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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by njsurfer on February 17, 2005, at 9:50:40
I have been using Klonopin for about three weeks. I was prescribed it by one doctor, and then i saw another who wanted to take me off of it and put me on lexapro for my anxiety and depression. I started the Lexapro but used the Klonopin to supplement due to increased anxiety in the beginning from the lex. I was only taking a .25 mg once a day, twice if the day was really hard. I am trying to stop using it now, because i feel that the lex is kicking in more and more. I have a fear of becoming addicted to benzo's due to my highly addictive personality, and the fact i am a recovering alcoholic. Let me know if anyone has some experience with it, and also if i may experience any withdrawl symptoms even after the short time i took it. thanks a lot:-)
Posted by med_empowered on February 17, 2005, at 14:11:18
In reply to Klonopin Questions, posted by njsurfer on February 17, 2005, at 9:50:40
hey! I really don't think you need to worry about withdrawal symptoms from such a low dose...but, as always "your mileage may vary." Most people who have problems with benzo withdrawal either a)discontinue it abruptly without a proper taper (bad, bad idea) or b)do a taper, but have been on it for an extended period of time (long-term use may result in changes in one's brain, so it makes sense that the brain would have to re-adapt to being without benzos). I took Klonopin for 2 years, starting when I was 18 and stopping when I was 20. (I mention my age because young people usually have more "issues" with psychotropics, benzos included). Anyway, my dose went from 1mg to 4mgs and I did a month taper from 4mgs to nothing. I had a few headaches, occasional trouble sleeping after I was down to no Klonopin, but no serious, hardcore issues. So, just based on my own experience, I really don't see how or why you should have any problems. By the way--good luck with the lexapro...I hope it works well for you.
Posted by jay on February 17, 2005, at 14:34:00
In reply to Klonopin Questions, posted by njsurfer on February 17, 2005, at 9:50:40
I am being straight up....true 'addiction' to klnopin is rare. I say that as not only a user, but a former detox counsellor. I have been on and off klonipin over the past 10 years, and now really only have to take it when needed.
Hope that helps,
Jay
Posted by Glydin on February 17, 2005, at 16:32:25
In reply to Re: Klonopin Questions » njsurfer, posted by jay on February 17, 2005, at 14:34:00
I think there is a real problem is understanding (or lack of) dependence versus addiction. Plus, there's a thought that if a med possesses withdrawal symptoms or a discontinuation syndrome that one is "addicted".
----And I say this as a successful 3 years monotherapy Klonopin user who is medically dependent but am NOT addicted. My quality fo life improved tenfold as opposed to the gloom and doom for which I was warned.
Posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 17:17:10
In reply to Thank you for that post » jay, posted by Glydin on February 17, 2005, at 16:32:25
I agree. I stopped klonopin lmg 2days ago, and just substituted 5mg of valium twice a day for it. My new pdoc, said a benzo is a benzo. Do you agree? I know the conversion tables say otherwise, but then why do the pdocs say they're not true? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by med_empowered on February 17, 2005, at 17:37:13
In reply to Re: Thank you for that post, posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 17:17:10
Hey! I don't know how I feel about the benzo is a benzo approach...they seem to have differences. Some people respond best to Klonopin, others to comparable doses of Ativan...I think its kind of like the days when barbiturates ruled the earth; some anxious people did best on Amytal, others on Nembutal, so on and so forth. In addition, some drugs seem more troubling than others; Xanax and Halcion, for instance, have more reported problems with drug-induced aggression and psychosis than the other benzos...some countries in Europe don't even sell Halcion anymore.
Posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 18:02:21
In reply to benzo is a benzo...., posted by med_empowered on February 17, 2005, at 17:37:13
I agree with what you are saying, but what I was saying is that you can substitute another benzo for another benzo. At least that's what my pdoc says. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Glydin on February 17, 2005, at 18:04:00
In reply to benzo is a benzo...., posted by med_empowered on February 17, 2005, at 17:37:13
I tend to not agree on the "a benzo is a benzo" theory, no more than I think a SSRI is a SSRI or a SNRI is a SNRI and so forth. I think individual to individual there can be worlds of difference in terms of SE profiles and simply what fits best.
I understand where the thought arises that all in a particular drug class are all alike but this doesn't seem to bear out when use hits the real world. Also, while benzo's effect the GABA system, the thought is there are differences in the receptor sites they influence.
Posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 19:16:19
In reply to Re: benzo is a benzo...., posted by Glydin on February 17, 2005, at 18:04:00
Seriously, do you know what the difference is between receptor sites for klonopin and valium are? I understand the differences between people and that what works for one may not work for another. But, wouldn't you think that if it worked for you before it would work again? I sure how my chemistry has not changed that much. Fondly, phillipa
Posted by Glydin on February 17, 2005, at 20:16:17
In reply to Re: benzo is a benzo.... » Glydin, posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 19:16:19
> Seriously, do you know what the difference is between receptor sites for klonopin and valium are?
~~~No, I really don't, I'm sorry. I just have the basic info that there are differences.
I understand the differences between people and that what works for one may not work for another. But, wouldn't you think that if it worked for you before it would work again?
~~~I certainly don't think here would be any reason to think Valium wouldn't be effective for you as it was before. Try to be patient. I know it's difficult and anxiety states are h*llish, but benzos are very effective with good track records when used in individuals with toxic anxiety.
Posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 20:24:14
In reply to Re: benzo is a benzo.... » Phillipa, posted by Glydin on February 17, 2005, at 20:16:17
You're sweet. Thanks for your encouragement. I was afraid you might say that they pooped out like others say the AD's do. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Glydin on February 17, 2005, at 22:00:59
In reply to Re: benzo is a benzo.... » Glydin, posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2005, at 20:24:14
Anxiety folks are a special bunch--- we have to stick together.
Posted by Maxime on February 17, 2005, at 22:43:46
In reply to Re: Klonopin Questions » njsurfer, posted by jay on February 17, 2005, at 14:34:00
I know I have said this before on the board, but I will say it again. Klonopin is different. It's a benzo but has anticonvulsant properties. I use it as a mood stabiliser. I have been on 4 mg for years now. People with epilepsy can take up to 20 mg a day! See below -
Maxime
from www.rxlist.com
INDICATIONS
Seizure Disorders: Clonazepam is useful alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic and myoclonic seizures. In patients with absence seizures (petit mal) who have failed to respond to succinimides, clonazepam may be useful.
In some studies, up to 30% of patients have shown a loss of anticonvulsant activity, often within 3 months of administration. In some cases, dosage adjustment may reestablish efficacy.
Panic Disorder: Klonopin is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM-IV. Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected panic attacks and associated concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks, and/or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.
The efficacy of Klonopin was established in two 6- to 9-week trials in panic disorder patients whose diagnoses corresponded to the DSM-IIIR category of panic disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials).
Maximum recommended daily dose is 20 mg.
Posted by aphexonset on February 18, 2005, at 0:14:02
In reply to benzo is a benzo...., posted by med_empowered on February 17, 2005, at 17:37:13
> ...
; Xanax and Halcion, for instance, have more reported problems with drug-induced aggression and psychosis than the other benzos...some countries in Europe don't even sell Halcion anymore.
>And Orbital made a great song about one of them :)
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