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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Ivy on October 7, 2002, at 17:01:58
I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder 10 year ago, but I have been anxiety ridden my whole life. I was first put on Prozac and Klonopin 10 years ago. The Prozac gave me such bad side effects, but I was only 18 and I was not aware of which drug was doing me harm, so I just stopped both of them, which sent me into one of the worst panic attacks of my life, so bad that I was hospitalized. I was not well educated on my medications at that time, so I just went off everything. I suffered with panic attacks often and did not want to leave the house even to go to the store or the library, and going to work was the hardest thing for me. This way of life lasted for 4 years. I tried every different kind of anti-depressant, even old fashioned ones, that are hardly used anymore, but I always experience every side effect on the print outs even the weird ones. I didn't want to go back onto klonopin, because at this point I had been doing research and I knew that klonopin would work well for me, but I didn't want to get addicted. I also tried every non-addictive anti-anxiety drug and none of those were strong enough for my level of anxiety, so I went onto the klonopin which I have been on for 4 years. I take 3/4 mg in the morning, 1/4 mg in the miidle of the day, and 1/2 at night, 1 1/2 mg all together, I used to take 2 mg a day, but i've been trying to cut down, because I don't want to be addicted (which I am) to it and in the next 3 years I want to be able to become pregnant with no problems mentally and physically (for the baby). But, it has been 5 months and I can't move down to 1 1/4, which would be my next step. I thought nmk sounded promising with the Ativan, but then Phil sent the info about birth defects in rabbits and that scared me. NMK, may I ask what your diagnosis is and how many mg of klonopin were you taking and for how long? If anyone has had experience with the disorder I have and what other options I have that would be great. I also heard that if I would go onto Valium and then slowly go off of that it would be easier to go off the drugs all together, or for at least as long as I had to. Sorry this is so long.
Posted by bookgurl99 on October 8, 2002, at 0:24:34
In reply to getting pregnant on klonopin, posted by Ivy on October 7, 2002, at 17:01:58
Calcium-channel blockers like verapamil are safe for pregnant women and sometimes can prevent panic attacks. Watch out for the numbed-out feeling, though.
bookgurl99
Posted by nmk on October 8, 2002, at 10:35:13
In reply to getting pregnant on klonopin, posted by Ivy on October 7, 2002, at 17:01:58
Ivy,
I have been dealing with depression/anxiety disorders since my first bout of postpartum depression 7 years ago. The meds that worked for me were 50 mg of Zoloft and 1 mg of Klonopin at night for sleep. When I decided to get pregnant the second time, I consulted many docs, specialists, etc. to get the facts about pregnancy and meds. Yes, I do know that the package inserts scare but remember, they have to list this stuff to avoid lawsuits. If you go to a pdoc who specializes in pregnancy and meds, you will be reassured and he or she can suggest some alternatives to Klonopin, since it is a category D drug. The ativan actually worked better for me and I found it more sedating and beneficial for sleep. Also, your local hospital should have a genetic counseling office. I met with a wonderful counselor who gave me research studies on meds and pregnancy. I was even able to breast feed while on zoloft. There is a great deal of research out about SSRI's and breastfeeding...mostly all positive. Educate yourself, meet with the docs, and be comfortable with your decision. I will be here to help in any way. If you live in the Midwest, I can give you some resources.
NMK
This is the end of the thread.
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