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

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Posted 11/9/2005 7:05 PM (GMT -6)
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!
Posted 11/9/2005 8:05 PM (GMT -6)
I've been taking Xanax for 5-6 years. I only take .25 to .5 mg at night to help me sleep. I don't like to take it during the day, I take a homeopathic remedy for nerves which seems to work quite well. I don't think I'm addicted but I can't sleep well if I don't take it. The doctor hasn't wanted to try anything else.
Posted 11/10/2005 6:58 PM (GMT -6)
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.
Posted 11/10/2005 7:56 PM (GMT -6)
Rianna,
I think I don't sleep because of anxiety. My doctors have never had problems prescribing it because I take a small amount and they know I'm not abusing it. I remember one doctor saying if I was on 3-4 mg a day, that would raise a red flag but since I only use .25-.5 mg a day, they don't worry. Everything else I take for sleep is herbal or homeopathic.
I've tried sleeping pills and they have the complete opposite effect on me. I stay wired and up all night. Strange.
Posted 11/10/2005 8:22 PM (GMT -6)
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.
Posted 11/10/2005 8:27 PM (GMT -6)
I think what I really need to do is a way to try to treat the anxiety without relying on Klonopin..but I have read just about every self help book and workbook out there. I have tried deep breathing exercises..but I still can't get rid of anxiety and constant worry. The Remeron has helped a great deal, but I worry that I still feel I need to take the Klonopin when anxious to "take the edge off". I wish I knew of an anxiety and worry program that is not expensive and works!
Posted 11/10/2005 8:35 PM (GMT -6)
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.
Posted 11/10/2005 8:40 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks - will look into this. I used to get the homeopathic remedies (where you put the drops under your tongue) when I worked at a Chiropracters office, but they did not help me much, and I didn't like having to keep taking the drops several times throughout the day. I would feel weird doing this at work, or when I driving in a car, ,etc. I am the kind of person that just wants to take one pill a day, instead of all these herbs, three times a day..etc. I think the homeopathic remedies were called "Bach Remedies"..but they were never strong enough..will look into them again..
Posted 11/10/2005 8:52 PM (GMT -6)
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.
Posted 11/10/2005 9:06 PM (GMT -6)
I am going to the health food store tomorrow to pick up some Cod liver oil - I have heard this is good for depression. I will see how it works, will also pick up a bottle of the Calm Homeopathic remdedy, that you recommended. I will look for the pill form. Do you know what ingredients are in Calms Forte? I will have to research to make sure this is safe. Thanks again for all your help.
Posted 11/10/2005 9:16 PM (GMT -6)
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...
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