I recently got prescribed clonazepam (Klonopin) and take it as needed for panic attacks and such. It’s crazy how well it works, but HOW does it work??
In: Other
It works by increasing levels of a calming chemical, gamma-aminobutyric acid, in your brain. Also, as someone who’s taken Ativan and Xanax for panic attacks, be careful with benzos.
They basically mimic the action of this kind of Acid called a Gamma-aminobutyric acid or “GABA” and can bind to the type of neurotransmitters that interact with that acid throughout your nervous system. Theoretically experiencing too intense of an emotional response can be due to overaction of this mechanism in your body and benzos partially block that action.
As others have said, benzo addiction is rough. Take them consistently enough and you won’t be able to sleep without them, and you won’t be able to calm down without them. Withdrawals can keep you awake for days with no relief. It’s not too dissimilar to drinking alcohol for anxiety in terms of the withdrawals you’ll face since the end result is chemically similar.
I’d suggest you use the medication when necessary, but look for non-chemical ways to cope with your anxiety in the long run.
[removed]
It’s a very powerful & dangerous drug, so be wary.
I’d suggest that you just take an extra minute to decide if you truly need it in that moment or not & never graduate to daily or semi-regular use. That doesn’t mean don’t use it, there is no virtue in suffering, just that you risk trading one type of suffering for another.
Honestly I would not be shocked if prescribing people opiates for acute anxiety had better outcomes.
People should check out Lost Connections by Johan Hari as a means to supplement whatever strategies/therapy they are using to manage anxiety & depression. Our culture focuses on removing the bad from their life, but it’s just as important to invest in adding good protective factors against depression & anxiety to your life & as a bonus they pay dividends. Conveniently thet protect against wall types of mental health issues & other bad outcomes too.
Latest Answers