Hi All,

I am taking Cymbalta, Loxapine and Klonopin for generalized anxiety, OCD and depression. For at least five years I have been on benzos like Klonopin and I think they have lost their effectiveness. My anxiety level is quite high and I am coming off several months of self-medicating with wine which has cause my weight loss to stall. I have tried increasing the Klonopin but I see that as a slippery slope where I'll just have to take more and more. Any advice on other ways-nutritional, physical or medicinal-to relieve anxiety?
Thanks!

Exercise, exercise, exercise. Seriously, if my anxiety is super-high, REALLY HARD exercise is all that will get it down to manageable levels. Kickboxing. Really heavy lifting. Running intervals. Etc.

People do develop tolerance to benzos as they take them long-term, so it is possible that's happening.

I notice a real improvement in my symptoms when I cut out refined sugars and flours, too. The cleaner I eat (fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains, small amounts of dairy), the easier my symptoms are to manage.

If you are self-medicating with wine, then attending a 12 Step meeting(s) would help. They are free, you can find out where one is in your area at almost any time of the day or night. Just Googgle it on your computer. It doesn't matter whether it is Overeater's Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous or even Codependent's Anonymous. There is no pressure to admit you have an "issue" with any of those or any other "addictive" substances/behaviors or persons. They are there to support you through whatever you are going through. You do not have to go through this alone. Please consider reaching out to them! I am a veteran 12 Stepper and I repeat all you will get from them is unconditional love. God bless and we are with you here as well.