Side Effects of Benzo Medication that is for Social Anxiety
The remaining three articles on the side effects of Klonopin, Xanax and Valium - I will write from personal experience. It's basically a warning for anyone that is thinking about taking these Benzo type meds, possibly for Social Anxiety. One of the side effects on this page that I will share is drowsiness.
The first time that I took Xanax for my social anxiety was a jolting experience. Though the medication helped me tremendously, it gave me a feeling of being drowsy. It continued three years later (I was still taking Xanax almost every day), on the first day of my new job. I took more than usual since I was really nervous about things. All went well until I went to my first meeting of the day. The person speaking in the meeting was talking about some technical things (I can't remember exactly the subject matter was) and I started feeling very sleepy.
Now you would think that someone's first day on the job - this person would be a little nervous and attentive in their first meeting. But since I took Xanax and more than my usual dosage, I was falling asleep! I remember to this day, me trying to keep awake and actually closing my eyes a few times for a brief couple of seconds. Fortunately, I made it through and I don't think nobody saw me - but at the time - I really didn't care - which is very scary. I probably would have gotten fired on my first day on the job if my project manager saw me.
Xanax is meant to "take the edge off". However, people and also myself, have overdone it by being so scared of certain social situations, that we take more than what we should.
If you are thinking about taking a benzo medication for whatever reason (mine was social anxiety obviously), then make sure you try to take a small dosage. Doctors may recommend you to take it three times a day - but they really don't know the danger of these type of medications. As for the side effect of drowsiness, these meds do relax you - but sometimes to the point of sleepiness. So be very careful when taking Benzos.
Two more things: I legally have to say this. Please check with your doctor before taking my advice (though - my own personal viewpoint of doctors is very low when it comes to Benzos). Also, the medication usually has a warning on the side of the bottle that it does cause drowsiness. At least they warn you about that. However, that is the very least. If Xanax of Klonopin only had that side effect, it would be a wonderful drug. Unfortunately, it doesn't. When a person wants to withdrawal from these type of medications, they usally go through a horrible time. If you think that you want to take a Benzo for the rest of your life, I would think again. However, withdrawal symptoms is beyond the scope of this article and I have other websites that talk about what benzo medications do to you over the long run.