Is anyone taking Klonopin or Xanax long term (addicted?)

I know this sounds bad, but when I first started on Remeron two months ago at 15mg (smallest dose) the Psychiatrist also prescribed 0.5 twice a day of Klonopin (anti-anxiety).  He said just to take it until the Remeron "kicks in".  I have never taken anti anxiety meds before, and have always suffered from depression and anxiety.  Needless to say..wow..this Klonopin is good stuff.  Thought to myself that it would be no problem getting off it when the Remeron kicks in for anxiety.  Well, it has been two months and the Remeron is working great for anxiety, but I still feel the depression in the background and have started on the Klonopin I had left over.  I took two today and it took away the depression and I am feeling good.  My Psychiatrist wants me to increase the Remeron which I will do, but I am now afraid I have become "addicted" to Klonopin..and sometimes I even think about taking it if we are expecting heavy snow, and I hate driving in snow..I get real anxious.  Then I think - I will keep taking it until the new job starts next Monday..and perhaps a bit thereafter..I feel pathetic..as this stuff is very good..but I know I should not be taking it long term like this (two months - going on three months).  Does anyone have a similar experience or problem?  Then I think..if I get in a wreck..I will have a Klonopin to take the edge off - or any other "emergency"..yikes!

I keep hearing of Doctors that won't prescribe Xanax to their patients as it is a very addictive drug. If they do, they only prescribe it for a few weeks or months at the most. I have never heard of Xanax being used as a sleeping aid, over sleeping pills. I thought it was more of an anti-anxiety medication than a sleeping aid. That is interesting.

Well, thanks makes me feel better...because I am only taking 0.5 a day..so maybe I am not addicted or abusing it (is that another word for addicted?) after all..not quite sure. Thanks so much for writing back.

Rianna,
During the day I take something called Calms Forte. Their are two formulas, one for nerves and one for sleep. They both work for daytime stress. I take 2 a day a few hours apart. I wasn't sure they were working until I was driving one day and someone did something extremely stupid and I didn't have one bit of hostility, anxiety or anger. I was caaaaaaalllllmmmmmm. Try it, you can get it at Walmart or any health food store. Only about $5.

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Fibromyagia since 1997

Osteoarthritis

Bi-lateral Cervical Radiculopathy from C4-C8

Bi-lateral Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Bi-lateral Ulnar Neuropathy

Costochondritis

Cervical cancer-in remission

Depression w/anxiety attacks

Meds:

Wellbutrin

Xanax

Ultram

Plus vitamins and herbs

Accupuncture

Doctors want me on more meds but every single thing gives me awful side effects.

Yeah, the drops never worked for me either. I've gotten used to having to take pills throughout the day. I still forget but even if you take just one in the morning, you start the day out calmer. Let me know if they work for you.

---

Fibromyagia since 1997

Osteoarthritis

Bi-lateral Cervical Radiculopathy from C4-C8

Bi-lateral Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Bi-lateral Ulnar Neuropathy

Costochondritis

Cervical cancer-in remission

Depression w/anxiety attacks

Meds:

Wellbutrin

Xanax

Ultram

Plus vitamins and herbs

Accupuncture

Doctors want me on more meds but every single thing gives me awful side effects.

Just looked at a website on Calms Forte, to see what was in it and it said it is mostly used as a sleep aid, and for "simple" nervous tension during the day. It sounds very sedating. I am afraid it will make me sleepy during the day while I am at work...