Posted by Spongemomsquarepants on April 21, 2002, at 20:25:06
In reply to Re: ..... Klonopin tolerance....., posted by kregpark@yahoo.com on April 21, 2002, at 16:03:40
> Hi John -
>
> Klonopin tolerance does not normally occur. However there may be a stepped dose escalation every 1-3 weeks up to several times before "therapeutic level" is reached. Thus Klonopin works at low dose initially and quickly but eventually may lose effectiveness until dose raised - but this process eventually stops and you retain benefit (with possibly more side effects from higher dose).
>
> However - those using Klonopin for *seizures* may develop rapid tolerance. Also - drug addicts are prone to develop addiction to benzos - but not those with legitimate anxiety disorders - who rarely become addicted. There is "dependence" - which as with some other classes of drugs means than abrupt withdrawal cause adverse effects and return of symptoms greater than with no medication. The solution there is gradual dose reduction - or something like gabapentin can facilitate a more rapid and/or anxiety free taper period.
>
> Ray
> ray_3888@yahoo.com
> http://www.socialfear.com/Ray,
That is very interesting. I have been taking Klonopin for 8 years, and my dose varies from 1 mg to 1.5 mg over that time period. It does help with my anxiety. I have a son with severe epilepsy, and he was "weaned" from klonopin at one point. We literally had to shave pills. Klonopin does help one of his seizure types (Myoclonic) and he takes 6 mg a day and he weighs 54 lbs. (I weigh 80 more than him, and I think that would kill me!)
Thanks for your information.
Viki
poster:Spongemomsquarepants
thread:103467
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020416/msgs/103751.html