I used to take all sorts of shit for anxiety. xanax 4mg a day, klonopin 4mg a day, and lexapro. I weaned myself off of all of it a few years ago. it was fucking hell. the xanax was the easiest to kick. ironically, the lexapro which most would deem the safest, was the hardest. if I missed a dose my throat would tighten and it would be hard to breathe. it took me about a month or 2 until I was completely clean, and it was hard as fuck. I didn't do rehab or any of that, just sheer willpower. I am actually pretty proud that I was able to overcome it, and I deal with it and use breathing techniques when I have an anxiety attack now. like all things, they eventually pass. if I need to give a speech or presentation, I take a full dose of my beta blocker that I get for hypertension... it at least somewhat mutes the adrenal response.
I feel sad for the bros on here that are hopelessly hooked on this garbage. I feel like the shit is way over prescribed these days, and while I had a legit need, I feel in the long run it also harmed me a fair share for the good that it did. I appreciate the mental clarity that I have these days, and would never be on these drugs full time again.