Posted by Thrud on December 20, 2001, at 7:12:53
In reply to Re: klonopin side effects, posted by gilbert on December 17, 2001, at 16:23:26
Hi Gil,
I can tell you for sure that sexual side effects differ amongst the different benzos. I've only tried two of them: Xanax and Valium. I found the sexual dysfunction of 10mg of Valium to be considerably greater than 3mg of Xanax, even though this is supposed to be equivalent in anxiolytic potency to 30mg of Valium.
I have not tried Klonopin, but you are certainly not the first to complain about sexual side effects with it. As for will it go away in time, I cannot answer that one. I have been on 3mg of Xanax for about six months but I started taking it almost immediately in conjunction with Lamictal because Lamictal could not control my anxiety. I currently also have sexual side effect problems with this combo but I can't say which med (maybe both?) is to blame. It has not gone away yet and doesn't seem like it is going to: it has been too stable.
There is a thread not too far above where I discuss with Rick about using small amounts of Selegiline to improve sexual function while on other meds. He has done extensive research on the topic and based on the evidence I am going to try it myself. Perhaps you should consider it also.
I know what it is like to have a benzophobe doctor. My PCP says he very rarely prescribes them and says that my being on 200mg of Lamictal and 3mg Xanax per day is a, "shit load of medication". Of course I felt simultaneously ashamed and angry, but I have a very good pdoc. He believes that the pendulum has swung too far against benzos and has no hesitation in prescribing me Xanax. Like most PD users, I never use more than what keeps me comfortable and he knows that. My advice to you: I had to go through quite a few pdocs before I found one who made himself part of a team with me rather than one who simply demanded conformity. It is a hassle but once you find your match you will find the effort well worth it.
All the best on what is always a difficult road.
Thrud> Is it possible to attenuate to klonopin's side effect.....for me the sexual side effect is not comletely unbearable and the med is certainly smoother than multi dosing xanax when I have taken it I have never stayed on it for more than 2 weeks. Is there anyone out there who had mild to moderate sexual side effects that went away after a couple of weeks. I am also not completely sure this side effect is not pyschosymatic......because no one else seems to experience what I have in the way of mild impotence from klonopin at 1.5mg per day.
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> Gil
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> Gil
poster:Thrud
thread:86854
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011213/msgs/87500.html