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Protracted Benzo withdrawal

Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Feb 23 2:44pm | Replies (329)

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@lorraine59

He did not suggest any other medications and unfortunately, I do need him to refer me to a psychiatrist! I asked him if he remembered why he put me on this med all those years ago, and he told me I must have had trauma in my childhood. So now I still have the underlying issues and severe anxiety, on top of major withdrawal! Freaking out

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Replies to "He did not suggest any other medications and unfortunately, I do need him to refer me..."

Perhaps you should ask about using an antidepressant that specifically deals with anxiety to help you with the withdrawal. Read some of the posts that are here and see what they have to say. Here is a post written by a Mayo pharmacist about withdrawing from benzos. This was written some time ago to another member who was in a similar process as you.

"The goal to be “addiction-free” is admirable! I commend your motivation to improve.
Taking antidepressants for MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) and GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) shouldn’t be considered “addictions.” Antidepressants aren’t addictive, but missing doses or stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal-like symptoms including sudden worsening of depression. MDD and GAD are often chronic diseases that can require lifelong treatment. Sometimes people feel so much better with treatment they think they don’t need treatment any more. Your clinician can help you try to taper off safely. Communication with your healthcare provider is important in providing a personalized taper and options for resuming therapy, if needed.
Extra care should be taken regarding tapering from clonazepam. It will be important for you to get tapering instructions from your psychiatrist. Withdrawal from benzodiazepines like clonazepam can be serious and may include tremors, anxiety, sweating, psychosis and seizures. The onset and severity of withdrawal depends on the which drug was used, for how long and other patient specific factors. If needed, you could ask about less addictive anti-anxiety medications."