Anxiety: benzo before gym?

[warlock]

Hoping to get some help from some of the board members. I go through anxiety bouts every once in a while, where I feel panicky and am unable to cope with my normal things. I don't always have anxiety, but it does trigger at times and the feeling is just awful. I'm in that situation now. About a week ago, I began to feel really anxious and have been finding it very hard to relax and stay still. I'm sure it is because my current schedule has changed and I'm a creature of habit and I think this is what's causing it. I feel that I constantly need to move around and do something because otherwise, I panic and get extremely anxious.

I noticed I feel the most anxious first thing in the AM, as soon as I wake up. So, I go to the kitchen and begin to make breakfast and eat it as fast as I can since I can't even really sit down and enjoy the meal. I then, get my gym bag ready and head out quickly to the gym. As soon as I begin the workout, I begin to feel a little better and, by the middle of the workout I noticed I'm calmer. However, the rest of the day I still have some lingering anxiety feeling though not as strong as first thing in the morning.

I'm not a big fan of benzos for obvious reasons, but I have some Xanax and Clonazepam on hand even though I do not have a lot of experience with them. I do everything I can to not take them and just deal with the anxiety. I'm getting to a point where I need to find some relief even if this means to take a benzo here and there until all of this passes away which I know from past experience it will.

My question is, if I were to take a benzo before the gym, do you think it would affect my workout by making me drowsy? Does anyone notice that effect of sleepiness or do you simply you feel more relaxed? Also, if you could choose between Xanax and Clonazepam, which one would you take before the gym or in the earlier hours of the day?

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[slesh]

I take 5mgs of hydrocodone before I lift. It obviously helps with all of my injuries but it also gives you a euphoric “I don’t give a fuck” mentality. Most people associate pain meds with being zonked out but I actually get euphoric energy from opiates and mix that with caffeine and some pump and I’m good to go.

Opiates are a hot button topic - I’ve gotten criticized before for bringing this up but I don’t really give a fuck what some judgemental losers on this board think. If you can manage to take opiates long term without ever having to increase the dose then you should be fine. It’s people with predispositions for addiction that end up going down a dark path - 15 years and I’ve never gone above 5-10mgs in a single serving.

 

[control]

Are you taking caffeine in the morning or pre-workout? Are you breaking your fast with sugar or other high- GI carbs? Are you listening to aggressive music on the way to the gym? If so, I would change those things first.

Then I would familiarize yourself with grounding techniques for anxiety (something you can see, something you can touch, something you can smell, something you can hear).

Something like ashwaghandha or CBD might help if you really need to take something, but I wouldn't take benzos unless you're having a full blown panic attack. Way too many people taking too many benzos these days

 

[bbxtreme]

Hoping to get some help from some of the board members. I go through anxiety bouts every once in a while, where I feel panicky and am unable to cope with my normal things. I don't always have anxiety, but it does trigger at times and the feeling is just awful. I'm in that situation now. About a week ago, I began to feel really anxious and have been finding it very hard to relax and stay still. I'm sure it is because my current schedule has changed and I'm a creature of habit and I think this is what's causing it. I feel that I constantly need to move around and do something because otherwise, I panic and get extremely anxious.

I noticed I feel the most anxious first thing in the AM, as soon as I wake up. So, I go to the kitchen and begin to make breakfast and eat it as fast as I can since I can't even really sit down and enjoy the meal. I then, get my gym bag ready and head out quickly to the gym. As soon as I begin the workout, I begin to feel a little better and, by the middle of the workout I noticed I'm calmer. However, the rest of the day I still have some lingering anxiety feeling though not as strong as first thing in the morning.

I'm not a big fan of benzos for obvious reasons, but I have some Xanax and Clonazepam on hand even though I do not have a lot of experience with them. I do everything I can to not take them and just deal with the anxiety. I'm getting to a point where I need to find some relief even if this means to take a benzo here and there until all of this passes away which I know from past experience it will.

My question is, if I were to take a benzo before the gym, do you think it would affect my workout by making me drowsy? Does anyone notice that effect of sleepiness or do you simply you feel more relaxed? Also, if you could choose between Xanax and Clonazepam, which one would you take before the gym or in the earlier hours of the day?

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Such a dicey subject. But there is a time and place for everything.

I would choose Xanax over clonazepam personally just so you don’t become dependent upon it as quickly. I would also use the minimum dosage possible- .25mg.

For me it would ruin my workout. I have a script and use as needed which isn’t everyday. If I do use it then it’s before bed which makes me wake up feeling calm with no anxiousness.

I feel like I should say this as someone should, but don’t blindly take benzos. Work with a doctor who knows your full case and isn’t into pushing pills. That will make all the difference in the world.

Before you do any of that though I would look at your sleep, adrenals and cortisol levels. There’s many things to check and use prior to a benzo, but was trying to answer your question specifically. Just make sure it’s truly “as needed”. Many times theanine or GABA will get the job done in addition to sleep and lifestyle changes.

 

[control]

I take 5mgs of hydrocodone before I lift. It obviously helps with all of my injuries but it also gives you a euphoric “I don’t give a fuck” mentality. Most people associate pain meds with being zonked out but I actually get euphoric energy from opiates and mix that with caffeine and some pump and I’m good to go.

Opiates are a hot button topic - I’ve gotten criticized before for bringing this up but I don’t really give a fuck what some judgemental losers on this board think. If you can manage to take opiates long term without ever having to increase the dose then you should be fine. It’s people with predispositions for addiction that end up going down a dark path - 15 years and I’ve never gone above 5-10mgs in a single serving.

I'm the last person to judge, but you gotta realize that A LOT of people can't do what you're doing. I would say most people.

The thing with something like that, is that it can be totally manageable until something happens that makes it unmanageable. Let's say there's a death in the family, financial catastrophe, etc. That's when people lean more heavily on whatever drugs they have around.
My ex-best friend had taken painkillers before and never had a problem...until he had a problem (divorce). Shit took him down fast.

 

[slesh]

I'm the last person to judge, but you gotta realize that A LOT of people can't do what you're doing. I would say most people.

The thing with something like that, is that it can be totally manageable until something happens that makes it unmanageable. Let's say there's a death in the family, financial catastrophe, etc. That's when people lean more heavily on whatever drugs they have around.
My ex-best friend had taken painkillers before and never had a problem...until he had a problem (divorce). Shit took him down fast.

Absolutely. I am not trying to make light of it. You need to know yourself and track record when it comes to certain drugs and how you handle them. I went through a divorce, I’ve had a business go into bankruptcy, etc and for me going into opiate oblivion was never appealing. I am able to use a minimal dose as a crutch in the gym and use it in high stress situations almost like a beta blocker - I posted recently how I take them when I have speaking engagements in front of large crowds. But again - didn’t meant to just say go pop opiates willy nilly - but I do believe for the right person they can be beneficial.

 

[Heath82]

I take 5mgs of hydrocodone before I lift. It obviously helps with all of my injuries but it also gives you a euphoric “I don’t give a fuck” mentality. Most people associate pain meds with being zonked out but I actually get euphoric energy from opiates and mix that with caffeine and some pump and I’m good to go.

Opiates are a hot button topic - I’ve gotten criticized before for bringing this up but I don’t really give a fuck what some judgemental losers on this board think. If you can manage to take opiates long term without ever having to increase the dose then you should be fine. It’s people with predispositions for addiction that end up going down a dark path - 15 years and I’ve never gone above 5-10mgs in a single serving.

Same. I take 5mg in the morning, 5 preworkout, and 5 in the evening. Preworkout it gets me in a zone. Better than a preworkout imo

 

[slesh]

Same. I take 5mg in the morning, 5 preworkout, and 5 in the evening. Preworkout it gets me in a zone. Better than a preworkout imo

It really is wild the focus and patience you get from even such a low dose. The days I don’t take it I feel much more antsy in the gym and rush my workouts.

 

[Stewie]

Tossing this out there due to our recent chitchat about iron deficiency.

Like many other things our bodies need for normal function, iron is a cofactor for a few different hydroxylase enzymes. Namely, Tyrosine hydroxylase and Tryptophan hydroxylase. Both of these enzymes regulate the rate limiting steps of different neurotransmitter synthesis. This is the simplicities of it, as there's several other processes involved.

If you need a Benzo to get over the funk you're in, and it's working. Go for it. At the end of the day, I'd put my primary focus on addressing the lack of an essential element.

 

[hogan87]

what about getting some counseling to actually deal with your anxiety instead of medicating it? Regain has a great app you can find and match with a therapist all online for fairly cheap.

 

[BaetrixReloaded]

I take 5mgs of hydrocodone before I lift. It obviously helps with all of my injuries but it also gives you a euphoric “I don’t give a fuck” mentality. Most people associate pain meds with being zonked out but I actually get euphoric energy from opiates and mix that with caffeine and some pump and I’m good to go.

Opiates are a hot button topic - I’ve gotten criticized before for bringing this up but I don’t really give a fuck what some judgemental losers on this board think. If you can manage to take opiates long term without ever having to increase the dose then you should be fine. It’s people with predispositions for addiction that end up going down a dark path - 15 years and I’ve never gone above 5-10mgs in a single serving.

I've found that opiates are tremendous for cardio. I feel like I can keep going and going, it's like a cheat code. but not something I personally can use long term or even frequently, every time i've taken one i've had to think to myself "ah yea, so this is why people get addicted". you got a ton of willpower brother

 

[slesh]

I've found that opiates are tremendous for cardio. I feel like I can keep going and going, it's like a cheat code. but not something I personally can use long term or even frequently, every time i've taken one i've had to think to myself "ah yea, so this is why people get addicted". you got a ton of willpower brother

Yeah but good on you for being self awareness to stop when you get those feelings

 

[qbkilla]

Hoping to get some help from some of the board members. I go through anxiety bouts every once in a while, where I feel panicky and am unable to cope with my normal things. I don't always have anxiety, but it does trigger at times and the feeling is just awful. I'm in that situation now. About a week ago, I began to feel really anxious and have been finding it very hard to relax and stay still. I'm sure it is because my current schedule has changed and I'm a creature of habit and I think this is what's causing it. I feel that I constantly need to move around and do something because otherwise, I panic and get extremely anxious.

I noticed I feel the most anxious first thing in the AM, as soon as I wake up. So, I go to the kitchen and begin to make breakfast and eat it as fast as I can since I can't even really sit down and enjoy the meal. I then, get my gym bag ready and head out quickly to the gym. As soon as I begin the workout, I begin to feel a little better and, by the middle of the workout I noticed I'm calmer. However, the rest of the day I still have some lingering anxiety feeling though not as strong as first thing in the morning.

I'm not a big fan of benzos for obvious reasons, but I have some Xanax and Clonazepam on hand even though I do not have a lot of experience with them. I do everything I can to not take them and just deal with the anxiety. I'm getting to a point where I need to find some relief even if this means to take a benzo here and there until all of this passes away which I know from past experience it will.

My question is, if I were to take a benzo before the gym, do you think it would affect my workout by making me drowsy? Does anyone notice that effect of sleepiness or do you simply you feel more relaxed? Also, if you could choose between Xanax and Clonazepam, which one would you take before the gym or in the earlier hours of the day?

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Brother what you just described is what I've been experiencing the past 3 years no idea why....it's literally a battle in my own mind every day...I feel like I'm going crazy

I wake up at 530 full of energy can't sit still. Too early to head to work so I pop an energy drink do some cardio then work. Then I hit the gym and can't decide which of my gyms I want to go to. Then I get done I have a battle in my mind what I'm going to eat for dinner fajitas, beef, omlette, etc. weekends are the worst I can't be home so I usually hike and fuck around on my phone all day

People mock me and I deserve it for overcomplicating training but I think this is the underlying reason why. But...when have other things that dominate my thoughts I don't worry about traveling nuances.

Example...I needed new shoes. It was a fucking 3 month project trying to decide what pair. I just went in and busted my ass at the gym...why? Because I had no head space to give a shit how many sets reps what exercises I was doing as too busy thinking if I should buy black new balance, asics, adidas, etc.

This week I'm not overcomplicating my training because my mind is dominated 24/7 about what tattoo I'm going to get. I can't deal with traffic, lines in stores like I used to..I'm on edge all the time...i drive on the damn shoulder when there's traffic and get so mad when I can't get equipment i need at the gym

I'll go hiking and get frustrated because I can't choose what podcast to listen to. Pre workout nutrition, training frequency, best sneakers for summer, 2025 NFL draft, the collapse of the acc, etc. although I know damn well I'm not changing my diet or training because I'm happy where I'm at I just listen to the shit anyway.

I also can no longer nap. I bought shoes and returned them the next day, twice. I spent $500 to get my calf tatted and 3 days later spent $500 to have it lasered. I used to debate which chick I would fuck now I debate in my mind what I should be thinking about. I'm a fucking nut. Sorry for the long post just reading yours made me think about me. No idea why I'm like this..

Haven't read replies yet but hoping someone has some advice. Sometimes I feel like I'm crawling out of my own skin. Only thing I can think is work stress....stress did this to me lol

I know damn well all these nuances I post about don't make 1 percent difference but I think about them anyway and can't help it and to be honest all I care about is bringing up my legs I like my tiny phsique but I obsess over the gym anyway.

 

[lntense]

How many androgens are you on? You’re probably just in a constant state of fight or flight.

Personally I want a little anxiety and adrenaline in the gym. But at the office etc, my high androgen levels can really cause me to freak out internally, and then I get obvious physical signs. So situationally beta blockers work best for me. Just .5-10mg an hour before I know I need to do a presentation or something. I use propranolol personally. In and out pretty quick.

I much prefer this over anything I used in the past like kpin or Xanax. Which include a host of other issues.




From what I’ve researched years of being highly androgenic I have messed up my natural estrogen, melatonin, and serotonin. So it’s just hard to relax and always feel like I’m going to war

 

[WeakFNG]

You mention in the past, you know this will resolve in time. Given that you have been through this before, what have you noticed helped or worked in resolving it?

Adjustment to new routines is something many people struggle with (adjustment disorder as a diagnosis has been around since the DSM 3 I believe). Given what you are describing seems to be occurring in the morning, is there something about your routine you feel is exacerbating the anxiety? Also, if the recent change was not your choice, this could be related to feeling a lack of control over the situation or forced adjustment.

Think about what has worked for you deal with adjustment/changes in the past and use or build on those strengths. If possible, attempt to control as much of your morning routine as you can for the time being. This will build a routine your comfortable with to begin your day.

Working on coping skills and grounding techniques as @control said. This will help you at any point in your day it is needed. And as @bbxtreme and @Stewie alluded too, work with a doctor. Have labs done. Anxiety is not always anxiety and a good place to start is a wellness visit.

All that said, I am all for pharmaceutical intervention as needed. Just as some people need antihistamines daily, some need ssri's, benzos, etc. Just be self aware of this and truly use it as needed. Keep a usage diary to track how many times a week its needed.

Best of luck to you in getting to the bottom of this.

 

[3BILLS]

I spent $500 to get my calf tatted and 3 days later spent $500 to have it lasered.

I'm surprised you could even have it removed before healed?

 

[jcc80]

Brother what you just described is what I've been experiencing the past 3 years no idea why....it's literally a battle in my own mind every day...I feel like I'm going crazy

I wake up at 530 full of energy can't sit still. Too early to head to work so I pop an energy drink do some cardio then work. Then I hit the gym and can't decide which of my gyms I want to go to. Then I get done I have a battle in my mind what I'm going to eat for dinner fajitas, beef, omlette, etc. weekends are the worst I can't be home so I usually hike and fuck around on my phone all day

People mock me and I deserve it for overcomplicating training but I think this is the underlying reason why. But...when have other things that dominate my thoughts I don't worry about traveling nuances.

Example...I needed new shoes. It was a fucking 3 month project trying to decide what pair. I just went in and busted my ass at the gym...why? Because I had no head space to give a shit how many sets reps what exercises I was doing as too busy thinking if I should buy black new balance, asics, adidas, etc.

This week I'm not overcomplicating my training because my mind is dominated 24/7 about what tattoo I'm going to get. I can't deal with traffic, lines in stores like I used to..I'm on edge all the time...i drive on the damn shoulder when there's traffic and get so mad when I can't get equipment i need at the gym

I'll go hiking and get frustrated because I can't choose what podcast to listen to. Pre workout nutrition, training frequency, best sneakers for summer, 2025 NFL draft, the collapse of the acc, etc. although I know damn well I'm not changing my diet or training because I'm happy where I'm at I just listen to the shit anyway.

I also can no longer nap. I bought shoes and returned them the next day, twice. I spent $500 to get my calf tatted and 3 days later spent $500 to have it lasered. I used to debate which chick I would fuck now I debate in my mind what I should be thinking about. I'm a fucking nut. Sorry for the long post just reading yours made me think about me. No idea why I'm like this..

Haven't read replies yet but hoping someone has some advice. Sometimes I feel like I'm crawling out of my own skin. Only thing I can think is work stress....stress did this to me lol

I know damn well all these nuances I post about don't make 1 percent difference but I think about them anyway and can't help it and to be honest all I care about is bringing up my legs I like my tiny phsique but I obsess over the gym anyway.

Have you tried a consistent practice of meditation and mindfulness? Not like "I tried that a few times", but a real concentrated effort?

Mental health takes REAL work, and that work is going to be really difficult for you in the beginning, I expect. It's also worth it. Not saying I'm perfectly calm and don't have inner turmoil, but the turmoil is manageable and I can shut it down when I recognize it.

Doesn't happen overnight though and there aren't shortcuts. CBD and stuff can give you a little relief while you do that work.

 

[slesh]

Brother what you just described is what I've been experiencing the past 3 years no idea why....it's literally a battle in my own mind every day...I feel like I'm going crazy

I wake up at 530 full of energy can't sit still. Too early to head to work so I pop an energy drink do some cardio then work. Then I hit the gym and can't decide which of my gyms I want to go to. Then I get done I have a battle in my mind what I'm going to eat for dinner fajitas, beef, omlette, etc. weekends are the worst I can't be home so I usually hike and fuck around on my phone all day

People mock me and I deserve it for overcomplicating training but I think this is the underlying reason why. But...when have other things that dominate my thoughts I don't worry about traveling nuances.

Example...I needed new shoes. It was a fucking 3 month project trying to decide what pair. I just went in and busted my ass at the gym...why? Because I had no head space to give a shit how many sets reps what exercises I was doing as too busy thinking if I should buy black new balance, asics, adidas, etc.

This week I'm not overcomplicating my training because my mind is dominated 24/7 about what tattoo I'm going to get. I can't deal with traffic, lines in stores like I used to..I'm on edge all the time...i drive on the damn shoulder when there's traffic and get so mad when I can't get equipment i need at the gym

I'll go hiking and get frustrated because I can't choose what podcast to listen to. Pre workout nutrition, training frequency, best sneakers for summer, 2025 NFL draft, the collapse of the acc, etc. although I know damn well I'm not changing my diet or training because I'm happy where I'm at I just listen to the shit anyway.

I also can no longer nap. I bought shoes and returned them the next day, twice. I spent $500 to get my calf tatted and 3 days later spent $500 to have it lasered. I used to debate which chick I would fuck now I debate in my mind what I should be thinking about. I'm a fucking nut. Sorry for the long post just reading yours made me think about me. No idea why I'm like this..

Haven't read replies yet but hoping someone has some advice. Sometimes I feel like I'm crawling out of my own skin. Only thing I can think is work stress....stress did this to me lol

I know damn well all these nuances I post about don't make 1 percent difference but I think about them anyway and can't help it and to be honest all I care about is bringing up my legs I like my tiny phsique but I obsess over the gym anyway.

You need to get laid

 

[madmuscle25]

I've had luck with l theanine, picamilon and rhodiola stacked. If that doesn't work Xanax always does the trick. I'm a huge fan of tianeptine sodium pre workout if your wanting a similar effect as Norco.

 

[juggy38]

Mag glycinate….slowly ramp up to 800mg through the day.

Ashwaganda, l-theanine, passionflower.

Long duration cardio zone 2. 35-45 minutes nasal breathing only