My T wants me to go to my MD to ask for a prescription to take as needed when my anxiety gets too high or the flashbacks are too much. I resisted for a long time, but now I'm thinking he's right. So, I'm going to make an appointment with my MD next week. I can't see a Pdoc, because I believe I've used up my mental health benefits with my T appointments. I'm guessing my MD will give me what I ask for....so should I ask for xanax (my T's recommendation) or klonopin (what I'm leaning towards) or something else??

For the record, I DO have a history of addiction. Which is one of the reasons I was trying to avoid taking this step....but sometimes the anxiety level/flashback crap is just ridiculous and makes it impossible for me to be a good mom to my three boys.

Any advice???

Thanks!

[splitimage]

Can't comment on Xanax as never taken it. I'm taking klonopin as an anti anxiety med, and I'm an alcoholic, but I've had no addiction problems with the klonopin. It's fairly long lasting, so you don't get sudden anxiety spikes with it, and I find it doesn't make me drowsy.

If flash backs are a problem or full blown panic attacks you might want to consider Ativan. It's the fastest acting benzo so is really good if you need fast action. But it's also the most addictive, so Dr.'s are really hesitant to prescribe it to people with addiction histories.

--splitimage

[serafim_etal]

xanax works very quickly...but also wears off suddenly and quickly...sometimes before the anxiety has actuall diminished...which often causes one to reach for another xanax, which increases the addiction potential. Klonopin didn't work for me, but works for many people. I take ativan if the anxiety is headed fro panic...and inderol to prevent anxiety if I know I am going to be in a situation where I need to be calm (ish) but also need to function well...like giving a presentation in school. Inderol is a beta blocker taht is used a lot in performance anxiety...non-adicting. Anyway...there's a couple more options for you to explore.

[Stiv]

Well good luck if you're able to walk right in and say "Oh hai doc I get anxious and need you to give me somtheing for it, I was thinking Klonopin should do the trick k thanks bye!"

Particularly with any kind of addiction history, that is of course if you admit to it if they don't already know about it. I'm actually kind of surprised your therapist gave you the ok instead of saying "Get a treadmill".

Buspar is the only thing they will without reservation write up for me. It isn't perfect but it works in a pinch. I've long ago gotten over the resentment of seeing all my "Functional alcoholic" friends and aquaitenances get scripts for all sorts of benzos just because they get anxious or can't sleep *even with the booze*!

It all catches up sooner or later.

[chalmette70043]

I was first put on xanax by my internal med doc. This med worked at times by didnt help in the long run. Flashbacks were abound and i was at a point of running my truck into something just to end it all.

Then i found a pdoc who took me off the xanax and put me on the klono. It really helped in the beginning, but as of late i notice its effect sort of weening off. He keeps asking me about if its helping and he thinks its helping enough at this time. I'm still having flashbacks but they are as prominent as before.

As far as having an addiction problem. I'm an alcoholic and addict. I so far havent had a problem with getting addicted to this med. I follow my pdoc's direction of taking one at night and one in the morning. I've told him sometimes i do take a half during the day if my anger takes over and i have a hard time calming it down. He said that is fine.

I think you should go with the klono. It takes a little longer to hit you, but in the long run seems to work better than the short lived xanax.

Good luck with your decision.

chalmette

Been on both--Xanax for 17 years at the same dosage to help me sleep at night. Was "allowed" by doc to take it during the day, but it knocked me out so I just rode my anxiety out during the day, being very familiar with the chest pains, feelings of unreality, panic & paralysis as to what to do next (being overwhelmed by decisions & life, I guess). Maybe 4 times a year it was so severe that I had to take it during the day & just planned that the day was going to be worthless.

But then had a relapse (bipolar 1), went into a deep depression & ODed on Xanax, wine, everything in my medicine chest--lots.

So doc now has me on klonopin. So far so good. I take it as prescribed at night. Maybe twice in the last year I've had to take it during the day & it basically knocks me out. One way to get rid of the anxiety & panic, I guess.

Neither one seems addictive to me as they just calm me down & then make me sleepy (which I don't like) so I don't get the "high" or whatever it is that people get who get addicted to them. Purely medicinal for me.

From my "comparision tests" I probably think the klonopin is better (though it is a toss up).--Suzy

Thanks everyone for your replies. Gives me a lot to think about! I think the "rebound anxiety" after the xanax scares me, so I'm leaning towards klonopin, IF my doc will give it to me.

I appreciate your help

Apologize for not using the trigger icon in my post. I haven't been posting here much in the last year or so & I forgot. I hope I didn't cause anyone any distress & I will try to be more careful in the future.--Suzy

[PsyChris]

I think in light of your history of addiction Klonopin is a better option than Xanax.

You can develop physical dependence on both, but Klonopin usually takes longer. Your PMD will not keep you on either long enough for that happen.

Do you have a good relationship with your pdoc? Some doctor's are very wary of writing for benzos or anything that could be abused without a reason that fits into the "medical model" of things. It may help to have some written support from your therapist.

I'm not sure if pdoc means doctor of psychiatry or personal doctor lol. A psychiatrist should be more receptive than a personal or family doctor.

I use pdoc to mean psychiatrist.--Suzy