I don't know if I asked this but can AAPs replace the use of benzos?

[netsavy006]

The long term plan is for my pdoc adjust my Clozaril up to 300mg/d and to get me off of Xanax.

The pdoc doesn't like me on Xanax cuz he feels that it's like a "crutch" and while I know I need an anti-anxiety pill for right now, if I can get off of it in the future, that would be good so I wouldn't have to be taking a benzo 4x/day.

But the issue that this question comes is, is it possible for an AAP to replace the use of a regular use of a benzo?

The benzo would be gradually deceased as to not cause withdrawal symptoms, but I don't want to be off of them, and then having panic attacks again.

Would the increased Clozaril have a benefit?

I hope what I wrote is understandable.

Thanks,

Andy.

[SashaSue]

I think AAP's do help some people with anxiety symptoms, but I think it varies a good bit from person to person.

I think you're more likely to successfully address anxiety through therapy, than through AAP's.

[tryp]

I ended up on AAPs instead of benzos for anxiety, but it was because I can't take benzos at all. I've found Seroquel to be a really good calmer-downer, personally. The AAPs are all a little different though, so only time will tell if Clozaril will help with your anxiety. Like Sasha said, therapy is a better bet for an anxiety solution.

[Velvet Elvis]

IMHO, benzos are best used prn for anxiety since you develop a tolerance pretty quickly when you take them daily so they don't do as much anyway. I take clon. daily but that's for sleep and it has a long enough half life to where it helps my anxiety some the following day, but not to the same degree as if I were taking it prn.

[Klaein]

The long term plan is for my pdoc adjust my Clozaril up to 300mg/d and to get me off of Xanax.

The pdoc doesn't like me on Xanax cuz he feels that it's like a "crutch" and while I know I need an anti-anxiety pill for right now, if I can get off of it in the future, that would be good so I wouldn't have to be taking a benzo 4x/day.

But the issue that this question comes is, is it possible for an AAP to replace the use of a regular use of a benzo?

The benzo would be gradually deceased as to not cause withdrawal symptoms, but I don't want to be off of them, and then having panic attacks again.

Would the increased Clozaril have a benefit?

I hope what I wrote is understandable.

Thanks,

Andy.

I find I need less benzo when on an antipsychotic.When I was on Risperdal I used to take it twice a day at the same time as with with my Klonopin (like .5 mg Risperdal with 1 mg Klonopin) and they had a very nice synergistic effect.

I might go on it again if my pdoc will let me be on two antipsychotics (on Seroquel right now). Does it completely eliminate my need for them?... , no, but they do help.

Clozaril is a very effective med so if your anxiety originates from psychosis if would most def. help.

[netsavy006]

I hate to revive an old thread but the question is appropriate to the discussion in place, but what if I make it to the 300mg per day dose of Clozaril and it doesn't completely help my anxiety once I get off of benzos. What other options do I have? (other than CBT therapy which I will continue of course). Are there other options?

I hate to think about my medication at Christmas time but I feel myself kind of "regressing" if that makes since.

I've been reverting and I don't know why. I've been online looking up meds again, and stuff like that. I was doing real good and now I'm back to my old habits and I don't know why.

But I'm hoping I can re-master my old habits soon.

(trying to control it right now through listening to music on youtube).

But if you could please answer my question, I'd still appreciate it.

Thanks,

Andy.

[LynnK]

I think if we answer your question at this point we'd only be enabling your bad habits. Good that you're trying to distract yourself with music. Go enjoy the holidays!

[SashaSue]

Given that obsessive behaviors are generally anxiety driven, It's really not surprising that they're returning while you're tapering your benzo.

[AnneMarie]

I agree with Sasha, Andy. You are lowering Xanax, right? That probably has your anxiety up. To sooth your anxiety, you are falling into an old pattern -researching meds.

When you see your pdoc again, ask about alternatives. Write a note to youself to do so. By writing the note and keeping it somewhere you'll find for your appointment, you are doing all you can productively do about the question. That is, you've got that base covered. You can let go of the compulsion and move on to something else.

I think you already know the alternatives. Maybe when you write the question out, you include a list of meds you think might help and then put the question away.