take benzo's on a regular rather than need-only basis).BUT, as gheld stated, Klonopin certainly can have a depressing effect. I've NEVER struggled with depression in my life, but when I take Klonopin, though it lessens my anxiety, it tends to make me a bit depressed, which then makes me anti-social.
I really prefer the feeling of xanax, and not because it gives me a bit of a ephoric feeling, but I has a much better anti-depressant effect. (The mild ephoria feeling maybe due to the anti-depressant effect just making me extra happy, or b/c Xanax is such a fats acting med I just notice it more)
But note, benzo's with shorter half-lifes, such as Xanax (as well as Ativan I believe) probably are more prone to abuse & addiction.
Two suggestions (if you do try benzos):
FIRST, try Klonopin:
(a)Since it has a longer half life, it doesn't have as much of ephoric feeling as Xanax,and thus is probably less likely to be abused. Klonopin tends to just lessen anxiety, leaving you otherwise feeling normal--which is what you want from a benzo!
(b) Since you are on a anti-depressant, it may counteract any depressive effects Klonopin and leave you with a great comfortable & confident feeling.SECOND, if that doesn't work, consider trying Xanax XR. I think it's a bit expensive, so unless you have good insurance, I would try the Klonopin first. Also, it seems like people become tolerant to Xanax more quickly than they do to Klonopin. This may be true with Xanax XR as well. That said, I have heard people say some good things about Xanax XR.
THIRD, if what you are looking for is anti-anxiety med you can take before specific situations and don't think you need to be using it on a day-to-day basis, you might be better served by just sticking with regular Xanax.
But beware...it can help & impair you cognitive acumen while it's in your system. Let me explain that seemingly contradictory statement. It can help in situation where you have high anxiety, because heavy anxiety tends to make the "migh go blank" and by calming yourself your brain will start moving again. However, when you are trying to study, read, work, etc, and you are not in a situation where your anxiety is triggered, the benzo's seem to slow my mind, make me a little too sedated, and hurt my retention & short term memory. (Not permanently, just while I'm feeling their effects)
Anyway, whatever you choose...Good luck!
poster:SPhobia
thread:317354
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040223/msgs/317400.html