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Re: correct dose benzos » viridis

Posted by hildi on September 5, 2002, at 17:13:19

In reply to Re: correct dose benzos, posted by viridis on August 31, 2002, at 19:44:46

> Hi Hildi,
>
> I hope you're feeling better. I posted a more detailed response to your questions about adderall etc. earlier (higher up the page), and my dosing schedules for Klonopin and Xanax. Basically, I started with 1 mg Klonopin at night and Xanax prn, but the Klonopin wore off by mid-morning, so then I tried 0.25 mg 4X/day (since initially it made me a bit clumsy and sleepy). The I went to 0.5 mg 2X day (after a week or two), and now I just take 1 mg in the morning (along with the additional meds described in my earlier post). Klonopin no longer has any noticeable side effects for me, and it provides all-day relief of anxiety and stress without any cognitive dulling.
>
> I used Xanax (0.25-0.5 mg) whenever I needed it initially, and had no problem with it interacting with Klonopin. As I got used to the Klonopin and my anxiety level dropped, so did my use of Xanax. Now I take Xanax (at most) once or twice a week for particularly stressful situations, but I take the Klonopin every day, never more than 1 mg/day.
>
> I did take a tiny dose of Zoloft (12.5 mg) for a short period while on K & X, but it had such a drastic effect on my moods and stress level that I soon dropped it, with my pdoc's approval. I just can't tolerate SSRIs (I've tried others), even with benzos in place. I wonder if you might be having a similar reaction to the Zoloft -- maybe something to discuss with your doctor. I'm much better with just benzos (and even more stable with a bit of Adderall and Neurontin as I've mentioned before). Maybe your brain chemistry is similar?
>
> Anyway, I'd talk to your doctor before dropping the SSRI or any other medications, but it's something to consider. Oh, by the way -- I started taking 6 g fish oil and 1 g evening primrose oil every day a couple of months ago, and that also seems to help me feel more stable (but I still think the Klonopin is the real key).
>
> Good luck!

Thanks so much. I really appreciate your input on this subject and it has helped a great deal.
I started taking .25mg klon 3-4 times a day, instead of one larger dose just at night, and this seems to make a difference. Prior to that, I had been feeling the Klon wearing off during mid-day, but I thought that 'couldn't/didn't happen'- that is until I started hearing the responses from you and others. So, that makes me feel better knowing that, and that the side effects should wear off soon. Actually, with the dosing sched like this the side effects really are not too bad. I may slowly start trying the doses like you mentioned, .5 2X day, then working up to 1mg in AM. No morning drowsyness when taking in AM? Lasts all day? Maybe it is our body building up some kind of tolerance or something. Hey, If that works for you it may also for me. I appreciate the advice.
I have the ativan but am afraid to take it now. I got really woosy and nauseaus on it. However, I am not eating or sleeping well right now either- very many life changes are occurring. Knock wood, but I really think the Klon may be helping me cope better. Like I said, it is approx .25 mg 3-4 times a day, but my anxiety is a bit more managable. And I don't feel funny, either. No 'high' feelings (I was super worried about that), The Klon seems to be helping my physical anxiety symptoms. I am not shaking as much, nor hyperventalating, sweaty, panicky, etc.
I wonder if I should try the atian, too, once my body gets more adjusted to the Kon. Do you think Ativan is as good as xanax?
I am afraid to stop the SSRI yet. Too much is happening in my life right now, and I am able to function. I am worried that if I change anything things will fall apart again!
I do think that discontinuing the SSRI might be helpful or necessary for me, but I am going to wait a little bit longer before taking that step.
I would like to try the Adafranil, too. (Also the Adderal, but I don't think my doc will let me try that).
I do live in the states, but I have a very close-minded doc and the benzos were ordered by me in the mail. He DID suggest it (benzos) on several occasions, but then by the time I was receptive to the idea the doc didn't prescribe them for me since it was not HIS idea- and this idea was rebuked by me in the first place.
Confusing and frustrating.
Fish oil and evening primrose oil is helping you too? Hmmm. That is interesting. The fish oil caps I did try but they made me nauseaus. I was thinking of trying flax oil caps and see if I had any better luck. I'll let you know.
Thanks for all the help!
Hildi


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