Sleep/obsessive worry/benzos with ssris

Hi, new here and struggling with obsessive worrying about insomnia and causing anxiety. I've basically had no lufe for about 15 years. When I spin/excersice heavily I can just function maybe get 5-6 hours of sleep. Always having to take a low dose of valium with baclofen at night. I stay close to home n don't socialize a lot. I am steering clear of going back on klonopin with an ssri and sleep med. I have such a fear of withdrawals from klonopin because I went thruogh it and still can't manage without a low dose of valium . Long story short... Should I stop fighting this and just try to find a combination that works? Are there people here who have success with an ssri and klonopin for life or at least years with no problems? Are there people who have been on doses of benzos with ssris for years and able to successfully taper off when no longer needed it? I am so tired of hearing all these scary stories about benzodiazepines and how it ruins lives and no one can successfully taper off after years of taking it.. Could use some advice n good combinations of ssris with benzos for sleep icd anxiety thinking . Thank you!!!

Hi Andipanda and welcome.

I am very sorry to hear about your anxiety and sleep issues...and the further anxiety regarding your medication concerns.

You mentioned exercise as a help in sleeping as an alternative to medication...have you tried other methods?

Therapy, self-help tecniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and breathing exercises are all options that you could try if you haven't already.

Natural suppliments are another alternative that you could ask you doctor about. Many people use Melatonin or L-Theanine, Evening Primrose Oil, Gaba, ect...

If you have tried all of your options, and if the only thing that gives you relief is the medication that you are trying to avoid...well at that point you need to weigh your options, and look at the pros and cons.

Sleep is really important. It is restorative, and keeps our bodies healthy and able to fight illness. It is imperative for daily function, motor skills, mental processes and mood stabilization.

Like Larry said, unless you are prone to addiction issues...using an Rx under your doctor's supervision may be worth all the benefits of getting the sleep that you need.

Again though, I really do recommend trying the above mentioned alternatives if you haven't alreday. The therapy especially was a lifesaver for me! :)

I hope that you can make the decision that you need to with confidence soon, and start to feel better.

Post with us anytime. We are here to support and listen!

Scaredy Cat

Thanks guys