Experience with benzodiazepines?

I have searched the sub and read through some related posts, but I am curious about some specific experiences with benzodiazepines. I know they are highly addictive and dependence-forming, which is why I’m wondering if people have had success (or not) dosing intermittently for luteal. What kind have you tried, how often did you take it, and how much time are you off of it during your cycle? Are there alternatives that worked as well?

I have only tried clonazepam and it is the most helpful treatment I have ever found for the anxiety, panic, agitation, brain fog, irritability AND depression. I actually had a functional hell week. However I’m now on the last day of my period and have been foggy and depressed for the bleed since coming off of them. I didn’t take them every day, but I am generally quite sensitive to meds and withdrawal and am wondering if something with a shorter half life could be more appropriate and easier to track for intermittent use, so that it doesn’t build up in the body. Or is longer half-life taken less frequently a smoother transition on and off?

I did also lower the dose of my anti-depressant 4 weeks ago now, after 1.5 years on the dose which seemed to be pushing me through fight or flight and then crash, so I’m also not entirely sure if that, or cannabis dependence/withdrawal is still playing a role atm since I started dabbling into weed again near the start of my cycle 😑 and wondering if the plethora of supplements I take could also affect the action/elimination of the clonazepam.

These meds gave me hope for the first time in so, so many years, so hopefully some understanding can help me safely and effectively use this tool; thanks for your help 💜