Posted by mattdds on July 22, 2003, at 11:25:33
In reply to Klonopin tolerance, posted by Lainy on July 21, 2003, at 17:47:56
Hello,
Do you have panic attacks or severe generalized anxiety (GAD)? It is these two things that benzos have tremendous "staying power" against, from what I have read. Otherwise, tolerance can develop quickly, if they are taken for other problems. Be sure you have a diagnosis nailed down.
What is interesting is that my dad took benzos for many years for the wrong indication (to counteract SE's of asthma meds, which were stimulants), and he quickly developed a rapid tolerance to them and had to take extremely high doses.
On the other hand, I have not seen any decline in the effectiveness of Klonopin over the almost 2 years I've taken it for. But I take it for a different indication - panic disorder and severe GAD. Also, it does feel like I'm taking candy now, as you put it. I don't feel it "kick in" or anything like that. I don't feel any "effects" anymore, other than the fact that I don't get panic attacks and derealization and have normal anxiety levels now.
I've read that tolerance develops faster when benzos are taken for things besides pure anxiety disorders (e.g. sleep), but is less likely to occur if one has pure panic disorder or GAD.
So be sure that you have a correct diagnosis. I believe you said you were taking them for "adjustment disorder" or something like that. Perhaps benzos are simply not for you? They are certainly not for everyone. This may be a problem with your diagnosis / treatment plan, rather than with Klonopin per se.
Best of luck,
Matt
poster:mattdds
thread:244031
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030718/msgs/244239.html