Posted by RobertDavid on July 1, 2006, at 19:15:14
In reply to Re: 3 months on EMSAM - My take on it » RobertDavid, posted by Crazy Horse on July 1, 2006, at 19:01:26
It's my opinion that klonopin is the best first try benzo for SAD. It works great for GAD too, but it really is the go to benzo for SAD in my and my pdoc's opinion. Long acting and once your been on it a few weeks and your blood levels get stable and it really kicks in, knocks out social anxiety.
Most seem to land between 1 and 4mgs for SAD as a rule, but I know of several that go up to 6. For me around 2mgs has been the right amount. I've been higher and lower. You have to try different doses to find the best one. I believe in taking the lowest dose that's effective, but I think many have failed trials on klonopin by never taking a high enough dose.
Switching to 2mgs klonopin sounds right for you. You should give yourself a little time for the adjustment after stoppin Ativan. I think after a few weeks you'll know a lot more about the 2mg dose. Most side effects of sedation diminish, but the anti anxiety benefits are on going.I really believe you'll get better relief from klonopin than you did on Ativan.
Many take the benzos via split doses, but I believe when you get to daily higher dose above 1mg just taking it at bedtime is best. It's got a long half life and will last through the day once blood levels go up. I won't go into a long take on this, but buy BRAND, pay the money if you can afford it. There is a difference, at least with klonopin.
By far the best med I've ever tried for SAD and I had it bad. Good luck!
poster:RobertDavid
thread:663290
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060701/msgs/663340.html