Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
You don't want to become dependent on these medications because if you try to stop taking them the anxiety comes back worse, at least for a period of time. I also found that they made me depressed when the effects started to wear off.
I would suggest asking your doctor about hydroxyzine if you need something for daily anxiety NOW and if you can wait for the relief you might want to try something like BuSpar, but be careful if you're taking other medications that effect your serotonin levels because I got Serotonin Syndrome from taking high doses of BuSpar and Lexapro. Now I'm on hydroxyzine and while it does make you feel fatigued it is better than dealing with paralyzing anxiety and way better than getting on a medication that is only going to be harder to get off of the longer you take it.
In my opinion benzos should only be used for severe panic attacks in scenarios where you think you're going to lose consciousness. If you just feel anxious all the time you really should find another solution.
Just my 2 cents.
I'm afraid to stop taking them, 'cuz I fear wicked withdrawl! But, I find they don't really work all that well, anymore.
I take them like tic tacs, if I have to go out!
Like everyone says... they ARE addictive. I've been "weaning" myself off of them, for the last 3 months.
Having said that, I took Valium daily for 4 years and had no effects at going off, no withdrawal.
OTOH, I took Klonopin for 3 weeks and had severe withdrawal when I quit.
Meds!! Love 'em!! Hate 'em!!