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.
poster:Mark H.
thread:53597
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010131/msgs/53669.html