Clonazepam for rest of my life (I'm only 25) ?

After a severe panic attack I lost my sleep. I visited a doctor because Im having extreme heart palpitations even when I'm not anxious at all and I can't sleep because of the same. He put me on 1 mg dose and told I have to take it for rest of my life, daily. I'm having suicidal thoughts but he said everything will be okey. I don't know what to say.. Is it alright or should I visit another doctor ? Every day I'm waking up is like hell. I wish I just don't wake up next day. Its not life. I have made it by myself everyone tried to help me.

I think a second opinion would be well worth it. Unless lots of different meds have be tried, and all have failed, how can any doctor know permanent benzos are needed as this is more last resort territory?

I'm losing all hope. I don't know.

Hello.
Do not lose hope ... you are not alone.

Are you having regular panic attacks? 1 single panic attack should not require life-time medication. I concur with Terry in that you should get a second opinion and that there are a number of SSRI's and other medications that are more favoured for long-term use. Does your current doctor has a lot of experience with other patients who have panic attacks?

My understanding is that Clonazepam is more suited for short-term use and is addictive, requiring increased dosage over time due to your body building up tolerance. I only took it sparingly during the initial 4-6 week period when adjusting to Citalopram SSRI. Having said that, there are some people who say they have been on Clonazepam for a number of years, but I believe they are in the minority.

There are also other non-medication therapies such as CBT and Mindfulness. You can read over a number of sub-forms here discussing both medical and non-medical options.

Clonazapam is what I take daily, however I am trying different ssris along with that. I’ve been on clonazapam daily for over a year now. It helps prevent panic attacks. I take 2mgs. Perhaps others can jump in

Thank you,
I'm not having regular panic attacks now, before I was on olanzapine 5 mg for 2 months, without medication my heart palpitation is increasing and its becoming unbearable, my whole body is shaking, unable to sleep, making me anxious. My doctor just write prescriptions and pretends he is the best. Not a good doctor.

I'll try mindfulness and I'll stop medicine after someday if it worsens I'll see a new doctor.

It feels like my whole life is gone, I had so much good plans to do, just one mistake.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Anxisam

Thank you,
I'm not having regular panic attacks now, before I was on olanzapine 5 mg for 2 months, without medication my heart palpitation is increasing and its becoming unbearable, my whole body is shaking, unable to sleep, making me anxious. My doctor just write prescriptions and pretends he is the best. Not a good doctor.

I'll try mindfulness and I'll stop medicine after someday if it worsens I'll see a new doctor.

It feels like my whole life is gone, I had so much good plans to do, just one mistake.

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Hi,
Personally I'd get off the clonazepam as it's addictive and stops working after a while unless the dose is increased. It then becomes a vicious cycle.

It sounds like your symptoms are withdrawal from the olanzapine. Usually only specialists give this drug as it's an anti psychotic!

You need to change your Dr and tell him/her what drugs you've been given. There are antidepressants for anxiety and depression that are non addictive. They can take a few weeks to fully work so patience is required. Good luck with it and let us know how you get on.