tbs14 Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 I suffer from generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. I've tried about all the non benzo options and am feeling stuck. I was wondering which benzos give the best around the clock coverage because I don't want to be constantly waiting for my next dose. I don't need a prn but I need something that will keep my baseline anxiety low. I've heard that Xanax IR kinda gives a peaks and valleys effect so maybe the XR would be a good option. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looking for answers Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 klonopin, valium long acting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooster Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 I got switched from lorazepam to clonazepam after a months long slow-to-warm-up-to-the-idea process. it was a helpful change for me. it was also really helpful to do non-pharm interventions like increasing my physical activity, dramatically cutting back caffeine (1-2 cups coffee MAX and only before noon ever), eating more fruit and vegetables, and active forms of meditation like mindful walking and yoga, and a nice dose of acceptance and commitment therapy coupled with sertraline, which seemed to help a lot with intrusive thoughts You probably know this already. Benzos are really only good for addressing symptoms and won’t ever get at causes, and are best used as a lifeline med or in conjunction with other forms of anxiety treatment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HydroCat Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 Clonazepam is the longest acting of the benzos (without extended release techniques) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notloki Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 Klonopin is my choice as it does not make me sleepy, works well on anxiety, and I can take it once a day. I've tried the longer acting Valium (makes my sleepy) and Tranxene. With Klonopin once or twice a day dosing will eliminate any peaks or valleys in blood level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 I think I had better luck with Valium as far as overall relaxing effect but this was accompanied by more sedation as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notloki Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Iceberg said: I think I had better luck with Valium as far as overall relaxing effect but this was accompanied by more sedation as well Yep, Valium metabolizes to temazepam (Restoril) a sleeping med. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbs14 Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 Has anyone taken ativan daily? Isn't it considered a short acting medication. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancesintherain Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 I take 2mg of Ativan at bedtime and 0.5mg of Ativan in the morning. I don’t think it’s a typical distribution, but it works for my needs. I recently added Luvox and I honestly think that’s helping to reduce the anxiety during the day, which is why I don’t need much in the morning. i think it’s considered mid-range. For what you’re asking for, however, I agree that klonopin makes the most sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbs14 Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 Thank you!!! 4 minutes ago, dancesintherain said: I take 2mg of Ativan at bedtime and 0.5mg of Ativan in the morning. I don’t think it’s a typical distribution, but it works for my needs. I recently added Luvox and I honestly think that’s helping to reduce the anxiety during the day, which is why I don’t need much in the morning. i think it’s considered mid-range. For what you’re asking for, however, I agree that klonopin makes the most sense. Thank you!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unstrung Harp Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 I agree with the Klonopin because of its longish half-life. Meditation sometimes works for me. I use an app (Insight Timer) , and am currently doing a course on the app on controlling obsessive thinking, and another on letting go. Sometimes I spin my wheels the whole way through, and sometimes they really help. And sometimes just the breathing in and out of meditation helps calm my mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted February 22, 2019 Share Posted February 22, 2019 I sometimes take the Xanax XR- but I've found that doc's dose it like its Ir (like .5 or 1 mg) when it's really supposed to be closer to your overall daily dose). Ex. I always take 2mg XR even tho my ir dose is 1 mg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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