My husband has essential tremor that started when he was about 18 years old. His grandpa, mother, and cousin have it. He shakes so much it is hard for him to function and it just wears him out. He has been on Ativan and Inderal together for a few years which was just not cutting it. The problem started about 6 months ago when his neurologist put him on Klonopin. He had him up to 6mg. a day. He was just not functioning. He has lost about 30 lbs. He was practically passing out. His blood pressure was down to about 80 over 46 before he just went off of it cold turkey for about 2 days and then his blood pressure can back up. He tapered off for about 2 weeks and went off of it. But he said he has never felt this bad in his life. He took 1mg. of Klonopin yesterday and said he felt so much better. Now the doctor wants to put him on Xanax XR 1 mg. per pay instead of the Klonopin. His neurologist said it was either trying these drugs or brain surgery to help relieve the tremor. Now he is having trouble thinking or concentrating and is worried that he could have brain damage from taking the Klonopin. Please give me feedback on your opinions. Is he addicted to the benzodiazepines? What has been your experience with these drugs. Thanks!