Bipolar Disorder Support Group

I take it for anxiety and as a sleep aid. It does nothing for either so I just stopped taking it. But any drug has different affects on others. Just be careful and see how it makes you feel. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Be very cautious of this medication. I've taken the whole gambit of benzos and I learned that they can be just as addictive as pain killers and the withdrawals can be worse for a person with anxiety.
You don't want to become dependent on these medications because if you try to stop taking them the anxiety comes back worse, at least for a period of time. I also found that they made me depressed when the effects started to wear off.
I would suggest asking your doctor about hydroxyzine if you need something for daily anxiety NOW and if you can wait for the relief you might want to try something like BuSpar, but be careful if you're taking other medications that effect your serotonin levels because I got Serotonin Syndrome from taking high doses of BuSpar and Lexapro. Now I'm on hydroxyzine and while it does make you feel fatigued it is better than dealing with paralyzing anxiety and way better than getting on a medication that is only going to be harder to get off of the longer you take it.
In my opinion benzos should only be used for severe panic attacks in scenarios where you think you're going to lose consciousness. If you just feel anxious all the time you really should find another solution.
Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for that,I am really worried about taking it as I have heard it is highly additive,the pdoc,told me to take it when I go outside as I have been indoors for about three years,go out a couple of times a week,maybe to walk the dog,help xxxxxxxxxx

Every so often I have to have valium in order to function during the day. During these times, I take a low dose and only for a short period. Then, I stop. I do this because I do not want to become addicted to it and this works well for me. Good luck to you.

I would suggest trying hydroxyzine. It is fast acting, but works different that benzos and isn't addictive. The worst you'll feel is a little tired, but the overwhelming anxiety and circular logics diminishes. This might be enough to help you leave the house without panicing.

Thanks all you have been really helpfull xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I take diazepam AND clomazepam! (not sure of the spelling) Anyways, I've been taking them for anxiety, for about 10 years.
I'm afraid to stop taking them, 'cuz I fear wicked withdrawl! But, I find they don't really work all that well, anymore.
I take them like tic tacs, if I have to go out!
Like everyone says... they ARE addictive. I've been "weaning" myself off of them, for the last 3 months.

Thanks,but now I am really confused,spots and dependant,maybe I will give it a miss xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

You might try it. If it does its job, then find something else because it sounds like you would need it a lot. All benzos are physically addictive if taken long enough even in low doses.

Having said that, I took Valium daily for 4 years and had no effects at going off, no withdrawal.

OTOH, I took Klonopin for 3 weeks and had severe withdrawal when I quit.

Meds!! Love 'em!! Hate 'em!!

Sweetheart......GET OFF THE SEROQUEL!!!!!! I took it for 4 years and it actually made other things worse. Plus they make you gain weight and they overpower some of the other med's I am sure you take. Please stop and ask for Trazedone and Xanex. The 2 together works much better, plus they keep your anxieties and discrepencies within yourself more out in the open to recognize and deal with before they eat you up.