Posted by Joe Schmoe on July 5, 2001, at 14:25:40
In reply to Re: One more try - Klonopin and Wellbutrin » Joe Schmoe, posted by Rick on July 5, 2001, at 3:09:44
> I am a little curious, though, about the relationship -- if any -- between your earlier addiction to Xanax and your concern over *tolerance* potential with Klonopin.Sure there is a relationship. I was told the reason that xanax was a temporary measure until the imipramine kicked in was because in the long run xanax was not practical due to the way tolerance developed; you upped and upped the dose till you hit the ceiling, and then what? When you are coming off a dose of xanax and hitting that rebound anxiety, you reach for the next dose and nothing is more scary than the idea that it might not be enough. It brings to mind images of heroin addiction.
>Regardless, as you no doubt know, Klonopin has less addiction potential than Xanax. Withdrawal symptoms (due to dependence) are certainly possible, although even that represents a minority situation, especially where the dose is under 3.0 mg. and a slow taper is used.
What about when you are between doses? If you are out on the town or something and your last dose wears off, do you start getting the shakes? That was the problem with xanax. I have never had that problem since because I don't allow myself to take xanax very often. Handled it on an as-needed basis for over ten years now with no problem, although honestly there are many times I would have been more relaxed if I had been using it. I guess I have become somewhat puritanical about using it in order to avoid dependence. I probably suffer more than I should. I am wondering if Klonopin will allow me to feel okay all the time, or if I will have to use it sparingly to avoid dependence - and if so, how sparingly.
The problem with as-needed regimens is that they make it impossible to have a job where you have to manage people and/or have confrontations or other unpleasant situations frequently and without warning. This is impeding my career. I need 9-to-5 protection and I am afraid to try to use xanax to get it. Thus my willingness to try Klonopin.
poster:Joe Schmoe
thread:68599
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010701/msgs/69057.html