Posted by anxiety_free on June 28, 2004, at 8:59:04
In reply to Re: tapering off Klonopin, posted by tampagirl70 on June 28, 2004, at 8:10:28
> i just started taking klonopin, usually .25mg/day or as needed. should i be taking it every day? if i don't will i have problems somehow? can i just take it when i feel i need it or should i take it even on days i don't think i need it? all this talk about withdrawal worries me. and what is rebound anxiety?
Don't be too afraid. Klonopin is a little different than Xanax, which is usually taken as needed; after you take a Klonopin, it takes a couple hours for the drug to "peak" in your system, although it is rapidly absorbed. So, for maximum anxiety relief, it's best to take it BEFORE major anxiety/panic attacks...but you can take it however it works or you. Withdrawal is usually not a big deal; your doc will gradually lower your dose of Klonopin until you're off it. Sometimes people have "rebound anxiety" where the anxiety they had before Klonopin comes back. This can be helped with antidepressants, and often passes. The important things to remember with Klonopin or any benzos are: 1)don't mix with alcohol 2)don't take more than prescribed and 3) if taking as needed, make sure you take only when absolutely necessary. Benzos are a little scary, but they have a pretty good track record of safety...they've been around since the late 50's, so docs have lots of experience with them.
poster:anxiety_free
thread:361106
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040627/msgs/361266.html