Posted by blondemoments on December 9, 2010, at 18:28:50
I have dealt with severe anxiety, on/off depression, and PTSD issues for half my life.
After being on SO many drugs & the "fog" zone for so many years, I have felt like I was in a better place in my life and in the past 3 months have successfully slowly tapered off Zoloft & Lamictal. (My most recent cocktail.....I have tried them all).
Now here is my biggest hurdle.....My Benzo problem. I was prescribed Xanax in 1991 after my first real anxiety attack. Little did I know that as much as that little peach pill would feel like my friend, it would grow to become my worst "frenemy". Over the years, I had to take more and more Xanax (hence the "XR") and then finally
approximately 8 years ago, my psych doctor decided
that Klonopin would be an "alternative" drug since it lasts longer.Since I had to have major surgery many years ago to remove parts of my stomach, I do not digest medications normally so I take more than a normal person without feeling the effects.
So here is my current dose:
I take 1 mg of Klonopin 3 times a day.....and
I take 1 Xanax XR (sometimes in a.m. before work)
but always 1 before Bed.I know this sounds like alot of benzos but I never feel hungover, perhaps it's because I have been on it for so many years my body is so use to the dosage. BUT, I do want to try to taper off.
Question is.....I know I will always have this anxiety problem......how can I taper off this large amount and still keep my anxiety under control? (I have a very high stress job)
I take plenty of vitamins, supplements and HAVE attempted to taper off many times before without much success (just an FYI).....I drink plenty of water, eat well, get plenty of exercise, I just have MAJOR anxiety!
Thanks in advance for any advice :)
poster:blondemoments
thread:973024
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20101203/msgs/973024.html