Alternative to Klonopin/clonazepam

My new psychiatrist requires my previous psychiatrist to write a letter stating that she (the new psych) can prescribe Klonopin for me. I don't know why.

The previous psych isn't responding. I can't get through to him.

I know that medicine affects everyone differently, but do you take an anti-anxiety drug other than Klonopin that works well for you?

I've been on Klonopin for over 20 years. It has not done anything to reduce my anxiety in many, many years, but I am physically addicted to it. None of the standard anti-anxiety meds have ever helped me, so I take an AP for anxiety...Trilafon (perphenazine). It's pretty helpful.

Propranolol, it acts on the physical reactions of anxiety and is widely used by performance people as it does not impair performance or mood. Nor is it addictive

Thanks, @namu.

Ya know, I don't know if it's doing me any good either. I am still plenty anxious. I guess I've been hoping it would work when truthfully it isn't.

I'll take a look at Trilafon. Thanks, @BethRags.

Quote:

Originally Posted by imaginethat Ya know, I don't know if it's doing me any good either. I am still plenty anxious. I guess I've been hoping it would work when truthfully it isn't. I'll take a look at Trilafon. Thanks, @BethRags.

Antipsychotics are sometimes used as off-label antianxiety meds, if the anxiety is severe and not helped by the standard antianxiety meds.

I happen to be on Latuda, an AP, but it's not helping the anxiety right now. It helps for other maladies though.

Well there is Propranolol as Nammu said.

Also....

Buspar

Gabapentin

Visteral ( altho for some people this is too sedating)

And some people that can tolerate a SSRI's ( not everyone with Bipolar can take as it can bring on a Manic episode)

Many Pdoc's are getting people off Benzo's as there are some studies that show it can cause early forms of Dementia, but I also think that Big pharma has a variety of brand new shiny medications coming down the pipeline to replace them and also since they will be new they will be expensive.

My fear is that if Medical providers do take people off Benzos that many will turn to Alcohol and Street drugs for some relief which in my opinion is much worse than taking a Benzo.

I use gabapentin. Some people find it helpful and others don't. I am still on klonopin and trying to taper off between painful life events that prevent steady tapers but I think the gabapentin does help me quite a bit even if I'm still on the klonopin.

Thanks, @BeyondtheRainbow. I'll do some reading about Gabapentin.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think you're right about some people using street drugs and alcohol instead of benzos. I wonder if alcohol and drugs are cheaper than the cost of benzos with no health insurance.

I used to be on a benzo (or even up to two benzos, including Klonopin), but thankfully managed to get off them. Now I only have short acting Ativan as an "as needed" only. I use it infrequently.

As was mentioned, propranolol could be a medication to ask about. It is a beta blocker, not a benzo. If it would help, know that many people consider it side effect free. I had no known side effects from it. None.

Always practice anxiety coping skills, on or off anxiety meds.

Good to know about the lack of propranolol side effects for many people! I definitely do prefer to practice my coping skills. Sometimes they don't work though.

Years ago my husband was on Xanax .50mg twice a day and he had no insurance and I want to say it was 20 something a month??

People would surely pay more for alcohol or drugs over a month long period.

Its the same taking people off pain meds that aren't abusing them and have a true need for them.. My T has told me he's lost numerous clients over the last few years to accidental OD due to dirty street drugs.