Posted 1/19/2012 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Ronna,
I'm new to the forum but wanted to help you out. I was diagnosed with panic and anxiety in 1996. I also have severe health anxiety and dread every trip to the doctor and every test where results must be given.
I also have a psych degree and evaluate probation/parole clients re: drug abuse and mental health. I have been on Klonopin before- it is a benzodiazepine and is considered a 'long-term' benzo as it is sometimes used for the treatment of seizures.
My personal opinion on benzos is this - they should be used to bring someone as close to base-level as possible to allow him/her to begin other types of treatments for anxiety. In other words, there is little chance of being able to focus on meditation, yoga, hypnosis, or even a counseling session when you are in full-blown panic. If taking a benzo can pull you down long enough for you to be able to get out of bed, get dressed and walk into a counseling session, then taking that pill is instrumental in your treatment.
At this point, 9 years of using Klonopin may be working against you by causing 'rebound anxiety.' But don't panic - it has not caused you damage in any way. Do NOT stop taking it cold-turkey. You must wean off with your doctor's help. And your doctor WILL help you if you tell him/her that you wish to stop taking it.
The most important thing to do before quitting Klonopin is to begin learning about and using alternative coping strategies. It will take time and dedication - a lot more time than swallowing a pill ...but there is no rebound anxiety and the healing that you feel lasts so much longer. Even if you think something is useless and hokey, try it. Go through the motions. Learn yoga and take the time to do it. Start exercising. Volunteer in your community- sometimes the best way to stop worrying is to get 'out of self.' Make weekly counseling sessions. Begin to surround yourself with ONLY positive and uplifting things.
When I was taking Klonopin ten years ago, I felt so scared and helpless anytime someone mentioned that I should give it up and try other things. Today I can see that Klonopin was a fantastic aid in treatment but was holding me back from truly experiencing peace that I earned on my own.
A side note- I'm not a big fan of Cymbalta at all. I do take an anti-depressant called Luvox. It is marketed more for OCD which I feel closely resembles health anxiety. As with Klonopin, do NOT stop taking Cymbalta cold-turkey. Wean off or switch meds with your doctor's help.
Good luck to you. Hope this helped.