My first post was probably too long. I just was prescribed klonopin as an augmentation to Trintellix. I’ve had ERP therapy and still practice it. My questions are: does klonopin reduce the effectiveness of ERP? Does anyone have success stories with it as a long term augmentation therapy?
I also take it and was wondering the same thing! I’m guessing it doesn’t because it might help us sit with uncertainty a lot easier and come down from the really frightening state faster??
@livinwithocd Klonopin is a benzodiazepine that **should not** be used during ERP because it provides immediate relief from anxiety, which can prevent you from fully experiencing and desensitizing to that anxiety. Relying on Klonopin for quick anxiety relief can lead to **compulsive behavior**, reinforcing avoidance and interrupting the natural process of desensitization in ERP. On the other hand, medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, and even some antipsychotics, are often used in the long-term management of anxiety and OCD. These medications gradually adjust brain chemistry to help reduce overall anxiety without dulling it in the moment, making it easier to tolerate distressing feelings during ERP. They provide support for managing anxiety over time, allowing you to experience and process the discomfort that comes with exposure exercises which ultimately helps break the cycle of avoidance and compulsions. Klonopin should be used very carefully and sparingly. It’s not a long-term solution for anxiety or ERP and can hinder the very process you need for healing.
So you got to ask me anything… Now I’d like to ask you something! I’ve heard from Members that they were so scared coming to their first ERP session. They were terrified that I would think they were crazy, that I would tell them their worst fears were true. That I would confirm they are some form of a terrible person or have them hauled off to prison for their thoughts. I’ve also had Members share how they’re very scared to begin ERP treatment because they’ve researched enough to know it means facing the fear, without the compulsions that have kept them feeling safe (but not really safe) this entire time. They struggled to see how they could be capable of doing this, while simultaneously acknowledging that they did not want to live like this anymore. If you have had your first session, what were your thoughts before? Did you have any hesitations or fears going into it? How did it turn out? If you haven’t yet begun to work with an ERP specialist, what is holding you back?
(25f) Before I was diagnosed with OCD I tried Lexapro (wasn’t bad but wasn’t great) and Citalopram (partially think it was a part of what caused me to develop severe anxiety that ignited my once not so active OCD.) After diagnosis tried Effexor and didn’t see an improvement. Was on Adderall for a good amount of my life and mentally did good on it, stopped about 2 years ago because the physical side effects started to become more noticeable. Maybe I go back on Adderall? Maybe SSRI’s and I aren’t a great fit? Anyone taking other medications that helped?
I’m starting NOCD. I had several years of cbt as a child (well over 20 years ago) and I see a trauma therapist. But now I’ll be seeking further help for OCD and just really scared. CBT wasn’t helpful for me. How has ERP been helpful for you? Do you feel like you’ll finally get your life back? I’m consumed by my obsessions 😢 Would love others feedback if ERP helped you ❤️
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
