Thanks for having me!

[[lm...]]

Hi! I'm so glad that I found this board. I wish I knew about the effects prior to starting the benzos. I'm in my 40's, married and had an incident on the interstate about three years ago. As a result, I began to experience severe driving anxiety along with some vestibular issues (inner ear and balance). I toughed it out for about a year, but there was no improvement. I saw a therapist, but ultimately the verbal methods didn't work. My doctor put me on Klonopin 0.5mg once daily, but never discussed the withdrawal and dependency issues. Surprisingly, the Klonopin helped subside the vestibular issues. The Klonopin worked ok for driving, but only for side roads. No interstate! Eventually I started having more phobias. I scraped by over a year using the Klonopin. The doctor increased it to 1mg once daily. He recommended that I seek out a Psychiatrist, which I did. The Psychiatrist changed the script from Klonopin to Xanax 0.5 twice daily and Zoloft once daily. When I switched I felt some withdrawal symtoms, so he bumped me to Xanax 0.5 three times a day for a week. Things subsided, but now that I'm back on 1mg a day, I'm feeling the effects. What's worse... Benzos or Panic Attacks? This is unreal. My wife has noticed a big change in my personality since I went on Xanax and it didn't assist me with driving at all. I feel like I need to come off of the Benzos. Thanks for having me! The group support will help so much!

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad  to have you as a new member.  Panic attacks are usually helped by benzos, at least mine were.  But, there comes a time when one needs more to get the same effect as before.  Xanax can cause personality changes, which are temporary, and will return to normal when one is off the drug.

 

You'll find lots of information and support here.  Our members have been through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to find  people who understand what you're going through.

 

For those who are starting a new taper, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days at first, and then adjusting the taper rate to suit your own needs.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a few months after discontinuing the medication.  First/only withdrawals after a slow taper tend to be easier than multiple reinstatements/withdrawals over time, which may make symptoms worse and longer lasting. The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but there are many others. These are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Withdrawal Support Board

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field. Section III explains and describes symptoms, and there is also a section with suggested taper schedules.

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature.  This will allow others to see where you are in the process so they can better support you.

 

Again, welcome!

 

 

[[Re...]]

Hi Imbga,

 

Welcome. I experience anxiety in the car too especially on the highway. If you ever want a supportive ear please send a pm.

[[Rx...]]

My doctor put me on Klonopin 0.5mg once daily, but never discussed the withdrawal and dependency issues.

 

Welcome to the no informed consent whatsoever club.

 

Red Sky is a very nice buddie, btw.  I'm around here too.

[[Re...]]

My doctor put me on Klonopin 0.5mg once daily, but never discussed the withdrawal and dependency issues.

 

Welcome to the no informed consent whatsoever club.

 

Red Sky is a very nice buddie, btw.  I'm around here too.

 

[[lm...]]

Thanks for the replies, RxD and Red Sky! Congrats to you both on being off the Benzos!

[[Re...]]

Thanks for the replies, RxD and Red Sky! Congrats to you both on being off the Benzos!

 

Thank you! It's the hardest thing I've ever been through, and I've been through a lot.

[[Iw...]]

Welcome!!  Glad you found the uninformed club as RX named us. 

 

You will find much needed support, and humor from time to time.  We have something in common-I, too am on Xanax and tapering off. 

 

See you around.

 

RXDAMAGED-I like your new name for us! 

[[Rx...]]

IwishIknew, glad you liked the name, the no informed consent whatsoever club.

 

Imbga, IwishIknew is a very nice buddie too.

 

Now watch a bunch of other buddies post below who I've never interacted with.  So, I will therefore write in advance, they are all very nice. 

 

 

[[Iw...]]

RX

As I mentioned before you have not lost your sense of humor!  Your a good Buddie too!

[[Rx...]]

Thank you, IwishIknew.

[[Iw...]]