Physiologyfirst

I don't expect any of you to give a shit, but I would like to share something with all of you. This is kind of a cautionary tale for younger person in my audience. For the love of God: DO NOT FUCK AROUND WITH BENZODIAZEPINE. Like it was a plague, don't do Xanax, or Klonopin, or Valium, unless it is under strict medical supervision and you're well educated on the drug. When I was 18 I had severe anxiety. My anxiety was so extreme I was afraid to shower, put gas in my car, etc. Once I was so afraid to shower I didn't bathe for 8 months. My anxiety was debilitating. I was eventually given a narcotic called Klonopin. The doctor didn't warn me about the drug. Klonopin is an extremely effective anti-anxiety medication. It was like a breathe of fresh air. I was able to function. It saved my life. However, what the doctor DID NOT tell me is that Klonopin is like rat poison and is INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. I cannot stress this enough: INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. The long term effects of Benzodiazepine is catastrophic. General speaking, physicians only want you taking drugs like Klonopin for 90 days MAXIMUM. I've been taking it for over 15 years. My brain and body are both heavily dependent on the drug. If I don't have my Klonopin I physically cannot function. My arms shake, I get headaches, I get confused, I get overwhelming anxiety, I get physically sick, it is absolutely awful. It feels very similar to having the Influenza virus mixed with extreme sleep depravation mixed with being hung over. Additionally, whenever I told other physicians I take Klonopin I am treated like a drug addict and they scoff at me. Several times in the past, when in an Emergency Room or whatever, and I mention I take Klonopin, I've had doctors directly tell me, "Well, I'm not going to give you any Xanax", or "Why are you really here?". It's terrible and embarrassing. Anyway, to make a long story short I've decided to begin the journey of quiting the drug. I can't quit cold turkey, because it can kill you .. because it can cause death by stroke, heart attack, seizure, ... whatever. Instead I am working with my physician to slowly taper off the drug. I'm day five into a 25% reduction, which in some cases is fast, but I agreed to try it. I've had mild insomnia and mild irritability. Besides this though I'm doing pretty good. Once I've kept at this 25% reduction for about 8 weeks I will try to reduce by another 25%. Seriously though, don't fuck around Benzos like Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, etc. This shit will fuck you up bro