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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by superman on November 6, 2005, at 23:05:17
I've heard 2 times/week been suggested, but I dont know how reliable that source is or if theres a lot of variance btw individuals.
I'm assuming the problem with taking it frequently "as need" is that one would have some side-effects analogous with the withdrawl symptoms that ppl. who take it regularily experience.
Any info appreciated. thanks!
T
Posted by Glydin on November 6, 2005, at 23:55:58
In reply to Max. frequency of clonazepam prn?, posted by superman on November 6, 2005, at 23:05:17
I have taken it daily for several days to a week and then not taken any at all for several weeks without problems of withdrawal. My PRN "as needed" needs tend to be of a cluster nature and not one isolated day here and there.....that's just me. I took it routinely for three years and now use it PRN. Dose range has always been titrated as to symptoms findings and response, being as low as .125 mgs (pill dust) in 24 hours up to about 1 1/2 - 2 mgs per day.
Maybe there is an "official" defining of PRN usage for K or it's generic.... I'm not aware of it.
Posted by superman on November 7, 2005, at 0:52:04
In reply to Re: Max. frequency of clonazepam prn? » superman, posted by Glydin on November 6, 2005, at 23:55:58
The fact u've used for days to a week, and then not all for a while without problems is good news to me. This is kinda what im thinking i want to do...
else, ill want to take it almost as if on a regular basis, but skip certain days or doses. I wonder if that do-able???
thanks for sharing!
T
Posted by Glydin on November 7, 2005, at 1:04:25
In reply to Re: Max. frequency of clonazepam prn? » Glydin, posted by superman on November 7, 2005, at 0:52:04
It's been a wonder med for me and while now my use is rare, I would not hesitate to restart it should my situation merit it. My K experience has been a little unique from other personal reports I've read. But, for me - no real big side effects and after the first two weeks of routine use on startup, all of any small untoward effects I experienced vanished and I was left with great antianxiety properties. This lasted for me and I did not develop tolerance. I was probably phyically dependent at one time, but I was able to wean well off of routine use when the time came for that. I am able to use it as a PRN med. I do think that's very individual, but I am able to utilize it in that way.
I hope you work out a plan that's doable for you.
Posted by Kon on November 7, 2005, at 16:41:08
In reply to Max. frequency of clonazepam prn?, posted by superman on November 6, 2005, at 23:05:17
I've used clonazepam for over 3 years prn up to 5 times/week at doses as high as 2.5 mg/situation (depending on situation). I can stop anytime with no withdrawal. True withdrawal symptyoms even after years of everyday use at therapeutic dose in anxiety sufferers is around 50%. If you use it less frequently (prn-2-3 times/week), chances of withdrawal will likely be even less. Even if you are one of the unlucky ones and want to stop but are getting withdrawal, just taper slowly and exchange with diazepam. For most people it's no no big deal.
Posted by Phillipa on November 7, 2005, at 20:55:38
In reply to Re: Max. frequency of clonazepam prn? » superman, posted by Kon on November 7, 2005, at 16:41:08
So what would be the difference between diazepam and klonopin? Both anti-seizure meds with a long half-life. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Kon on November 7, 2005, at 22:33:52
In reply to Re: Max. frequency of clonazepam prn? » Kon, posted by Phillipa on November 7, 2005, at 20:55:38
> So what would be the difference between diazepam and klonopin? Both anti-seizure meds with a long half-life. Fondly, Phillipa
Diazepam has a longer half-life than klonopin (but diazepam is also quicker acting) so in general, withdrawal effects, if they occur, should last longer but should be milder in comparison to clonazepam. Conversely with a short-acting benzo like xanax, withdrawal tends to occur more quickly upon discontinuation, but should more severe but tend to last a shorter time. Klonopin would be somewhere in the middle. But again only about 50% of patients suffer true withdrawal upon rapid discontinuation even if after years of daily benzo use.
Posted by Phillipa on November 7, 2005, at 22:44:08
In reply to Re: Max. frequency of clonazepam prn? » Phillipa, posted by Kon on November 7, 2005, at 22:33:52
Didn't there would be much difference. Only difference is lmg of klonopin is my memory serves me right equal to l0mg of valium. Correct me if I'm wrong. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by superman on November 8, 2005, at 12:42:32
In reply to Re: Max. frequency of clonazepam prn? » superman, posted by Kon on November 7, 2005, at 16:41:08
I suppose it will take a little experimenting to see what works for me. And perhaps I shouldn't be quite as scared about the chance of withdrawl effects as my doc etc makes me feel I should be.
Thanks again, T
ps. Phillipa: I've heard of ppl switching benzos (ie from K to valium) to help with withdrawl. They are different chemicals (albeit very similar), so why wouldn't one be easier to withdrawl from than the other? You're prob. right tho.- biggest difference btw the two is relative dose and half life. Am I right?
Posted by University on November 8, 2005, at 23:05:37
In reply to Max. frequency of clonazepam prn?, posted by superman on November 6, 2005, at 23:05:17
i have taken clonazepam, as needed, for over ten years. for me, prn is usually twice a month for anxiety--1mg each time.
if i have to fly, i take up to 5mg pre/during flight--depending on flight length.
taking clonazepam prn is unlikely to subject the patient to withdrawal of any kind--unless "as needed" turns out to be a steady, daily dose. Also, clon. has a long half-life, which decreases its liklihood of causing withdrawal symptoms.
Posted by Phillipa on November 8, 2005, at 23:30:36
In reply to Thanks so much guys, posted by superman on November 8, 2005, at 12:42:32
I don't know about that. Maybe a med expert will pop up. I do know where I worked in rehab valium was started at very high doses to detox off alchohol and xanax and each day decreased untill thery were on none. Fondly, phillipa
Posted by MiaSavage on November 11, 2005, at 16:47:05
In reply to Re: Thanks so much guys, posted by Phillipa on November 8, 2005, at 23:30:36
Usually the Doctory will tell you VERY SPECIFICALLY what s/he means by prn. For instance, I have been taking Klonopin since 1992. I take 1mg at bedtime, and can take another 1mg pill during the day if I want to. HOWEVER, it is NOT expected that I will need to take a prn every day--so my script is only for 45 pills a month (i.e. 15 "during the day" prns). That said, I am a Psychotherapist, and have a client who takes 3mg Klonopin at bedtime, and has 1- 2 Klonopin 1mg DAILY. THAT'S 5MG KLONOPIN A DAY--potentially. A LOT! So, what different doctors mean, is extremely variable--but they are generally quite clear about it.
Best--
Mia
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