Mental Health Whats worked for those actively looking for docs to prescribe benzos/convince them?

[Mycophile]

So I used to be on Klonopin for a long time, 11 years in fact, and it worked PERFECTLY for my social anxiety.

However, for reasons I don't need to get entirely into I was cut off by my doctor because I didn't take them EXACTLY as prescribed, yet in my opinion I did not abuse them either.

Now I have a doctor who refuses to prescribe them, and while I've been doing better off them than I thought I would, still I'm not doing well enough and there are situations where I feel like I could really use some Klonopin on a PRN basis.

I am really frustrated with the label that they are often given and I believe patients should be in charge of what they want to put in their body, so it's a possibility that if I find I can't do without the Klonopin I may have to go looking for a new doctor to prescribe it or another benzo.

While I am well aware that you cannot "convince" a doctor to prescribe what he doesn't want to, and certainly the LAST thing I'm going to do is walk into a psychiatrist's office and yell "GIVE ME BENZOS!" lol, I just want to hear some success stories from people in this situation.

Has anyone here, either been cut off from Benzos or cut off from a doctor while taking them, or at least been with a doctor who was unwilling to prescribe them, and then sought out and found a doctor who would prescribe them to you??

If so, how did you approach the situation and what did you say to get the medication you needed?

I already have an idea of what I may say if I need to, but I am just curious as to what has worked for others.

Also, no arguing in this thread, as I can possibly imagine how an argument could start over this kind of thing...

Thanks

 

[Mycophile]

It might actually be better if the mods move this to the darkside, but either here or there it's fine.

 

[CosmicG]

Being cut off suddenly from my xanax is actually something I fear and think about quite often. It is scary to think how one can depend on these drugs just to get through the day, and the thought of not having them as a crutch anymore scares the living hell out of me. I have never had any issues getting medication. My GP has always been more then willing to write me whatever script I want, and has been my family doctor for a decade.

My advice if your doctor is no longer willing to provide you with the necessary medication you feel that you need is to find a new one as soon as possible, and be completely honest with them by letting them know what has worked for you in the past. My best wishes.

 

[Mycophile]

Mods--could you please move this thread to the dark side?

 

[Soulgasm]

Your best bet is to look into the prescribing habits of different psychs in your area and find the practices that utilize the benzo approach and are not phobic vagines. I am not going to say more than this but good luck.

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

Honestly, and this is just the truth (I'm not trying to scare you), some people legitimately develop worse anxiety than everafter a few months on a benzo. That's not to say you will, just that you'll be taking a risk if your doctor decides to put you on one. Not to mention that you will probably experience a bit of fear of being taken off of the drug.

 

[Mycophile]

Honestly, and this is just the truth (I'm not trying to scare you), some people legitimately develop worse anxiety than everafter a few months on a benzo. That's not to say you will, just that you'll be taking a risk if your doctor decides to put you on one. Not to mention that you will probably experience a bit of fear of being taken off of the drug.

It doesn't sound like you read my OP.

I was already on Klonopin for a 11 years and I've been off of it now for 5 months so I know all about that kind of thing.

Honestly, my anxiety is much better than it was 11 years ago before I started, but higher than it was on it.

However, now I'm on Lexapro and tonight I went out and did some things and I THINK it may be worker so hopefully I won't need another benzo.

We'll still have to wait and see though, but I think it's messed up how many doctors are benzo phobic.

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

Sorry, don't know how I missed that.

Good to know thyself!

I mean, you probably know that they're inferior to SSRIs. The latter may take six weeks to work, but overall, through the whole course of treatment, I believe the consensus is that SSRIs are more safe.

I think many doctors don't prescribe them because (maybe) one could launch a lawsuit against them due to the severity of withdrawal. This is just theory, though.

 

[jammin83]

The easiest way to get prescribed pretty much anything is to tell them you were on them before and it was effective. I have found that if you come into your appointment knowledgeable and know what you are talking about, usually, they will give you what you are looking for. This goes for pretty much anything, they don't check to see if you were really on it or not. It has gotten me into trouble though bc usually the doctors gave me what I wanted. There are plenty of 'loose' ones out there, however, there is no shortage of bad doctors as well. The GP I was getting my klonopin from for years tried to pull me off a max dose with no taper. He was not too bright. I am dumbfounded by the ignorance of some of these doctors; don't even know basic information on what they are prescribing.

What you put into your body is your own business, but I would discourage you from getting back on the benzo train. I would look into alternatives first. I think that stuff really screwed up my brain chemistry but you sound like you know what you are doing.

 

[Mycophile]

Sorry, don't know how I missed that.

Good to know thyself!

I mean, you probably know that they're inferior to SSRIs. The latter may take six weeks to work, but overall, through the whole course of treatment, I believe the consensus is that SSRIs are more safe.

I think many doctors don't prescribe them because (maybe) one could launch a lawsuit against them due to the severity of withdrawal. This is just theory, though.

I disagree that they are "inferior" to SSRIs, actually I think SSRIs are inferior to benzos in terms of effectiveness.

SSRIs may be SAFER, but as one psychiatrist I saw admitted, SSRIs are more "blunt instruments" than benzos, which are more like fine tuned razors.

One poster on here who I agreed with appropriately compared SSRIs to "fishing with dynamite", they attack SUCH a broad range of issues that you just have to kind of hope they take care of the very specific problems you have by obliterating everything in the nearby vicinity LOL, as opposed to benzos which very Directly focus on Anxiety.

I know the trend is to be benzo-phobic, but I disagree with it.

At the moment I THINK my Lexapro may be starting to do the drink though, but only time will tell whether or not it is as close to as effective as the Klonopin had been.

 

[Mycophile]

The easiest way to get prescribed pretty much anything is to tell them you were on them before and it was effective. I have found that if you come into your appointment knowledgeable and know what you are talking about, usually, they will give you what you are looking for. This goes for pretty much anything, they don't check to see if you were really on it or not. It has gotten me into trouble though bc usually the doctors gave me what I wanted. There are plenty of 'loose' ones out there, however, there is no shortage of bad doctors as well. The GP I was getting my klonopin from for years tried to pull me off a max dose with no taper. He was not too bright. I am dumbfounded by the ignorance of some of these doctors; don't even know basic information on what they are prescribing.

What you put into your body is your own business, but I would discourage you from getting back on the benzo train. I would look into alternatives first. I think that stuff really screwed up my brain chemistry but you sound like you know what you are doing.

Yeah I know what you mean and I definitely don't want to "get back on the benzo train", I mean, my hope is I won't ever need them at all but IF I do, which I might not, I'd just want ACCESS TO THEM...not to be on them every single day like I used to be.

I could be honest with a doctor that they worked and I was on them, but at the same time I had would have to come up with lies to hide why I was taken off of them, and while I wish I didn't have to, honesty would probably only hurt me in this case because in ANY way not using them EXACLTLY as prescribed is often considered to be "abuse"...a label I feel is unfair in my case.

But I think IF I have to maybe i could pull it off.

 

[jammin83]

You sound like an honest guy; I like that! You don't have to disclose any information you don't want to. Just say you stopped taking them and would like to get a script for as needed use. Don't be too paranoid about them probing around. If they are that type you don't really want them as doctor anyway. You can also call the office and ask them if they prescribe benzos before you even go in. I think most sensible doctors are fine with as needed benzos. That is a lot better than daily use. You can even express your desire to not be dependent on them. Most should respect that.

I am sure you know of phenibut, but I like to have something around if my anxiety gets too outta control. I don't find it addictive, it doesn't give me a buzz but it is fairly effective at curbing my anxiety. I only take doses of around 500 mg and that is plenty. Long half life too, but takes a while to kick in on the downside. Easy to source, cheap, no bs. I have no problem only taking it once or twice week. It also doesn't seem to make me depressed like benzos. Good luck!

 

[Mycophile]

You sound like an honest guy; I like that! You don't have to disclose any information you don't want to. Just say you stopped taking them and would like to get a script for as needed use. Don't be too paranoid about them probing around. If they are that type you don't really want them as doctor anyway. You can also call the office and ask them if they prescribe benzos before you even go in. I think most sensible doctors are fine with as needed benzos. That is a lot better than daily use. You can even express your desire to not be dependent on them. Most should respect that.

I am sure you know of phenibut, but I like to have something around if my anxiety gets too outta control. I don't find it addictive, it doesn't give me a buzz but it is fairly effective at curbing my anxiety. I only take doses of around 500 mg and that is plenty. Long half life too, but takes a while to kick in on the downside. Easy to source, cheap, no bs. I have no problem only taking it once or twice week. It also doesn't seem to make me depressed like benzos. Good luck!

Thanks.

Yeah, I am thinking of getting some Phenibut to keep around even though I've never tried it, but I heard that it is very addictive so how come you say that you find it isn't?

Others have said to never use it more than twice a week.

Also, do you find that if you take it the night before it still works the next day?

Cause someone else said he feels that it does but I heard it only lasts 5--6 hours so I find that odd.

Also, how long after you take it do you think it is safe to get drunk??

Like, should you wait 24 hours since you last took it?

Knowing that kind of thing is important cause I drink fairly often and heavily.

And do you find it safe to drive on in the sense that it doesn't make you drowsy or uncoordinated?

Also, when you take it can people tell that you are on something?

Are there any side effects I should know about?

Thanks

 

[jammin83]

Thanks.

Yeah, I am thinking of getting some Phenibut to keep around even though I've never tried it, but I heard that it is very addictive so how come you say that you find it isn't?

It doesn't give me pleasure so I don't find it addictive. It just kind of calms me down and takes the edge off. No buzz to speak of for me. Some people find it addictive, but I've kicked benzos before, not going back there. It does cause dependency but that's quite a bit different thing than addiction. Be careful, but I find it much less addictive than benzos. Not hard for me to use it responsibly and I have had self control problems before with most substances.

Others have said to never use it more than twice a week.

True statement. I agree. Withdrawals are not quite as bad as benzos either. Shorter duration at least from what I have heard but follow the two times a week guideline and you should be fine and not have to experience withdrawal. Also might want to order a small batch first to make sure you can handle it. I find it a very PG substance myself. Just don't abuse it.

Also, do you find that if you take it the night before it still works the next day?

Cause someone else said he feels that it does but I heard it only lasts 5--6 hours so I find that odd.

For me, it seems to last at least a day sometimes even two. I have a very physical type of anxiety where my heart races and I feel overstimulated but I feel calm for at least a day sometimes two. Might be different for you, though. I have heard of people dosing multiple grams multiple times a day. Seems very excessive to me. 250mg - 500mg is all you really need and you won't have as much of the CNS depression either.

Also, how long after you take it do you think it is safe to get drunk??

Like, should you wait 24 hours since you last took it?

Knowing that kind of thing is important cause I drink fairly often and heavily.

I take it in the morning usually and I drink at least a few beers at night and I haven't had any problems. I don't really get drunk though just a little buzzed. As I know you are aware combining too many CNS depressants can be dangerous. If you are going to go overboard with the drinking then might want to keep it cool to be on the safe side. The dosage that you are taking is a factor too though of both substances. Don't take two grams of the stuff and get blacked out drunk. Kind pointless to do both for the most part since they act on the same system.

And do you find it safe to drive on in the sense that it doesn't make you drowsy or uncoordinated?

At reasonable doses, no. I've tried higher doses and didn't notice too much drowsiness but I found it is just as effective at lower dosages. Not like xanax for sure. As with all medication lowest dose possible is always the best idea. Some people do find it makes them drowsy but I am kind of amped up a lot so YMMV. Obviously, see how it effects you and get comfortable with it before you drive but it doesn't seem to effect me as profoundly as benzos in that sense.

Also, when you take it can people tell that you are on something?

It really doesn't give me a buzz and my girlfriend is like a hawk when I am on stuff and she can't tell because I'm not really high. Xanax yes she is onto that shit.

Are there any side effects I should know about?

Mainly it can cause you to get a little nauseous at higher dosages. Some people report vomiting but that is dose dependent. It can cause some digestive discomfort as well and things might be a little 'loose' if you know what I mean. Other than that, I haven't noticed too many.

Just know what you are getting into and be smart with it and you won't have any problems. It's mainly the multiple grams every day that people run into problems with and even then some people don't get that bad of withdrawals. I also don't do stupid, blacked-out shit on it which is a plus too.

I've heard of people taking it every day for a year and only getting a week of WDs. Which sucks I'm sure but if you know anything about benzo WD then a week is nothing. I doubt a lot of the people that complain about it so bad have really ever kicked anything serious before. Not trying to minimize it but benzo WD is in a league of its own in a lot of ways. Not really the same stuff at all but similar. Doesn't have the same effect on my psyche that benzos have. For example, on benzos I don't really feel messed up but I will be and won't really be able to walk or be a bit jello-ey. This isn't really like that.

IME it seems a lot safer than benzos but like with everything moderation is key.

I have also found that tenex is pretty effective in dealing with my anxiety as well and it is pretty safe. No withdrawals or anything. You have to get a prescription but its not controlled.

Hope everything runs smooth for ya. %)

 

[Mycophile]

^^^^

Thanks, so still the only question I have is: how long after you dose can you consider it to be COMPLETELY out of your system in whatever you choose to do, like drinking?

I just want to know that because you know, it's essential to know what is in your system and what isn't so you know not to mix anything that could be dangerous.

If I wanted to get drunk rather than have a couple beers I want to know when I am COMPLETELY in the clear as opposed to when I still have to be somewhat cautious.

Also, it's kind of funny how you bring up benzo withdrawal being so severe because while I know that it CAN be it wasn't for me, in fact, I experienced almost no withdrawal whatsover after ELEVEN years of being on Klonopin EVERY SINGLE DAY.

It was odd, but I was cut off almost cold turkey and the psychiatrist who helped me told me that a taper wasn't necessary even though everyone said it was because he said that i was on such a low dosage (1.5mgs) and it has such a long half life that he said it tapers itself.

I didn't believe him but whether or not he was right overall or only right in my situation, for whatever reason all I did was basically take half my dosage for two days in a row after my last full dosage, then like a TINY bit for another 2 or 3 days, then Nothing at all...and even after 11 years of daily usage I experienced pretty much no withdrawal to speak of.

I couldn't believe it, but it's important to know that not every case of long term benzo usage does actually result in severe withdrawal and sometimes a taper may not even be necessary, but I guess you'd need to be a doctor to know that sort of thing.

Honestly I am STILL not sure if he was completely right or he just got lucky, but he basically called it perfectly so maybe there is some science behind what he did.

He said if I was on either a higher dosage of Klonopin or a shorter acting benzo like Xanax he'd have given me a taper, but because of the long half life it would taper itself.

Some other posters on here have been under the impression that a longer half life = longer withdrawal period but he said that that is false.

But in terms of Phenibut not being addictive for you, Klonopin was the same for me cause it didn't get me high, only made me more relaxed.


Thanks

 

[jammin83]

The half life is around 5 hours so after 24 hours you should be in the clear.

I find it bizarre that after eleven years you didn't have any withdrawal. I was only on benzos for about four years and it was hell on earth for a straight month. Everyone is different though, consider yourself lucky. That whole bit with klonopin tapering itself sounds like BS to me. After 11 years that could be unsafe for a lot of people. Some are more sensitive than others but I am not a doctor. Phenibut may carry withdrawals for you though so don't think you are immune.

I think it also important to space out your doses. I like to leave at least a few days between dosing. Keeping your receptors saturated for days at a time could lead to down-regulation resulting in withdrawal. Give yourself breaks. Take a week off here and there to be on the safe side. Dependency on anything isn't worth it.

Some DO find it to be addictive though so be careful with it. If you are finding yourself dosing too much, do yourself a favor and throw the stuff away.

 

[Mycophile]

^^^

If in fact he WAS wrong and but me at risk by not giving me a taper I'd be VERY angry.

However, he called it COMPLETELY so I can't say that he really was he wrong.

I don't know, it seems like a lot of doctors are negligent in this area as I've heard time and again that everyone should be given a taper and that some doctors don't.

I'd like to know more about it and find out if something wrong was done to me but again, the truth is that he was right in my case so i don't have much to complain about.

I'd still like to know if he was being negligent though as he probably DOES know more about this than either of us do.

Thanks

 

[Grusinskaya]

I've been on long term prescription for diazepam for 3 and a half years now. Reason being they used it instead of the usual Chlordiazepoxide for a home based alcohol detox, and my GP agreed that he'd be happy to continue dishing out diazepam and zopiclone if it prevented a return to drinking for my severe social anxiety. Which it has! In that time my dosage has been bumped up from 2mg to 5mg a day, piddly amount really. I really hope my GP sticks around...! I'm on 20mg paroxetine too, which is the drug I'm most dreading coming off (may have to as planning kids soon). My pregnancy is gonna be misery and cheesecake for breakfast it seems

 

[llama112]

Very interesting topic. I have severe anxiety but the doctor prescribed me SSRIs (when in reality, benzos would be better - not daily, just when necessary). I got rid of the SSRIs. I take GABA supplements which helps but it's nothing compared to an actual benzo. Still need benzos for my panic attacks. I'm going on a plane in a couple months. I mostly have social anxiety but I also am INCREDIBLY scared of heights and even more scared of planes - at age 24, I still haven't been on one. My boyfriend and I went on a trip that was 24 hours away and we drove there because I couldn't fly. Anyway, I am REALLY wanting to have benzos for this. I know it'll help. And we're going on an airplane and crossing the border so obviously you need a prescription. Uggh

I disagree that they are "inferior" to SSRIs, actually I think SSRIs are inferior to benzos in terms of effectiveness.

SSRIs may be SAFER, but as one psychiatrist I saw admitted, SSRIs are more "blunt instruments" than benzos, which are more like fine tuned razors.

Precisely. SSRIs may hide your anxiety but they aren't even FOR anxiety. They are for depression and don't even work all the time for that!

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

Honestly only the people on benzos say that SSRIs are worse smh