Long Term Side Effects

[Silver.]

I have serious issues trying to create threads so please bare with me, this might be long winded :/

I weaned off klonopin after 12 years in February to March of this year. (2mgs a day)
I chose to go off it because I could not deal with the psych that replaced my psych that retired. I rathered not be on klonopin than see her.
Weaning was one of the worst things I have gone through in my life. I experienced daily crippling panic attacks, mini panic attacks, paranoia, my chronic insomnia became full time, body aches and agoraphobia, etc.
It took me over a month just to get out to the mailbox. That has subsided mostly, though I get very anxious when I leave town (which I have to, because this is small town America)

I finally saw a sleep specialist and am now somewhat sleeping, and the constant mini panic attacks have mostly subsided, but lately, driving on the highway scares the crap out of me. I seem to do okay going to the next exit up, as that is a short drive, but if I go any further, I am slammed with crippling fear (panic, shaking, tunnel vision etc) that something is going to happen....(ie:death)

I do admit that life was so much easier on klonopin. I didn't have constant brain scramble, I could articulate things as I needed. My stress levels were low, the night terrors and sleepwalking were minimal, so was the panic. I wasn't angry all the time. I was more caring, compassionate and funny. But the thought of going back on it just to ever have to wean off it again? Not so much..

This driving business has me worried, I have never had a problem driving before. It's not like I can opt to not go where I need to. Is it possible this is a long term side effect of weaning? Does anyone have any ideas as to how to cope with this?

(side note: things I have tried for the anxiety besides teas: nerve tonic, anxiety soother tincture, lemon balm tincture, of course meditation. I do take quite a few medications for other problems and a lot of vitamins/herbal supplements)

 

[BOAG]

Hey Silver!

Congrats on getting off the Klonopin!!! That is NOT easy and I understand it can have some very long lasting side effects, but the more time you put between Klonopin and yourself, I think you will see great benefits from getting off it. I hope so, anyway!

I have been addicted to every opiate made by man or nature, but have always shied away from benzos (because I'm way more afraid of benzo withdrawals than opiate withdrawals!), so I don't think I can specifically address some of your concerns.

I was just wondering if you see a therapist. I think the freeway driving issues are something that could be addressed with a therapist, they would probably have some good insights on how to handle that. Although I'm sure other people here may have some helpful thoughts too. :)

I just mostly wanted to cheer you on and give you a pat on the back for getting off the Klonopin. It will get better!!!

 

[Deleted member 29920]

Acupuncture? I know someone who found it helped..

 

[Friday]

I think part of it will be sorting what's the benzo withdrawal & what's PTSD.

Benzo withdrawal is notoriously long lasting; about 6-12mo. (Acute phase is "just" the first couple months). So right now you're still dealing with both PTSD symptoms and the withdrawal.

PTSD coping mechanisms for anxiety, panic, etc. won't be super effective on the withdrawal based symptoms, but should ease the pressure, somewhat. Meanwhile a great resource of drug withdrawal, even if you don't use any other ounce of methodology, are 12step programs. Coming at each symptom 2 different ways, and seeing what works on what, should help parse out which are PTSD symptoms & which are post-acute-withdrawal.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

@Silver when I first joined the forum I had major troubles with driving while experiencing high, extreme anxiety.

I would shake and feel every bump in the road and imagine other cars plowing into me, and also would have to drive in the slow lane most of the time.

It took a very long time to overcome most of the symptoms and I still have anxiety on the freeways but because of the exposures I did, I now drive just fine on the freeways although I would rather avoid them if I was able to.

I got all kinds of advice like drinks, candies, music etc. With the encouragement of the good people here I began to have more and more success while driving on the freeways.

I have been in so many car accidents with someone else being the driver so my biggest fear is of other drivers crashing into me. I do pay attention while driving and drive to stay away from tailgaters etc. I just get out of their way and let them speed away.

I empathize with you having experienced this myself. I remember for so many years I did not have anxiety while driving. I hope that you find the answers you seek to help you.:hug:

 

[Silver.]

I have been in and out of therapy since 1992 ish

The 12 step program just isn't for me, I won't say why as it would be sure to offend someone, though I do practice to accept the things that I cannot change, which has gotten easier over time
I do feel like this is related to weaning and not singularly PTSD as this would have come up before? 7 months of after effects seems crazy to me, but when I compare 12 years of use to 7 months, it seems reasonable eh?
Thank you all for your input x

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I guess that is the down side of medication. I have down dosed on one med and am now down dosing one pill off of another med.

For me there is a period or a transition of adjustment that I have to go through. The brain needs time to acclimate to the lowering of dosages I think.

You are not alone and I wish you the best.:hug: