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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by anneL on April 9, 2006, at 22:30:30
I just realized it has been six years since I have been "hooked" on Effexor and Klonopin.
It is pretty strange to wake up one day and realize that I am thoroughly and completely dependent on two medications. If I am late by 4 hours of taking Klonopin (1 mg. daily), I will go into horrible withdrawals (skin crawling, terrible anxiety) and lord help me if I miss a dose of Effexor (225 mg) or I will have headache, vertigo, nausea and the worst sleep paralysis with vivid nightmares.
Besides being hooked on these meds, I am quite pleased with my life. It would be nice to not be physically dependent on medication. It scares me that I will wake up and find myself to be sixty years old (I am 46) and still on the same meds because they are so difficult to get off of. Anyone else with these feelings? :) AnneL
Posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2006, at 23:58:25
In reply to Six years later. . . Still on Effexor and Klonopin, posted by anneL on April 9, 2006, at 22:30:30
Well if it's any condonlence I just turned 60 and am on the same valium since I was 24. Sad but true. Love Phillipa
Posted by Glydin on April 10, 2006, at 7:34:21
In reply to Six years later. . . Still on Effexor and Klonopin, posted by anneL on April 9, 2006, at 22:30:30
> Besides being hooked on these meds, I am quite pleased with my life. It would be nice to not be physically dependent on medication. It scares me that I will wake up and find myself to be sixty years old (I am 46) and still on the same meds because they are so difficult to get off of. Anyone else with these feelings? :) AnneLHi Anne,
Strange as it may seem, I don't think about it much anymore. I guess I've made a peace or formed an acceptance, as my life is so different now. The quality of life and functioning I've gotten is something I'm very thankful for. I do give it a passing thought when I read the board but otherwise, I really don't give it much thought.
My Dad is in his 70's and has been on blood pressure meds since he was 25. I have many friends that are diabetic and their daily med procedures are complicated but necessary. I do not think of myself any different than that..... I just have a different organ and body system involved that requires treatment for functioning well.
In my "real life", mainly I'm just thankful and grateful.
Best,
Glydin
Posted by Greif on April 10, 2006, at 10:20:45
In reply to Re: Six years later. . . Still on Effexor and Klonopin » anneL, posted by Glydin on April 10, 2006, at 7:34:21
The label "hooked" implies weakness and character flaws. Psych meds are a god send for many. How was your life before taking them. I have withdrawn from Xanax twice using Klonopin to withdraw. I went 5 years without any meds and my life was miserable (anxiety, depression etc) though I found ways to cope. I used to run 80 miles week for relief and it was very efective. I am unable to fit this type of regimen into my lifestyle now and am taking 2 mg of K daily with 10mg of Lex. I am much happier and dont even feel the meds. I dont view this as being "hooked" . I view the meds as a benefit. I know I can withdraw again but doubt that I ever will. If I live to 80 i will still be taking them however i suspoect a new generation of meds will develop in the next ten years to replace my current plan. Good luck and dont be hard on yourself. K withdrawal done over an extended period of time is difficlt but is a choice. Effexor is an SSRI I have never tried based on advise of my doctor. There must be a way to substitute it with other ADs.
This is the end of the thread.
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