Exploring Benzodiazepine Options for Anxiety Management
Hello everyone, I’m a 27-year-old female from the Metro Detroit area, currently navigating a challenging period of my life. Anxiety has been a constant companion throughout my adulthood, particularly intensified after the passing of my mother, who was 69 and lived with a disability prior to her diagnosis and death from cholangiocarcinoma in December 2024. The emotional toll was compounded by my brother experiencing a severe episode of paranoid schizophrenia after our mother’s death. Given that I have lost most of my immediate family, I now find myself largely alone, with my only support being my boyfriend whom I see twice a week. My mother’s death left me with significant trauma. With great courage, I visited my primary care physician (who was also my mother's doctor) to discuss my anxiety and undergo blood tests. During my first appointment, she recommended Hydroxyzine along with either Zoloft or Lexapro. However, I have reservations about SSRIs due to past experiences in my family; particularly, my brother's personality changes when he was on medication left a lasting impression. Given my current responsibilities and the absence of family support, I’m concerned about potential side effects. Initially, Hydroxyzine at 25mg seemed effective for the first couple of days, though I was mostly sleeping. Over two weeks, I found it unhelpful for sleep and instead, it heightened my anxiety, prompting irrational fears about my safety and vivid nightmares involving loved ones. Next, my doctor prescribed Buspar at 7.5mg around Thanksgiving. It seemed to provide some relief for a short while when taken regularly, but I continued to experience pronounced nightmares and ongoing anxiety. Dosage adjustments did not result in significant improvements; lower doses offered minimal relief, while higher doses left me feeling foggy and spacey. I was still encountering panic attacks and bouts of overwhelming emotion. Last Monday, I conveyed my ongoing struggles to my doctor and expressed a desire for a psychiatrist referral, considering it’s been some time, and I wanted to explore alternatives to SSRIs. My anxiety predominantly manifests as racing thoughts and an overwhelming sense of guilt for feeling isolated and financially strained, particularly after dealing with issues stemming from my mother’s estate. In response, my PCP prescribed Xanax at 0.25mg as I await my psychiatrist appointment. I’ve started using it and, so far, it appears to provide more relief compared to the prior medications. I’ve been taking half of a 0.25mg Xanax each day and it helps alleviate my anxiety, enabling me to sleep better and feel more like myself. After experiencing a panic attack Tuesday, a full dose of Xanax was beneficial, but I wished its effects lasted longer. My doctor mentioned the option of Klonopin, which typically stays in the system longer, while Xanax provides quicker relief. I have only been prescribed ten pills to use until my upcoming psychiatric evaluation. My main concern is whether it would be inappropriate to discuss with the new psychiatrist the possibility of a daily benzodiazepine at a low dose. Should I also consider requesting Klonopin since it tends to be longer-lasting? The fact that splitting the 0.25mg Xanax has been effective makes me uncertain whether this low dose could raise concerns versus the likelihood of trying a different medication. After several months of experimenting with various treatments, which often came with undesirable side effects, I find myself leaning toward continuing with what appears most effective. I welcome any guidance or insight you might offer on this matter. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 10:50:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through an incredibly challenging time, both emotionally and with your mental health. Managing anxiety can be complex, especially given your unique circumstances and experiences with different medications. It's commendable that you're exploring options and seeking help. Let’s break down your concerns regarding benzodiazepines and your upcoming psychiatrist appointment.
Main Points
- Discussing Benzodiazepines with Your Psychiatrist: It’s entirely appropriate to discuss your positive experience with Xanax at your appointment.
- Considering Alternatives: You may also want to explore Klonopin or other non-benzodiazepine options if concerned about dependency or side effects.
- Monitoring and Long-Term Planning: Staying in close communication with your healthcare provider about the effects of any medication will be crucial.
Explanation
Benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Klonopin, can be effective for managing anxiety and panic attacks. However, they do carry a risk for dependence, especially if used regularly for longer periods. Since you've found Xanax effective, it's worth discussing this with your psychiatrist, who can assess your needs and guide you in considering a low-dose daily regimen. Klonopin does have a longer duration of action compared to Xanax, which might help with anxiety throughout the day.
Your positive experience with Xanax, despite it being a short-term solution, gives you a good foundation for discussing your needs. Sharing your concerns about your family’s history with psychiatric medications can help your psychiatrist understand your perspective and tailor a treatment plan that respects your worries while addressing your symptoms.
Next Steps
- Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down your experiences with previous medications, highlighting what worked and what didn’t (e.g., the effectiveness of Xanax and concerns about side effects from SSRIs).
- Communicate Clearly: During your appointment, express your thoughts on the daily use of benzodiazepines, your previous experiences with anxiety medications, and your concerns about side effects and dependency.
- Explore Options Together: Be open to discussing Klonopin and any other alternatives your psychiatrist may suggest, including non-benzodiazepine anxiety treatments if that aligns with your goals.
- Monitor Effects: After starting any new medication, keep track of how you feel, including any side effects, so you can discuss these in follow-up visits.
Reassurance
Managing anxiety is a personal journey, and it's important to find a path that feels safe and effective for you. Your willingness to seek help and explore treatment options is a strong step forward. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and finding the right care can take time and adjustment. If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out!
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