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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sgbt5 on February 9, 2001, at 13:03:12
I've been having breathing problems since sept. Am on
albuterol, azamacord, and allegra. Problem (waking up
choking and feeling unable to breathe) occured after I
had transitioned from 2.0 to 0.5 mg klonipin in 0.25
increments. Am being
evaluated by pulmonary, and later allergy and
sleep people.Pulmanary doc mentioned that klonipin decrease can cause
changes in amount of CO2 in blood, which can affect
when breaths are taken--if I understood her correctly.Anybody hear about this? (I'm back to the 2.0 mg klonipin
now and wonder if it might have a depresseing effect on
my mood: bipolar and PTSD--on the other hand I seem
to be sleeping through the night.Thanks in advance. Take care.
Posted by orthius on February 9, 2001, at 20:57:14
In reply to klonipin/or klonipin decrease/breathing, posted by sgbt5 on February 9, 2001, at 13:03:12
sounds more like withdrawl symptoms to me also 2mg is a real high dose if all u are taking it for is to sleep
Posted by Mark H. on February 10, 2001, at 12:29:58
In reply to klonipin/or klonipin decrease/breathing, posted by sgbt5 on February 9, 2001, at 13:03:12
> Problem (waking up
> choking and feeling unable to breathe) occured after I
> had transitioned from 2.0 to 0.5 mg klonipin in 0.25
> increments.Hi,
I'm not qualified to offer medical advice, but as someone who takes a mix of antidepressant and several adjuncts plus clonazepam at night (.25mg) for restless leg syndrome, I have a completely different thought that you might wish to discuss with your doctor.
My sleep apnea is getting worse as I get older, and it is also seems to be mildly increased by the use of a small amount of clonazepam (generic Klonopin).
At 2mg, I would suspect that you are simply sleeping through your apnea and are unaware of its severity (in the sense that -- I'm told -- you really are awakening repeatedly, but are so drugged and tired that you are unaware of it). Lowering the dosage may actually be *improving* your apnea, but because you are more aware (in part due to the rebound effect of withdrawal) you may notice it more.
Also, my intuitive sense from my own experience is that sedatives such as the benzodiazepines (of which Klonopin is one) may tend to make apnea more "central" and less "obstructive" in nature.
I'm glad that you're going to get a sleep study. It will tell you a lot about the extent and severity of your apnea.
I tend to agree with the previous poster that 2mg a night of clonazepam seems quite extreme, especially if you need it primarily to help you sleep. However, finding the correct dosage is between you and your doctors.
I hope you find relief!
Best wishes,
Mark H.
Posted by kid47 on February 10, 2001, at 23:23:47
In reply to klonipin/or klonipin decrease/breathing, posted by sgbt5 on February 9, 2001, at 13:03:12
I had very similar symptoms which turned out to be caused by acid reflux-easily treatable with one of several different meds.
This is the end of the thread.
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