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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 Glydin on August 12, 2004, at 10:08:56
I am retiring as the patron saint of Klonopin and I'll leave a few parting thoughts that are, and I stress this, of what I believe to be truth. As in, I ask no one to agree, there just mine that I wished to share.
1. Anxiety disorders are under-rated for a stand alone diagnosis. While comorbidity is common, there is a case to be made that anxiety can be a primary malady.
2. Subcategories of anxiety disorders are fine, but I have found much crossover.
3. Anxiety disorders are treated in a variety of ways and a "one size fits all" does not exist.
4. Medications can be very effect. Care and concern and frequent monitoring are involved for effective treatment. Self treatment should not be undertaken.
5. No medication use is without potential pitfalls. No medication is worse or better, the proof is what works for one individual versus another.
6. Realize anxiety is a part of life. Toxic anxiety is what needs treatment. If your anxiety has you to a nonfunctioning, ruminating, panic, unable to interact state - you need help for this.
7. Some of us are just wired to be more anxious or less social than others, this does not necessarily mean there is anything wrong with that part of our personality. We're not all social butterflys or should be.
8. If you find using a certain medication may be helping your anxiety but causing you to have questionable judgement not characteristic of yourself, a talk with you doctor is needed.
9. Educate yourself on the signs of addiction and abuse if using a benzo. Educate yourself on weaning and consequences of abruptly stopping a benzo. Educate yourself on the approiate use of benzo's - and it is entirely possible to use a benzo long term and avoid pitfalls.
10. Realize the want for relief can sometimes cloud your thoughts on what is best. Find a good supportive doctor who has your best interest at heart and can give you objectivity.
I wish wellness and good treatment for all.
Goodbye,
Glydin
Posted by enjay on August 12, 2004, at 16:06:39
In reply to Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW, posted by Glydin on August 12, 2004, at 10:08:56
Hi Glydin
Enjoyed your thoughts on Anxiety
Am I able to bring you temporarily out of retirement and request your view on my Klonopin question that i posted earlier ( 8/12/04 )
Thanks
Enjay
Posted by Glydin on August 12, 2004, at 17:42:43
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW, posted by enjay on August 12, 2004, at 16:06:39
Well.... Okay.
I returned to this site to offer some help due to the help I received early on in my "journey".
Some background about your situation may help me better answer your question, if you would be willing to share that.
Are you new to emotional difficulties or do you have a history of struggles?
What are you currently doing to deal with anxiety related struggles?
Klonopin has been a great med for me but it isn't for everyone and generally isn't used as "first line" med therapy. I went through several drug trials prior to using a benzo alone.
I'll be happy to try a help you from a anxiety sufferer, benzo user standpoint.
Posted by Glydin on August 12, 2004, at 18:04:44
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW » enjay, posted by Glydin on August 12, 2004, at 17:42:43
If you would like to email me - I'm Glydin at lycos dot com.
Posted by Glydin on August 12, 2004, at 21:38:47
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW » Glydin, posted by Glydin on August 12, 2004, at 18:04:44
glydin - case sensitive - no caps
Posted by enjay on August 13, 2004, at 0:18:36
In reply to correction, posted by Glydin on August 12, 2004, at 21:38:47
Hi Glydin
Thanks for the offer of help
Having trouble with my email so will give you some background here.
I have a history of Social and General Anxiety from a young age. Fortunately it's not too bad ( no panic ) but obviously limits my enjoyment of life.
I also feel constantly tense, stressed out and as though I am going through life on autopilot. The latter I find is particularily noticeable when I talk to people and feel that it is not actually me talking to them.
Over the years I have tried a number of ADs. Not only did they not work but I found dealing with their s/e anxiety inducing.
I also tried Xanax several years ago for a short time on a low dose but tapered off ( with difficulty ) when i found that dose escalation was becoming necessary.
Currently, after putting up with the situation for a few years I am trying the natural route with no real success.
Am now thinking of Klonopin as I believe I may have some luck at a low dose. The limited s/e appeal and if it works without the need for dose
escalation, why not.
Would like to hear any views you have.
Thanks
Enjay
Posted by Glydin on August 13, 2004, at 0:38:18
In reply to Re: correction, posted by enjay on August 13, 2004, at 0:18:36
Thanks for your info. It certainly sounds like you would be a good candidate for a trial of Klonopin. I have had good success with low dosing. I have not taken Xanax, but from info I've found, Klonopin has a very different "feel" to it. For me, K took away the toxic anxiety. I never felt any euphoria, but did experience the lifting of the depressive feelings I can get with uncontrolled anxiety. The anxiety, to date, is always what is primary. AD's and I were not a good match. I tried, but anything that messed with my serotonin or norephi just made my anxiety symptoms unbearable and increased panic and agoraphobic tendencies.
It took about 2 weeks from my startup on K for the drowsiness and slight mind foginess to clear. After that initial 2 weeks, I was left with the antianxiety effects.
I suggest you speak with your doc about it. Should you proceed with a trial of K, I would really be interested to know how you do.
Good Luck
Posted by alesta on August 13, 2004, at 2:21:07
In reply to Re: correction » enjay, posted by Glydin on August 13, 2004, at 0:38:18
hi, glydin,
thanks for sharing your info on "K" with us. appreciate it.:)
Posted by saralyn on August 13, 2004, at 3:42:00
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW » enjay, posted by Glydin on August 12, 2004, at 17:42:43
Hi, can I ask you some questions about Klonopin too, given your experience?
Are you still taking it? If so, how much and how long have you been on this dose? Is this the only drug you're taking right now? Did you notice any memory problems or weight gain?Thanks.
> Well.... Okay.
>
> I returned to this site to offer some help due to the help I received early on in my "journey".
>
> Some background about your situation may help me better answer your question, if you would be willing to share that.
>
> Are you new to emotional difficulties or do you have a history of struggles?
>
> What are you currently doing to deal with anxiety related struggles?
>
> Klonopin has been a great med for me but it isn't for everyone and generally isn't used as "first line" med therapy. I went through several drug trials prior to using a benzo alone.
>
> I'll be happy to try a help you from a anxiety sufferer, benzo user standpoint.
Posted by Glydin on August 13, 2004, at 7:43:55
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW » Glydin, posted by saralyn on August 13, 2004, at 3:42:00
> Hi, can I ask you some questions about Klonopin too, given your experience?
~~~Sure.
> Are you still taking it?
~~~Technically, yes. A very small AM dosing at present. I was on it for several years and off for many months. I'm a situational anxiety person and have found disruptions to my "normal" routine or unsettling personal situations can cause a flare up of symptoms. These times, I restart for brief periods to help me cope with such circumstances. I'm not one that has horrible withdrawal symptoms and weaning to not using it isn't a huge deal for me.
If so, how much and how long have you been on this dose?
~~~I began with 1 mg per day, divided, and that was my highest dose. For about 2 1/2 years I was on anywhere from .25 mgs - .5 mgs for maintance. I'm a small person. Therapeudic dosing ranges from 2-4 mgs for most folks. Everyone's different and most who use it for anxiety control find a good dosing and are able to maintain that for long periods of time - despite that some sources will say that isn't possible.
Is this the only drug you're taking right now?~~~Yes, the only RX one for years. I use a few suppliments in addition to my K. A good supportive doc is a must. A number of docs will frown on using a benzo for monotherapy. Obviously, I tend to disagree with that line of thought. I think one must look at an individual and prevailing symptoms and go from there, providing good followup. Care is needed, but successes are possible avoiding pitfalls if it's done correctly.
Did you notice any memory problems or weight gain?
~~~No problem with weight gain. Short term memory and retention have felt a little like they weren't "up to par" from time to time, but not enough to make me discontinue if I really needed it for treatment. Anxiety issues alone have caused me memory, focus, etc. problems and treating the underlying problem appears to help me.
>
> Thanks.~~~You're welcome
Posted by enjay on August 14, 2004, at 3:39:41
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW, posted by Glydin on August 13, 2004, at 7:43:55
Hi Glydin
Thank you very much for your reply
I will let you know how I get on with Klonopin in due course
In taking just an AM dose does this minimise any interference with normal sleep patterns ?
You also mentioned you take supplements. Does anything you take assist the action of Klonopin ?
Thanks again
Enjay
Posted by Glydin on August 14, 2004, at 7:33:10
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW, posted by enjay on August 14, 2004, at 3:39:41
You know, a lot is said over K and 4th stage sleep disruption. I never felt it really effected my sleep quality when I dosed at night, but it appears my "affair" with Klonopin has been quite different from the majority.
At risk of a redirect (the man loves a redirect), I trialed many alternate things - much to the delight of my health food store person - thankfully, she refunds. What I use now is, mainly, fish oil and occassionally, Bilberry. I find Bilberry very calming although, that's not something it's noted for. What I found increased my anxiety symptoms was B vits - but that could be just me and my strange composition. The fish oil, I find, makes me feel better in general, not necessarily makes the K work more effectively. I've also begun a small "playing" with taurine. I find it a little activating without the "hebbies" of anxiety that most substances that "boost" can give me.
Keep me posted.
Posted by enjay on August 14, 2004, at 21:41:35
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW » enjay, posted by Glydin on August 14, 2004, at 7:33:10
Hi Glydin
Thanks for your reply
I'll keep you posted on how I go with K
Enjoy your retirement
Enjay
Posted by Glydin on August 14, 2004, at 22:06:28
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Klonopin and a few FWIW, posted by enjay on August 14, 2004, at 21:41:35
This is the end of the thread.
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