Help finding a Doctor who will help.
Posted by Houseplantprotest@reddit | Dallas | View on Reddit | 67 comments
Like the title says, I have a pretty intense anxiety condition and I used to manage very will with a benzodiazapine medication. My doctor in fort Worth died and I also moved to Dallas. Well I am seeing a psychiatrist in Dallas who absolutely refuses to even consider the possibility of continuing the medication. Almost to the point of vilifying me as some sort of criminal for asking. I need to find a psychiatrist who isn't judgemental and is willing to work with me. I don't drink or use any drugs so lab testing is no problem but I am finding it difficult to go about this process can you please help with recommendations?
This_Tomorrow_1862@reddit
Message me OP. I am familiar with a psychiatrist that will evaluate you if you have no prior misuse (he can check your medical history if needed and some patients are flagged, so be honest). I understand how debilitating anxiety can be and needing Ativan for emergencies.
Agoddess_aboveyou@reddit
Ask for a genetics test to be done. Swish some stuff in your mouth and they send it to a lab and it breaks down the medications with WILL metabolize in your system, and all the ones that don’t. Mine also told me that I have the MTHFR gene mutation with a b12 and folate deficiency. Cynthia Stuart in Carrollton pulled me out of my one year-stuck at home-couldn’t leave the house-7 panic attacks a day, type of anxiety. I owe my life to her. She cares man.
InquisitiveCrane@reddit
Sounds like you have a good new doctor. The easy thing to do is just keep prescribing the same stuff. But the reality is, the medication is addicting and is a terrible long term medication. I’m a resident doctor.
Mercy_Rule_34@reddit
real talk: benzos are an absolutely terrible, and dangerous, long term choice for management of anxiety in all its forms. you said your doctor died, which implies he/she was older, and the older generation of psychiatrists who used benzos as a long term management tool are dying out. There are quite literally dozens of other safer, more effective ways of managing anxiety, and any competent psychiatrist trained in the last 20 years is going to tell you that. I would encourage you to be open to modern management options rather than wasting your time and money bouncing from doctor to doctor to find someone who will take over a regimen that hasn’t been the standard of care in decades. sorry if that’s not what you want to hear, but it is reality.
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
It's not that I don't want to hear it, I'm just exhausted with all the different things I've tried. SSRIs anti psychotics, mood stabilizer (I'm not bi polar), tri cyclics, to no avail. I understand the inherant risk but I find it a bit ironic that many doctors don't bat an eye at throwing an antipsychotic at you which has many negative health implications and not considering what did work. I am not saying I know what is right and wrong I just know what worked, what didn't and the risks associated are something im willing to reconsider.
ReversaSum@reddit
So I'm going to tell you right now, benzodiazepines are literally the drug of a devil.
They make your anxiety worse. This is a fact.
Once you hit a specific threshold, you reach threshold tolerance.
You either have to go up and pray to God that that works, but you will hit a cap and you can't go any further and you're going to have to come off of them and it is going to suck. The older generations of psychiatrists fucked us over.
I suggest you do a taper and you do DBT as well during your taper, and I highly suggest that you look into metoprolol or propranolol as both of those are beta blockers and they control blood pressure, but what they also do is basically keep your mood level because it's literally controlling your blood pressure and when you get anxiety your blood pressure spikes.
I've already been down the road you're on, it's really shitty, all of those other medications for anxiety isn't going to help, and when you bounce between medications it causes you to have extremely warped moods because you're not treating the root cause, anxiety needs therapy first and foremost. DBT helps with emotional regulation, interpersonal relationship skills, mindfulness skills, and distress tolerance skills.
That is what you need that is what everyone who is on benzodiazepines needs because the benzodiazepines end up harming you long term.
There is a subreddit called benzo recovery, for when you do get off of benzos, do not read the horror stories, but know that you are not alone, and that this happened to a lot of people and you are not unique in this experience, and people who have gone through this are telling you from experience that benzodiazepines are not a long-term solution.
You cannot go cold turkey off of these medications, you must do a taper, right now there's a black box warning because of all of the people who called the FDA to report symptoms because this is how bad this drug is.
You are not supposed to be on benzodiazepines long-term there's literally a 14-day Max warning now on these medications because that's how fucked up it is.
The benzodiazepine crisis is the equivalent to the opiate epidemic but it is a silent crisis and there's not a lot of awareness around this right now.
You're probably not going to get a doctor to do that because we're at a point in acknowledgment now that these medications are harmful overall.
There's very few instances where a benzodiazepine long-term is good and those are seizures and Parkinson's.
If you're drinking alcohol, you must cut it out and you must not drink again for the next 2 and 1/2 years after you stop benzos because they both act on gaba.
Take it from somebody who has outright amnesia because of benzodiazepines and who went through hell.
You can get through it but you have to recognize that these are fundamental truths about these drugs and then you must allow yourself to move forward and allow yourself to experience the emotions you're experiencing and realize that you are not better off on these drugs because they will exacerbate and make worse your anxiety.
Good luck.
Most-Enthusiasm-9706@reddit
FYI - benzos and intense therapy for my medical ptsd with SSRI’s are the only thing getting me through life. I have extreme medical trauma and come from a family with extreme undiagnosed anxiety . I’m putting in the work to release the trauma , it takes time and I need meds to get me through re living and sorting out my trauma . Everyone is different and everyone’s brains are different . When you break out in the smelly anxiety sweats, eyes go glassy, not thinking properly and fear and panic overwhelms a person this for me works best . I have 4 doctors working with me , I don’t drink, I don’t do any kind of recreational drugs , I exercise , I eat very well , I do the breathing techniques , I also do yoga to calm my parasympathetic nervous system . I look forward to the day when I can come off the meds- for right now I am able to function as I put in the work to heal myself .
ReversaSum@reddit
Once you reach tolerance you will understand what I'm talking about you are not the only person who has severe trauma and trying to justify your use to me means nothing because I have my own issues and I've moved forward.
I hope that one day you can do the same but you shouldn't be justifying your used to me because that's not something that I need to hear, because you're not really telling me this, you're trying to justify your own use when you tell me this and it's not necessary.
I'm really sorry that you had issues but I look forward to you also getting off of those medications and putting in the work is extremely important so you should be proud of yourself, but don't beat yourself up and don't try to excuse your use of benzodiazepines because you know yourself better than I do, but once you hit that tolerance you will absolutely need to come down, and you can never go on benzos again it'll take you back 2 years, do not drink alcohol within that two year time frame, and I highly recommend DBT if you're not already doing that specific therapy because it really really helps.
Best wishes to you sincerely.
throw_away5430@reddit
Quit comparing your experience to someone else's and saying just bc you got through it and moved forward, everyone else should too. You don't know him or what he's going through. I agree that benzos aren't good long term but they're literally what keep some people going. It's fine to give advice but you can't compare your experience to someone you don't even know.
Most-Enthusiasm-9706@reddit
My psych team , medical doctors, weekly therapy , medications and a care plan is literally getting me through life and my daily challenges . All 4 doctors communicate regularly. I’m very lucky to have a plan. I’ve tried the beta blockers and ended up in the hospital for severe intracranial hypertension . I was monitored for several days and everyone agreed benzos will be the best for this time as I am going through some heavy trauma . I’m slowly getting there and relying less and less on the benzos. And for me that is a huge win - I still have a lot of work to do working through trauma and remembering what my triggers are .
Thief818@reddit
How much big pharma pay you to post this
throw_away5430@reddit
0 but there's a way to give advice without being overly pushy about it
jo4890@reddit
Quit comparing your experience to someone else's and saying just bc you got through it and moved forward, everyone else should too. You don't know him or what he's going through. I agree that benzos aren't good long term but they're literally what keep some people going. It's fine to give advice but you can't compare your experience to someone you don't even know.
Most-Enthusiasm-9706@reddit
In 3 decades I’ve never had a tolerance issue . Like I said , I’ve been under care of doctors . Not justifying, we are all different . I appreciate your concern and thank you for your insight . I’ve been told by numerous doctors the same thing, I’ve also been told by numerous doctors I’m on the right track . I have weaned off before with zero issues for many many years . Absolutely no issues . I had a massive setback years ago . And here I am .
ReversaSum@reddit
Okay but you will. Good luck. You didn't read my comment or didn't understand it if that was your takeaway.
Most-Enthusiasm-9706@reddit
“Ok but you will ?”
inteii@reddit
mmm yummy pressed xanny bars make me feel goood 🤤
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
Eh I don't know if you're being hyperbolic when you call something the "drug of the devil" but every medication has side effects and has the potential for negativity. I know that when I was taking SSRIs I became suicidal and was hospitalized, when I was taking a benzo my life was manageable. So take that info for what you will buy drugs are just that, chemicals some people have had opiates save their life because they managed pain and some have had it end theirs. They can't be inherently bad or good.
ReversaSum@reddit
I'm literally calling this pharmaceutical industry the devil because benzodiazepines change your body chemistry.
You're already itching for benzodiazepines and you're not even on them, do you know what that means? That means that there's an inherent want for that medication.
It doesn't matter if you say you're not addicted because your actions are that of someone who wants a medication because you liked the way it felt because otherwise you wouldn't be asking for it and if you truly want to do better you should be getting therapy and you should look into alternatives.
Benzodiazepines and opiates are completely different however when I say a crisis I mean that because there are so many people that are on benzodiazepines right now and they have no idea just how harmful they are and they never will until they reach tolerance and must come off of them and then have to deal with the neurological dysfunction that comes with that.
That's what I mean. If you go and read about it and do your research you would understand.
You can't go back on benzos because you've been off of them it will fuck your body up.
That's not me saying it, that's the science homie.
You need to do DBT therapy and ask your doctor about metoprolol or propranolol or any blood pressure beta blocker medication and then do the DBT therapy otherwise you don't want to help your anxiety you just want the drugs-- that's how the psychiatrists view it.
I am literally telling you how a psychiatrist is viewing everything, and with new information, this is how psychiatrists are starting to view benzodiazepines because thousands of patients like me gave feedback so much so that the FDA put a black box warning on benzodiazepines.
This isn't about me, this isn't about you, this is about the benzodiazepines. If you want it to be about you, then you have to go and do therapy to address the root of your anxiety because anxiety stems from somewhere. I wish you well, truly.
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
That's kinda mean and uncalled for to say that to someone you have no idea what they are going through and how their treatment was before. You don't know me.
ReversaSum@reddit
I'm not being mean I am giving you a dose of reality and right now I can tell that you are in a period of withdrawal and I am telling you that your brain needs to heal and if you reinstate those medications you are going to hurt yourself even more.
Go get DBT therapy that way you can heal your brain quicker and you'll have tools to help your brain mitigate anxiety and ground yourself in the present.
I'm not being mean I am literally being matter of fact and I am constantly wishing you well, that is not me being mean that is me trying desperately to make it so you don't end up messed up like the rest of people who have gone back on benzos and went through something called kindling. That's what you will end up doing to your body and you can't do that.
Your body chemistry is changed and you need to incorporate different tools other than medications it has nothing to do with you it has everything to do with the medicine which isn't really a medicine it's like a really harmful substance. Everyone who is on this medication will defend it until it hurts them because it's great until it's not. That is why I'm wishing you well and trying to give you those tools to help better yourself. If you truly want to solve the anxiety then you should take the advice otherwise, you're not here to help your anxiety you're here for a pill and the doctors can see that
NonFungibleTokenism@reddit
Youre giving them unsolicited medical advise that is wrong and dismissing their experience, you are being mean just like basically everyone who says "I am giving you a dose of reality"
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
Withdrawal? Seriously dude ? You are delusional if you think you are in any place to give medical advice to anyone I never once abused my medication or anything like that. Step off your high horse. I asked for a recommendation for a doctor not a hookup for a drug dealer. Didn't realize you were a physician oh wait ...
NonFungibleTokenism@reddit
Every drug does this, thats literally the entire point of taking any drug!
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
How can you tell me I'm itching for something when in my post I literally said I had been on it with great success it just sounds like your personalizing that and projecting.
ReversaSum@reddit
No I'm not I'm literally trying to explain to you that these medications warp your mind
They take over your brain and they give you more anxiety and during the withdrawal period you are searching for them but you might not recognize it.
Also, the psychiatrists are the ones who are thinking that when you ask for benzodiazepines that's what they're thinking, that's what I was trying to get across
And you might not know that your brain is seeking them out but that is what you are doing unintentionally or not. That's why I'm trying to help you with all the other things because I'm trying to get it across to you how dangerous these drugs are long term
You're already off the medication so if you go back on it it will harm you in a way that you cannot conceptualize
Imagine thinking that you have ALS myasthenia gravis Parkinson's or some neurological condition that doesn't make any sense because you have reinstituted the benzodiazepines. That is what I'm trying to say to you it causes dysfunction in your Central nervous system. You can't get back on them. It will harm you irreparably.
That is why I'm trying to help you with the DBT and I'm trying to wish you well.
During protracted withdrawal which is what most people experience they want to get back on the medication, it's a very common thing, because they think that the anxiety that they're experiencing is their own anxiety but it's not it's withdrawal you're going through withdrawal and it will take about two years for you to fully heal but if you go back on that medication you will mess your brain up in a way that you cannot conceptualize until you're off of the medication for two years. That's why I'm trying to tell you other ways to help yourself. I have been where you are at.
I wish you well.
NonFungibleTokenism@reddit
No it absolutely isnt, in 2023 there were 10.8k deaths involving benzos, but 70% of those involved involved fentanyl or other opiods being taken concurrently and in fact the rate of benzo related deaths without concurrent opiods has declined since 2019
Theres 80000 opioid deaths per year and ~3000 non opioid benzo deaths, these are in no way comparable
Benzodiazapines are extremely safe if not combined with other drugs or alcohol with the primary risk being going cold turkey, which is what it sounds like the psychiatrist, that youre defending, that OP is seeing now is trying to push on them
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
Ronald-Ray-Gun@reddit
A lot of these replies don’t seem to know how to empathize with someone with anxiety. Losing a useful tool to get thru panic attacks can be scary and, guess what, anxiety inducing!
I was also prescribed an “as-needed” benzo early in life and my usage of it varied over about a decade. If I reached a certain anxiety threshold, I felt like the only way to come back down was by using the medicine. This was alright for a long time, but eventually I found myself feeling kinda trapped. I felt like I depended on the meds as a tool, but the tool wasn’t working as well as it used to, and I knew if I increased it any more it could be very hard to ween off.
I had a couple bad psychiatrists, tried a dozen or more meds, TMS, etc. and it wasn’t going well. But eventually I found a new doctor and, with lots of life changes and therapy, got off benzos and found what works for me.
I won’t recommend things to try because you’ve probably heard them all. But one thing I learned thru all this was that ultimately, I am in control. I do not have to rely on benzos to be ok. There are other options, and it’s up to me to choose.
I’m sorry if this sounds like bullshit but I just wanted you to know that even tho it doesn’t feel like it, you ARE in control.
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
See this response I respect, you didn't come off as someone telling me a truth that I don't already know. I understand that I am in control, I have other things I still plan on trying when I have the means (TMS, certain treatments) but you also probably understand that I need a good enough insurance plan to be able to afford these things too and you didn't just say ahhh the meds you have taken that did help big bad and you bad you just need a beta blocker simple. So for that I respect your response a million times more and I plan once I get a psychiatrist who sees me making more headway into a more stable condition and can help introduce me to options that a normal guy with a regular insurance plan can afford. I also had planned on trying spravato treatments with my Dr before he passed away so I thank you for a well articulated response.
Ronald-Ray-Gun@reddit
You’re doing exactly what you need to. You’re advocating for yourself, and seeking treatment even though it’s hard and new treatments don’t always go well. Finding a new doctor sucks, but you’re doing it anyway. Fuck yeah!
It’s great you’re open to new things, and I totally get the idea of finding some stability and alternatives before stopping a medication.
If I could recommend just one thing, it’s to keep an open mind if other doctors try to steer away from benzos entirely. I think it’s a natural response to feel defensive or like you need to hold onto the thing that works for dear life, fearing someone will take it away. I felt this with both benzos and nicotine — it’s like my body responded to the threat of it being taken from me. But I promise it’ll get better.
Funny(?) thing happened recently — I hadn’t taken klonopin in at least a year, if not 2, and there was a day where my anxiety levels were high. Because of all the work I’ve done, I knew I could get thru it and be ok. But I was tempted by the idea of taking a pill and feeling the anxiety melt away. I took 1/2 of a dose from an old bottle, and was very surprised to feel… like garbage? Sluggish and tired and kinda depressed. It was nothing like it used to be. It really solidified that I didn’t need it, and maybe back then it wasn’t actually doing me any good.
Best of luck!
SomethingHasGotToGiv@reddit
In the meantime, have you tried CBD?
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
I have and it had very little to no effect on any of my symptoms.
SomethingHasGotToGiv@reddit
I’m sorry.
Sue1213@reddit
I know it’s a little far but there is a psychiatrist in Waxahachie, Dr. Ricardo Schack, who will work with you. He’s not my doctor but he treats my sister.
bikerdude214@reddit
Like what is better? You say dozens better ways to manage anxiety. Name five.
Mercy_Rule_34@reddit
you’re welcome to start here:
lots of resources
wholelattapuddin@reddit
I take a blood pressure medication. I used to take a low dose Xanax for accute panic attacks, but honestly since Ive been on the new meds I haven't needed it.
typingfrombed@reddit
Totally. My partner is dealing with this but there also isnt proper support or effective protocols for getting off these meds successfully after decades of use. It is so frustrating for us!
He is slowly tapering but it’s literally a nightmare and he feels like shit almost all the time and doesn’t know if his body can manage going down lower dose
matchstick64@reddit
Call MD Progressive on Oak Lawn and see what they say. I like how much time they take to understand each patient.
dangsdots@reddit
I've been off a benzo for 11 years now and still suffer daily. I have worse anxiety than what I originally took it for. It's not worth it. My muscles tense up and stay that way all day.
hiccupmortician@reddit
Holiner clinic can get you in fast and may be able to help taper you off benzos and towards a beta blocker. I take Lexapro and Metropolol. Discovered the Metropolol because of a heart condition. I take it daily now and its done wonders for my anxiety. If you talk to the doc about this plan, pairing it with counseling, you might get a doc to help. Benzos aren't the long term solution, so you need a plan, but cutting them cold turkey is not healthy either. Know that they may urine drug test you before prescribing benzos.
Most-Enthusiasm-9706@reddit
I’m so sorry this is happening to you - I have severe anxiety& medical PTSD and see a great doc thru UTSW. They aren’t the best with meds . Have you tried clonodine? It has helped , I have PCP who prescribes my other anti anxiety meds -she’s seen the anxiety, the sweats , the shaking . And I completely understand the judgement -I’ve been through it all . I’m just fortunate enough to have a PCP who has seen my anxiety and how there are times I barely function . Since , I see a psychotherapist for my documented anxiety and medical PTSD and she gets reports from the doc -we are on good terms . I wish you the best of luck and stay strong with finding a doctor that doesn’t vilify you or gaslight you .
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the kind words I already take prazosin for PTSD because I have night terrors from child abuse so I can't take clonodine on top of prazosin or my blood pressure could drop too low. So I'm just struggling to find some relief and I don't know what or where to turn
wholelattapuddin@reddit
I take a low dose blood pressure medication. It has helped tremendously. I hated buspar and while I had a .25 prescription for Xanax as needed, I didn't find it very helpful either.
Most-Enthusiasm-9706@reddit
Buspar didn’t work for me either . .50 alpazolam as needed is the best along with my escitolpram and clonodine as needed in the mornings . Helps me focus .
wholelattapuddin@reddit
I think clonodine or something like it is what Im prescribed.
Most-Enthusiasm-9706@reddit
Oof - I have night terrors as well from medical PTSD . I’m not a fan of UTSW medical side - but the psych/therapy department is great . You will have a therapist and a meds nurse . And after the 1st visit - it’s telehealth . They aren’t somewhat stingy with meds at first , if you can afford therapy I would give UTSW a shot .
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
That I have heard they are good with psych, how do I go about being seen through them? Just Google utsw psychiatric care?
Most-Enthusiasm-9706@reddit
The main number is 215-645-8500. I’ve had great luck with the department-seriously. My nurse is Taylor Pack and my therapist is Dr. Carmen Cruz. Message me anytime with questions , they will start with breathing techniques, blah blah blah stuff first , I’m sure you know the drill . They are super kind especially when it comes to PTSD issues.
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much, seriously this kinda stuff really gives me hope that there's help. I hope you have an amazing day!
Most-Enthusiasm-9706@reddit
I get it , night terrors started about 3 years ago from some awful medical issues I went through - there’s nothing like it and unless someone has experienced this bullshit -they don’t understand . People just roll their eyes , label you as bipolar blah blah blah - nope it’s truly anxiety and anxiety is a real thing ! And dealing with it is part of the healing process . And you def need support and empathy going through this healing journey for you . I had a basic quick procedure about 3 weeks ago , once I got in the surgical room , I completely fell apart out of no where ! It’s will how anxiety just takes over and the panic sets in from our past . It was documented , which helps . I also come from a long family history of extreme anxiety and grew up with a mother with undiagnosed anxiety . Seems to run in the family and that’s why I’m trying to make a change in my 50’s. I’ve seen first hand how bad the anxiety gets and how it affects my life and others . I knew I had to make a change . That’s part of the process, you are aware and ready to start the healing . Much empathy to you and good luck . Like i mentioned, I’ve been through their dept for about 2 years . I’ve had several therapists and finally love the team I am with . And there’s usually a wait to get in- between prepared for a wait list .
MemoryOfRagnarok@reddit
I'm equally as frustrated as you. I have been using xanax as needed for over 10 years with no downsides or addiction issues. I use it to avoid panic attacks which only happens when I fly or once every 2 months or so. Just .25 mg is all I took and it made my life so much easier. Now I can't get even low dosage from anyone. It is super frustrating. Xanax was a magic pill for me and it is ruined because of these stupid lawsuits.
ae5390@reddit
Have you looked into genesight testing? You mentioned that a lot of meds don’t work for you and this may be helpful for finding a better long term solution.
Icy_Recover5679@reddit
When I was inpatient at the psych hospital, lots of people were there trying to get off benzos. Doctors are closely monitored for prescribing them, so you're probably not going to get a new prescription without a hospitalization. They'll wean you off.
Otherwise, you're looking for a "concierge physician" like rich people use. They don't take insurance.
It is very obviously an addiction for the people I know. It controls their life. They freak out if the pharmacy doesn't get their refill order. They are both disabled and can be a danger to themselves and others, so that's why they still have regular prescriptions. Everyone else I know has had to quit.
I like Buspirone. It takes time to be effective, but it's helped me a lot. Quitting won't be easy, but it will be worth it.
sisterfunkhaus@reddit
Dr. Robert Benigar. He is in far Northwest Plano. He will give benzos.
gradientusername@reddit
I DMed you.
herrytesticles@reddit
Me too please.
fleshlettuces@reddit
Could I get that name as well? Having the same issue
Background-Blonde@reddit
Dr Chad Collom at solace counseling in Dallas
Blah-B7ah_Bloop@reddit
I have restless leg syndrome as well as anxiety issues. My doctor prescribed me klonopin, and I have never had an issues. Of course I don’t take one but maybe once a week or so. It works so well for my RLS, and the anxiety help is just a bonus.
GardenOfAlla@reddit
I had a great psychiatrist; however, he had health issues that resulted in inconsistent treatment. I did (extensive) research and found Solace.
Their team was able to analyze the medications I had tried and listened to what was working (and what wasn’t). We landed on a plan that includes several medications and I felt no judgement (which I had experienced elsewhere).
They have locations in Dallas and Plano and offer telemedicine too. They offer medication assisted treatment, therapy, and a few more progressive treatments (e.g., TMS).
GachaStudio@reddit
That looks like a scam site
SentimentalSaladBowl@reddit
I highly recommend Solace.
PATIOCOVER@reddit
If it improves one’s quality of life….
typingfrombed@reddit
My partner has the same issue. He was prescribed years ago when they were giving these meds away like candy and like with other drugs, these are highly addictive and literally damaging if you can’t get the medication which has become an issue as these are now schedule IV (it’s not even just like going through withdrawal but literally deadly). So I totally empathize with you. The issue for us is we are regularly traveling and split time bw diff locations so always a mess with getting the rx.
He has been trying to get off the meds (klonopin specifically) and it seems to be poorly studied and basically no one with a studied approach to get off the meds other than slowly tapering. He has literally been on a low dose for over a decade though so it’s been super tough. Tapering very very slowly.
Suggest you look into getting off the meds slowly though! Anyway for him, he is now going through a national telehealth and in person psych service, mindpath, which seems to be working ok.
Houseplantprotest@reddit (OP)
I have been off for little while. However what I am asking is I gave other medications another shot. I have been through the anti depressant, anti psychotic, buspar and pretty much everything else and not been able to find any relief I know I'm going to get a lot of flak here with people telling me what they think is the virtuous thing but I have tried everything else that the doctor wants and nothing is helping I'm still having anxiety attacks and it's exhausting while the doctor just says welp guess there's nothing that can be done. It's to the point where I want to give up.
ReversaSum@reddit
If you've been off them for a while you can't get back on them. You can't. It will mess you up right now the anxiety that you're experiencing is probably withdraw anxiety it's called protracted withdrawal.
It's a real thing it takes about 2 years for your body to return to a baseline after you've been off of benzodiazepines. You cannot take them again you will mess your brain up it will give you brain damage because that's what it does to people
I highly suggest getting on a beta blocker like propranolol or metoprolol because it will bring your blood pressure down and you don't need a high dose.
Obviously talk to your doctor a psychiatrist probably isn't going to prescribe that though because this is a blood pressure medication and a primary or a cardiologist could prescribe this for you.
You also should be doing DBT I said this in a different comment to you but it is so imperative that you recognize that you can't just get back on benzodiazepines. It's over. And you are better off for it but you have no idea because you haven't experienced the hell that is rebound kindling.
You cannot get back on them again.
You need to move on and do DBT or CBT and you should talk with the doctor about a blood pressure beta blocker type medication.
The anxiety that you're experiencing right now if you've been off of it for a while is literally probably rebound anxiety. Once you're off 2 years and you've done therapy you will find yourself in a much better spot.
Good luck to you.