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InfiniteSadness
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 12:55 AM
  #1
Is it bad to be on one for years?
My doc says no, but I feel dependent on it. And it helps.
Will any long term damage happen?
(brain, body)
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Great Sophia
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 02:05 AM
  #2
I have been in Benzos for years.. to me the question is not if I am dependent to me the important thing is that they are effective and stop my anxiety.
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 02:12 AM
  #3
I've been on benzo's for almost 3 years. Usually PRN but sometimes I take them standard for a couple of weeks.
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 02:15 AM
  #4
What is PRN?
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 02:21 AM
  #5
Pro re nata = literally "as the case is born" = as needed
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 04:19 AM
  #6
I got it. Thanks
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 06:32 AM
  #7
I've been on a benzo since 2007 - I take it on a regular schedule throughout the day. It really helps with my anxiety. Dr's now don't like to prescribe it long term, but my pdoc is letting me stay on it.

Biggest problem with long term use, is they can cause memory loss, and getting off them can be extremely difficult.

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On Benzo/Anti Anxiety med for years?
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 04:09 PM
  #8
On Benzo/Anti Anxiety med for years? amen
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 05:08 PM
  #9
I've been on Klonopin for 20 years

I am very slowly going off it, been reducing it for a year already and it will probably take me 2 more years to completely stop taking it. A long time ago, the Klonopin helped me; now I think I just have a physical addiction to it. I do feel like the benzo has affected my memory quite severely.
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Default Nov 25, 2016 at 05:50 PM
  #10
I tapered a benzodiazepine after 3 years daily use and felt a lot better after the taper was done and my brain had re-set. Then again, that's not true of everyone, and some benzodiazepines are worse than others. I was on Klonopin, which my current doctor told me is worse about cognitive problems and tapering difficulties than many other options. Oddly enough, he says the best tranquilizer for long term use, and the easiest one to taper, is good old fashioned Valium. Who knew?
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Default Nov 29, 2016 at 10:07 AM
  #11
It is usually not recommended. They do create dependency and can worsen depression.

For many it helps them to have them as PRN and have them around "just in case". To some of them having soemthing to help anxiety *if* it happens actually works to ward it off almost completely.

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Default Nov 29, 2016 at 11:54 AM
  #12
Quote:
Originally Posted by still_crazy View Post
I tapered a benzodiazepine after 3 years daily use and felt a lot better after the taper was done and my brain had re-set. Then again, that's not true of everyone, and some benzodiazepines are worse than others. I was on Klonopin, which my current doctor told me is worse about cognitive problems and tapering difficulties than many other options. Oddly enough, he says the best tranquilizer for long term use, and the easiest one to taper, is good old fashioned Valium. Who knew?
I knew that. I've been told it's because diazepam (Valium) has the longest half life.
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Default Dec 13, 2018 at 09:23 PM
  #13
I had a nurse practioner tell me that it's bad to be on 3mg of klonopin long term that it can affect the Brain bad, even if it lowers my anxiety somewhat.
i dont know who to believe any more!!
Each doctor tells me different.
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Default Dec 14, 2018 at 10:28 PM
  #14
BUMP.....
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Default Dec 14, 2018 at 11:16 PM
  #15
I have been on 2mg a day of xanax for around 2 years. I am starting to build a little tolerance to the dosage so it's time to start tapering back. Benzobuddies is a great website if you are thinking about quitting benzo's. Long term use really can affect memory and possibly cause early onset dementia.

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InfiniteSadness
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Default Dec 15, 2018 at 09:23 PM
  #16
Quote:
Originally Posted by Guiness187055 View Post
I have been on 2mg a day of xanax for around 2 years. I am starting to build a little tolerance to the dosage so it's time to start tapering back. Benzobuddies is a great website if you are thinking about quitting benzo's. Long term use really can affect memory and possibly cause early onset dementia.
is there any actual proof of that
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Default Dec 15, 2018 at 09:30 PM
  #17
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Originally Posted by InfiniteSadness View Post
is there any actual proof of that

Some reports say yes and some reports say no. There is some really intersting reading about it all over the web. I always say err on the side of caution.

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Default Dec 20, 2018 at 10:21 AM
  #18
Quote:
Originally Posted by InfiniteSadness View Post
is there any actual proof of that
Science rarely talks about "proof". to prove anything beyond shadow of a doubt can be very difficult due to a number of factors. but there is strong evidence that they do affect memory and increase dementia risk yes
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Default Dec 21, 2018 at 08:03 AM
  #19
I was taking a low dose of Klonopin. Now my psychiatrist is encouraging me to increase my dose for the winter. I do worry about becoming addicted to it. I am very cautious about sticking to the prescribed dose.
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Default Dec 21, 2018 at 04:20 PM
  #20
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Originally Posted by roadartist View Post
I was taking a low dose of Klonopin. Now my psychiatrist is encouraging me to increase my dose for the winter. I do worry about becoming addicted to it. I am very cautious about sticking to the prescribed dose.
why increase?
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