I was diagnosed in 2009 with PTSD (C-PTSD is really what I suffer from, it just wasn't a diagnosis then) and MDD-Recurrent-Moderate. I also, thanks to my abusive ex-husband with his Bipolar Disorder, Paranoid Personality Disorder, Histrionic Disorder, and his parents, after I kicked him out and filed for divorce, I noticed my anxiety is still extremely high. Like I'm walking on eggshells no matter where I go or whomever is with me. I have become withdrawn and isolate at home, going out only when absolutely necessary. At the time of my diagnosis, I was enlisted as a SGT in the US Army. My therapist said I was the most functional dysfunctional he's ever met. I was not on any medications ever, even after diagnosed in 2009. I started on meds in 2013 when my daughter turned 13 and my ex-husband, who has been violating our custody agreement, so I have been taking him to court, decided to be spiteful and keep the kids from me. Anyways, I am currently taking the following: 150mg Venlafaxine cap ER (Effexor), once daily (and if I miss 2 days of the Effexor, it feels like someone beat me with a baseball bat and I get these randoms spasms in my back mainly. Very painful). I also take 10mg Diazepam (Valium), 3 times a day, as my anxiety is out of control high (and why we cannot complete one session of EMDR), 25mg Atenolol (Tenormin), once daily, as the N.P. said I had Hypertension, yet my blood pressure and heart rate on average is around 91/61 with 120 pulse. And finally, I am up to 4mg ofTerazosin (Hytrin) for my PTSD nightmares that are so severe, I have up to 3 a night, every night, or I have insomnia and keep from the nightmares. I suffer still with traumatic amnesia for a ten year period, so my brain won't let me see the flashbacks. Now, as to why I contacted you. They tried me on Clonopine (or whatever) and Xanax, but both made me EXTREMELY irritable and angry and unpleasant. The Valium simply took my stressors, cares, and worries away, and for once, I could just be happy. But after 3 years of being on them, other than the day I get my refills each month and they are fresh, I really don't get my worries taken away anymore. What would be a good replacement for that high of anxiety that I'm on 10mg Valium 3 times a day, without being Xanax or Clonopine? And kudos to whomever came out with the Hytrin! My boyfriend said I still have my nightmares, but they are not as severe now, I don't realize I'm having them or waking up from them, and I awake each morning so refreshed, happy, and rested. I had never had that before. The only complaint is that they work great at each dosage, 1mg, 2mg, 4mg, 5mg, for 3 weeks of the month. However, that last week before I went in for my refills, I could tell in my sleep my nightmares were affecting me. They are great for 3 weeks, but that is it. But I still couldn't be happier. I just want a good replacement for my valium. Something that will not make me care about all the crap from the past, present, and make me happy again. I miss being happy. Thank you. Laura Greenstreet