Posted by Michael Bell on February 15, 2005, at 7:09:44
In reply to Newly on(and ?s)about Zoloft and Klonopin, posted by aphexonset on February 15, 2005, at 4:21:07
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Paul,
Klonopin is usually the benzo prescribed for those with continuous anxiety disorders (GAD, social phobia, etc.) because it has the longest half-life. For this reason its often prescribed by non benzo-phobes as the first line of treatment for the disorders listed above. Meanwhile, meds like Xanax are often used for occasional spikes in anxiety not controlled by your main med.Sorry, don't know much about Zoloft in particular. But as far as Paxil, I didn't find it all that helpful for for social anxiety.
Over a year ago I was diagnosed with Generalized Anx. Disorder. After trying Effexor and Paxil, I gave up on trying new medication, since the only thing to actually work was the Xanax prescribed by my physician a year earlier when I complained to him of constant nervousness. The PDoc that diagnosed me didnt believe in Benzodiazepines, and since the Effexor and , later,Paxil didn't work, I tapered off of the Paxil.
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> Now I have found a doctor who isn't dead-set against benzos, and prescribed me, just yesterday, 50mg zoloft and .5mg Klonopin. I noticed a not as pronounced as xanax feeling of non-nervousness. This was much needed and appreciated. I felt and feel like all the little life tasks that used to scare the crap out of me aren't as daunting as I always feel.
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> The way he sounded the Klonopin is supposed to be taken just for now, as I need it, and I will stay on the Zoloft, at the right dosage for me, whatever that may be.
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> My first question is that whether or not it is unusual to prescribe Klonopin for 'takeas needed'. The directions actually say take 2 times a day, and thats about how long script works(and he can't want me on it too shortly since I have 5 refills on it).
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> I have a feeling I'm going to want to keep the Klonopin, but of course first I have to get used to the Zolft and see how that works. Believe it or not,with only 1 50mg dose I already have experienced a side effect that I experienced on Paxil: A weird feeling in my jaw, so that I feel a jaw tremor/spasm type feeling, similar to yawning, but I am not especially tired. Also some very dull feeling in my teeth. I realize that side effects for the most part go away, but I didnt have that luck on Paxil(again, I was on only paroxetine, no clonazepam), just less side effects after a couple of months, with no real help with anxiety.
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> Another question is about zoloft,and what time of day people prefer to take it. Does it tend to make you tired, so it should be taken at night, or more awake, so its best in the AM?
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> Thank you.
> -Paul
poster:Michael Bell
thread:458022
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050212/msgs/458035.html