hello there roof trash (i always get a kick out of your name when i see it);
First of all, i commend your doc for stepping down b/c of his inexperience. this doesn't happen often. your next doc may not have the right experience w/prescribing those meds either--when you see him/her, you owe it to yourself to find out. if they admit they don't, you may want to seek out a good psychiatrist (whether we like it or not, they're the experts on this relatively new classification of meds!) to see for awhile, just until he/she finds the right meds for you at this critical time in your life. depending on where you live, this could be a challenge, but if you try real hard, you may just find one who can help. if you're in any recovery support groups, ask around for recommendations, then go "interview" the doc before you accept care from him/her . it's your right!
of course this is all dependent on whether or not you have health care coverage. i couldn't do it this way if i wanted to cuz i'm uninsured! but if you do have coverage--go for it.
second, I do know that neither klonopin or xanax are "depressants". just because a drug makes ya sleepy/mellow/sedated does not mean it's a depressant. kolonopin is an anti-seizure medication often used to help various mood disorders, like severe anxiety. xanax is a bezodiazapene. may I be so bold to suggest that your biggest fear here should be the fact that both are highly addictive and could very well be the "gateway" meds that take you back to the type of using you've been working so hard to end?? just be careful, roof, seek out the experts, and remember, this is your life and you deserve the best.
take good care.
--athena
hey brother, You know that i have never been on an anti untill now and i believe that the cymbalta is working for me. It has taken a month for it to start working but im glad that i stayed w/it. I feel ive always needed something and thats why ive self medicated for all those years. Cymbalta is supposed to have something for depression and something for pain caused by depression. Im glad to see that your still with it, stay strong and keep the faith. Clay TX