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hottiefromky
Member
Reged: 05/29/03
Posts: 149
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This may be a redundant question and maybe in the wrong forum, but, what is all the hype about the benzos, addiction and strict regulation? The reason I tried benzos in the first place was because of recent life changes/stresses and having some anxiety back in the summer/fall, so, when I went took my first OP consult, Id thought Id ask for some along with my other meds. Well, after research, family history, my job, etc, I knew that benzos were highly prone to addiction, but really wasnt sure why, so I wanted to be careful. I knew that opiates were known for their euphoria and was assuming this was the case for benzos and was told from others that when I took my first dose to stay home because they affect everyone differently. Ive had family members swear by them for years and even have a few I believe with addiction problems now, but that is a whole other story. Well, I was first prescribed the short acting Xanax and felt nothing for my anxiety and stress and they only made me sleepy. So, after my 2nd consult, I explained this to my doctor and was then given Valium instead. Well, Valium had the same affect, didnt help and just made me sleepy. Not that I was looking for some euphoric high or great mood-alternating drug, but when I heard all the hype of addiction, I am just not understanding the reasoning. Maybe its my body chemistry and another benzo would be different, maybe I just got 2 poor and old shipments of meds, but, what is the reasoning and feeling that most people get from benzos that do make them so addictive and dangerous with withdraws? Could it be because I have been taking hydro and opiates that has increased my tolerance to benzos also and make them ineffective for me? Or have others had the same reaction? Maybe its a good thing I dont get the feeling that others experience from these so I dont get any addictive tendencies, but, I just have 2 or 3 refills of each sitting around getting old and useless and just curious why these are so highly regulated and controlled by OPs and state government when I dont see them doing anything for me or helping my anxiety or stress as intended. Just wanted to get the experience from others or maybe suggestions on what else I could try for my anxiety besides these 2?
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Julz
Enthusiast
Reged: 11/17/03
Posts: 222
Loc: NJ Shore
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Hottie~
You are correct in saying that meds effect everyone differently. While you state Xanax did nothing to/for you, I can't take it because it makes me an absolute monster the next day. For someone else, it might be the perfect answer to anxiety.
I was on Paxil for awhile, gained 30+ lbs., and had to taper off very slowly. The best way I can describe Benzo wd's is that my brain felt like it was nauseas, when I tried to quit Paxil cold turkey. You have to remember that these drugs do work on chemicals in the brain, and are very dangerous to stop taking abruptly.
I went to my PCP today, and she recommended Lexapro. I am a bit hesitant about starting it, with my past reactions to both Xanax and Paxil. The Paxil worked great for about 5 months, then did a wicked turnaround on me.
There are so many different drugs now for Anxiety; you really have to figure out which one works best for you. I think I might just stick with the L-Tyrosine & B6 I've been taking daily for the past year or so now. But again, that is me- I hope you find what works best for you!
Best of luck!!!
Peace,
Julz
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Love never fails. 1Cor 13:8
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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Benzodiazepines cause severe physical dependence that can cause death if abruptly discontinued. I avoid them like the plague...but...
After a serious car accident many years ago I had such severe muscle spasms that drugs like Flexeril/Norflex/Soma did nothing to alleviate. My doctor prescribed Xanax and it was heaven as far as the muscle spasms went, but it also was very sedating. I ended up taking it at night before bed and only rarely during the day. I took it for about 6 months and then decided to discontinue use (even though it was a Godsend for the muscle spasms) because I was afraid of the dependence issues. I did not suffer ANY withdrawal when I discontinued use and I have counted myself lucky to have escaped from them so easily.
I don't believe that benzos are widely known for causing euphoria. They are known, however, for their antianxiolytic and sedating properties. So I don't believe your reaction to them was too unusual. And, with time, some of these side effects are less pronounced.
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Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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qwrt
Journeyman
Reged: 12/09/03
Posts: 60
Loc: USA
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Julz,
just to be clear...Xanax is a Benzo...but Paxil is NOT
Paxil is an SSRI...which is very different.
Withdrawal from SSRIs is much different than from benzos.
Lexapro is also an SSRI
Quote:
Hottie~
YI was on Paxil for awhile, gained 30+ lbs., and had to taper off very slowly. The best way I can describe Benzo wd's is that my brain felt like it was nauseas, when I tried to quit Paxil cold turkey.
(snip)
I went to my PCP today, and she recommended Lexapro. I am a bit hesitant about starting it, with my past reactions to both Xanax and Paxil.
(snip)
Peace,
Julz
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potatoboy99
Permanent Fixture
Reged: 02/04/03
Posts: 1200
Loc: Deep North (East)
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Night shade is right, benzos are not known for the same feeling of euphoria that opiate/opioids are. They are known for a quickly spreading feeling of calm and relaxation, which is what they are supposed to do. Relief of anxiety. Drowsiness is not uncommon, many people take them to help sleep
But many people quickly become dependant on benzos, and tolerance builds fast. The withdrawl is notably unpleasant in terms of what some call "rebound anxiety", in other words all the anxiety that you got rid of by taking valium or xanax or ativan comes back full force when you stop.
Plus stopping benzos cold turkey can and often does induce seizures, and these can be life threatening. You MUST taper off a benzo dependancy.
And as qwrt points out, it's important to know which drugs are benzos. The common ones discussed here on the boards are Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin, in all their various generic and brand names. Xanax is known to be among the toughest to kick, with the reccomendation that the patient switch to valium and taper off that.
hottiefromky, good for you if you can leave your benzo scripts in the drawer. If you don't need em, don't take em.
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tone
Veteran
Reged: 06/29/03
Posts: 531
Loc: Chicago
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no, you didnt get poor shipment of xanax, i got it from an american pharmacy because im prescribed it, you are right, it does nothing for anxiety and stress and all it does is make you feel tired and lousey and increase your depression, its useless.
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Julz
Enthusiast
Reged: 11/17/03
Posts: 222
Loc: NJ Shore
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qwrt~
Oopsie on my part- I stand corrected, thank you! 
Peace,
Julz
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Love never fails. 1Cor 13:8
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carrigaline
Journeyman
Reged: 01/22/03
Posts: 82
Loc: So Cal
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For some people xanax is very effective. It did not work well for me. I took it to help me relax but, believe it or not, it made me edgy and irritable. I'm sure individual body chemistry must have something to do with it. Even though I only took it for a short period of time I experienced very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
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Listvoer
Board Addict
Reged: 01/14/04
Posts: 389
Loc: New America
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Just for the other side of the coin... for me, as a generally high-strung person and a bit of a misanthrope, benzos are a godsend. For me, when I take a xanax or 2 I go from wired-nervous to talkative and relaxed with not really a "buzz" to speak of, just a calm and relaxed feeling that I sometimes wonder if it's how "normal" people feel all the time. They do make you sleepy at first, but after a short period that wears off. At the moment I take 4 mg Rivitrol(Klonipin//clonazepam) daily and it makes the difference between wanting to just sit inside the house all day vs doing something productive and being social. SSRIs did nada for me, neither did the tricyclicics. Gotta watch out for that creeping tolerance/dependance, but other than that I have found benzos to be quiet a blessing when I need them.
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Due to PM spam I rarely check mine so if you send me one, make sure to let me know...
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mermaid72000
Member
Reged: 01/19/04
Posts: 125
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xanax made me feel really gross like edgy and wanting to act mean, maybe i am a mean person lol!!! i am now on a low dose of klonopin first medicine in years that has actually calmed me down and not put me down like xanax and valium. my dr is working with me and we both agreed 30 days max and then taper. i am having a series of situational anxiety hit all at once and i am lucky the dr i have understands this.
carol
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carrigaline
Journeyman
Reged: 01/22/03
Posts: 82
Loc: So Cal
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I'm glad you've found a medication that works well for your anxiety and helps you live a comfortable life. So often we have to try out several different meds before we find the one that works for us. What a difference it makes.
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tone
Veteran
Reged: 06/29/03
Posts: 531
Loc: Chicago
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all benzos are horrible garbage good for making you feel worse. do you know how opioids work? they work by DECREASING GABA activity so dopamine neurons can fire more vigoriously. of course, benzos are the exact oppisite, they are GABA agonists which attenuate dopamine and other activity, no wonder they feel so lousy.
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starchild
Newbie
Reged: 03/02/04
Posts: 31
Loc: Northeast
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Well, I suppose that it depends on what you are taking them for-when I have anxiety, get home from work after a very long day (and I dont have a hottub!) then my xanex is a godsend. I want to be calm, I need to be calm. Codeine does not give me that "rush" when I am pain, since it is actually working on making me think I am not in pain. So as I said initially, depends on why you are taking them..
On another note, Hottie, I am also on Lexapro, just started about 6 months ago. I was on Celexa before that for 2 years with not such great results. I am really happy with the Lexapro. It is much stronger then the Celexa with fewer side effects. I have found it to be quite effective, but again, the drug is made specifically to balence you out by making the seratonin work for you.
Good luck with it, least you can do is try it out. And remember you have to give it time at least 3 months for the full effects.
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"All who wander are not lost" - J.R. Tolkien
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Seano
Journeyman
Reged: 11/11/03
Posts: 84
Loc: Shelbyville
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Quote:
all benzos are horrible garbage good for making you feel worse. do you know how opioids work? they work by DECREASING GABA activity so dopamine neurons can fire more vigoriously. of course, benzos are the exact oppisite, they are GABA agonists which attenuate dopamine and other activity, no wonder they feel so lousy.
Well, if you have ever suffered a full-bore panic attack, one so awful that your hands are sweaty in 40 degree weather, your heart is racing fast enough to give you hot flashes and trembling limbs, and you wonder if you are either going so insane that you might require hospitalization or if you might simply die on the spot from sheer terror, you might look at these medications a tad differently.
There are many theories out there about anxiety. One currently in vogue explains that the disorder might be caused by inner ear balance problems. Another explains that it is purely psychological. Yet another explains that diet and exercise play a major role.
Are benzos addictive ? Of course they are. So is beer. So is coffee. So is marijuana. So is the Internet. So is sex. Do benzos help some people lead normal, productive lives ? Guess. Are some people capable of monitoring their intake of these chemicals, knowing full well the inherent addictive danger ?
Maybe.
I personally find them to be a necessary evil, and I indeed keep the dose as low and as infrequent as I can stand. But if it's a choice between getting to work or whatever and anxiety so horrible that you cannot even make it out the door, well, what you you choose ? Many people have to balance job situations that do nothing but get more tenuous daily, school, and eveything else while they come up with the rent, and taking a long break to breathe deeply and meditate is simply not possible, or enough. Thus the anti-stress and anxiety meds...
Like many have stated, alprazolam knocks a panic attack dead in it's tracks, but has such a short half life that addiction is quick and nasty. Use it sparingly with great caution.
Lorazepam is more subtle, and Diazepam is one of the oldest of the bunch, and thus farely unrefined and "rough." Some people get very, very pugnacious with this one, esp. when they mix it with alcohol.
Clonazepam seems to be much longer acting, just as potent as alprazolam, with less nasty withdrawls. And easier to taper off with.
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tone
Veteran
Reged: 06/29/03
Posts: 531
Loc: Chicago
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you are right, severe panic attacks where you have to be sedated to an extent are the other good use for them, besides sleep. i have had panic attacks before and its not fun. benzos could also be an antidote for someone who took a drug like LSD and is having a hard time.
as far as anxiety and social anxiety, they arent that great... i suppose thats why paxil and other SSRIs are being approved for anxeity and social anxiety but for me personally, SSRI makes things worse....
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AvpdMatt
Journeyman
Reged: 11/10/03
Posts: 63
Loc: stress land
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Quote:
all benzos are horrible garbage good for making you feel worse. do you know how opioids work? they work by DECREASING GABA activity so dopamine neurons can fire more vigoriously. of course, benzos are the exact oppisite, they are GABA agonists which attenuate dopamine and other activity, no wonder they feel so lousy.
Benzo Hype?
Right benzos garbage?
Get this,
(Bit long winded and I hope it makes some sence and justifies the benifits of benzos in my case V's)
I have a condition , Gender Dysphoria and AVPD (LOL GREAT).
I'm giving away a lot of personal detail here (not sure its a good thing? but what the hell!) as you guys at DB's with your knowlige of good and bad IOP's have helped me start to get my life back on track.
Anyways, in danger of getting long winded (yawn)
I'll get on with my point.
I Tryed like hell since childhood every single day constantly to be 'Normal', I lived a completely sham life(in my family gays etc were an object of ridicule, so I learnt to act and had to do it well!)
Now I was popular and resonably happy on the outside there again on the inside I was massively confused , the thought of confiding in anyone made me feel Terrified/Sick to the stomach with fear and self loathing.But I held it down.
Anyway the rave scene took off 88-92 big time ,I was 17yrs old all my mates were into it in a big way , obviously E's , whizz , charlie, acid, puff etc, went hand in hand with the scene,as did a lot of sex (um confusing), and non stop dancing.
Now wanting to be 'normal' if there is such a thing? and to be 'like them' in my imature eyes (at the time) I started going along , trouble was, what ever I consumed and it was seriously a lot made me not be able to continue my oscar perforance life , so I gessed if I took more than neccesary ie 5 or 6 e's , think nothing of timeboming 5 or 6 grams whizz just for starters thought it would make my probs go away (what a muppet) and I'd have fun like them.(big big mistake).Anyways 2 ozeys of puff and an ouzey of whizz was soon on the cards per week.
Anyways stupid way to deal with these probs but was young and frankly a stupid Best kept off the board idiot.
Now this caused a Brain best kept off the board head wreaking problem worst than my first big prob.
Enter AVPD, Avoident/Anxious Personality Disorder/ its similar to Social Phobia, but magnify SP a hundred times,
Basically it is an intence fear of people (not good their everywhere), even writing on this board is scary (crazy but I need to put accross the benifits of benzos)
As I was saying (getting boring, sorry but relivance will be in here somewhere( I hope)
I Kicked the best kept off the board drugs 10 yrs ago (after 100's of attempts)
Now the 'AVPD' (nice little prob NOT) has made me housebound , shun everyone apart from people I regard as 'safe' (who like me , um 2 people who now the true me),obviously life has been very boring and lonely not to mention depressing, I hav'nt chose this way of life this is just the way it is!I have let this go on now for 13/14 yrs.
3 friends from my past have recently written to me but due to my avoidence I'd like to contact them (fear of people/not being able to risk telling them the truth/ not worth contacting them /Rejection /could'nt handle it, besides don't like lying)as I'd like to be friends with them and be able to be with people anyway (I' m not a happy loner) especially as one was an old girlfriend(more confusion) who I was in love with and still am(don't know what to do? , (dilema) , got it in my head though youve got to look after num 1 so best get help first.
Now the important bit,
Since taking v's , the best benzo in my book I have gone to see a phchitrist (last Tuesday (unfinkable before,due to uncntrollable fear), they helped point me in the right direction , instead of sitting and hiding from my probs I booked an appointment on this Wednesday to see a phcologist and councillers to proceed and get help.And I intend to go on my own (something else I've not done for 13/14yrs) ,Also I went out to a shop for the first time in 13/14yrs(felt well weird , but was well glad I did it)
Now benzos are obviously addicting as with any drug, soon you need more and more to maintain the initial felling , but when you have a major anxiety problem that stops you being able to function in any way and you are in a constant state of fear and panic, they can slow down a super fast acting nervious system ,they are a serious must, antidepressents ssri's if thats what they are called which I was once prescribed 10yrs ago (last time I went to a doc)by a twig of a GP make someone who is in constant anxious state go even more mental .
Basiclly benzos are helping me ,they don't give me any euphoric feelings they just slow down my mind so I can think straight. The first time in years all thanks to finding this website (by pure accident).
Obviously all drugs are junk but to me benzos are a must.
Thanks if you read throw this (and forgive my spelling mistakes)
Best to all
Matty.
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kittie74
Board Addict
Reged: 02/16/04
Posts: 310
Loc: Hollywood
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Matty
I just wanted to say that we're here to support each other. You're among friends and people who can relate. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. You've made a really positive step going to get counseling. And if you've found medication that helps with your condition, then thank God for it. I also found this website accidentally and am so happy I did. Nice to have you here. Sometimes that all it takes to make your day a little easier, just a few words of encouragement.
Kittie
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lastyls
Member
Reged: 05/25/03
Posts: 190
Loc: Usa
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Hi Matty, Kittie responded nicely to your post and I agree and am with her in this. We are here 'for each other' and this is what is great about the internet! With the internet you can 'speak freely and with anonimity,' without the anxieties! I just wanted to let you know that I'm here too, and I think everyone will agree, that's what this board is about! Please keep us in touch, and if you need anything or just need to talk with someone, feel free to PM me. Take care, lastyls 
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lastyls
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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Matty-
As with any medication, the results vary person to person. In your case, they have given you a life you can live hopefully without suffering terribly from AVPD and other things. If Valium works for you, then I am happy you found it.
Methadone has done the same for my life. But it carries the stigma of "heroin addict" (even though I've never even SEEN heroin, much less used it!) and "junkie." So what?!? It works, I am able to DO things again. LIFE is far more important than possible dependencies.
The last thing I wanted to share is that some people can't "look outside the box" when it comes to their particular experiences with medications. Opinions and experiences are like belly buttons (I REALLY wanted to say some OTHER part of the anatomy, but I'll leave it be)---EVERYBODY HAS ONE and they're all different.
I'm very happy that you have come so far in your life! Keep on truckin'!
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Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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AvpdMatt
Journeyman
Reged: 11/10/03
Posts: 63
Loc: stress land
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Post deleted by AvpdMatt
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AvpdMatt
Journeyman
Reged: 11/10/03
Posts: 63
Loc: stress land
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Long Post again (Yawn, extra Yawn just for luck)
Be Brave and read on,
Hottie,
As you started this thread ,and I have given no input into your questions,(feel bit guilty),so I will try to answer and I'm sure not a doc!, but I've taken most drugs out there,and now the effects of a lot from personal exsperience.
AS you have been taking 'hydro and opiates' it may have increased your tolerence to benzos , but as they made you feel sleepy, thats the first experience you normaly get from benzos(your start off dose was prob to high), after a few days this would go away and then you may get the benifits to treat your anxiety.
Don't now why the hell they are so regulated, you could go out and score far more dangerous drugs here in the UK within half an hour, they are even relaxing the laws here for cannabis(and that can cause serious mental health probs, infact Heroin if its not mixed with too much garbage is a safer drug(but a bit addictive to say the least)
AS regards to other suggestions there are about 20 diff types other than Valium and xanax ie,
bromazepam, clonazepam, citalopam, flurazepam, lorazepam,
Basically anything that ends with 'pam' is preety much a benzo, theres about twenty diff ones out there.
Kitty ,
BIG THANKS for your words of encouragement and saying your among friends ,It gave me a glimce of happyness I'm glad you also found this website (accidently), and you made my day ...THANKS.
Lastls ,
Kittie did respond nicely to my post and so did you , it is nice to speak freely /with anoimity but as regards to speaking without anxieties (I still find that scary (crazy I know)even on the net , I'd like to keep in touch and it was nice of you to offer to have some one to talk to (big thanks, that was appreciated), I don't want to PM you (no offence meant at all, but due to my AVPD (even that stupidly scares me), funny I must sound a right 'wimp' but its just a fear of people I'm fearless about most other things , just does'nt make sence , I guess all people have phobias , Spiders, flying, snakes, dogs, clostophobia ,all sorts , But if ever you need someone to talk to with confidentualty you can PM me and I'll do my best to listen.
Nightshade,
I'm glad Methadone has done the same for you and helps you have a life(its better sometimes to rely on meds and even if it shortens lifespans(and I'm not sure it always does) a shorter but fuller life is miles better than living till 90 and not really liveing.
AS regards to the 'stigma' of 'junkie' god everyone unless their a saint has the odd vice, . Life is more important than dependencices(right on, I'm with you with that 100%)
'Opinions and experiences are like belly buttens(you really wanted to say something else their:)'Personally I don't even want to go there confused enough as it is
Keep on trucken yourself or in 'UK slang' Hold it down, and keep it locked
Anyways,
I will now keep my posts down to who ships fast/10mg for 10mg tabs/decent packageing /and try my best to inform of any scumbag con merchants, and give you guys all a break and myself:)
Matty (still screwballed but getting there)...............
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