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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SBOATRN on March 5, 2003, at 16:19:50
Hi Jack,
Mine had evolved, so to speak. I'm assuming it's really a step forward in treatment working. At first, I had definite panic attacks, with shaking, tremors, pounding heart, and a sensation I describe, as feeling like pepper being poured in my ears... really weird. No real episodes that peak and are as dramatic as a panic attacks anymore. I'm now diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder. I no longer have *with Panic* as part of the description. Now, the toxic anxious symptoms are less pronounced with alot of muscle tension in neck and shoulders with the mental feeling of being uncomfortable and uneasy. Sometimes, it's just a feeling of being unwell with an inability to really pinpoint what the exact problem is... I just will not feel good phyically. The chest and *lump in the throat* thing is very well discussed as anxiety symptoms. The *fight* response is different for everyone. I think that makes it so hard to describe and have others, who have not experienced it, understand it. The symptoms can be so strange !!! Klonopin works well for me and I have resigned and made peace with taking it. Quality of Life is the real goal to strive for and I certainly have a better quality with Klonopin *on board*. Thanks for asking. Helps to see how I have come along !!!!
Posted by Jack Smith on March 5, 2003, at 17:07:49
In reply to To Jack, Anxiety symptoms, posted by SBOATRN on March 5, 2003, at 16:19:50
Thank you so much for your response. It is really helpful. Can I bother you to answer just a few more. . . .
I assume you have tried AD's and I am wondering which ones and how they fared for you?
Also, what is your dose of Klonopin and how often do you take it a day?
Have you developed a tolerance?
Does it make you overly tired or interfere with your cognitive abilities?--I am very worried about this since I have a job that requires cognitive sharpness (an attorney).
Thanks for your help,
JACK
Posted by SBOATRN on March 5, 2003, at 17:49:39
In reply to Re: To Jack, Anxiety symptoms » SBOATRN, posted by Jack Smith on March 5, 2003, at 17:07:49
Don't mind the questions at all. Yes, I've tried SSRI's. My difficulties began about a year and a half ago. Very stressful time and I ran out of ability to cope. So, I went to the doctor. Main stuff was the panic thing, but family history was for depression, so off we went to try and treat what was thought of then as a dual problem. I tried Zoloft and Paxil. Trials of 3-4 weeks with both. Horrible side effects. Lost 8 lbs ... made me 109 lbs. Sweats, nausea, no appetite, NO sleep, and panic through the roof. Awful. Couldn't take it. We discussed options. I was VERY reluctant to try other classes of AD's. Did try Buspar ... side effects were like SSRI's for me. We decided on Klonopin due to long half life and the lack of it making you feel *really* good. That was my concern with just Xanax ... some people use it fine. I was afraid I would like it too much !!! I started out at .25mg AM and PM. At first, I did find it sedating and slightly *fuzzy* brained ... but great for the panic and anxiety. This passed after about 2 weeks. I then researched it and found only information that it was a drug from hell and NO ONE should take it. So, I weaned off at one month. NOT A GOOD IDEA !!! Everything returned ten fold !!! Went back on and have been on almost a year. I titrate for my symptoms. Some days it's just .125mg and some .375mg total in .125mg times 3 or .125 mg once and .25mg at night. Most would say this isn't a therapeutic dose, but it works for me. I also did some life changes - that helped too. I don't work as much and try to keep lifestyle fairly healthy. I do notice a lack of drive and motivation at times, but this is not new to me ... so I just make myself *engage*. Klonopin has helped a great deal, but the *magic* is how we can help treat ourselves. I think the Klonopin has helped me to take action on baggage I needed to for a LONG time. My therapist has people who have taken it for a number of years without tolerance... just a dose range that works for them. That's where I am and I plan to stay. Hope this long writing helps !! Good luck to you !!!
Posted by Jack Smith on March 5, 2003, at 18:32:51
In reply to Re: To Jack, Anxiety symptoms, posted by SBOATRN on March 5, 2003, at 17:49:39
Do you ever drink now???
Posted by SBOATRN on March 5, 2003, at 19:12:12
In reply to One more question » SBOATRN, posted by Jack Smith on March 5, 2003, at 18:32:51
Actually, I went thru a second *wild time* several years ago. It really wasn't a pretty time. I'm small and found out I REALLY can't handle it. I hadn't drank much since then. Since the Klonopin, I have had maybe 2 drinks and wine, maybe twice. Not alot each time. Didn't notice a problem, but it certainly isn't a good idea and I don't plan any more useage. I have a friend that uses non-A drinks to include wine. It is a little difficult socially, but I really don't miss it that much !!!
Posted by SBOATRN on March 5, 2003, at 19:19:46
In reply to One more question » SBOATRN, posted by Jack Smith on March 5, 2003, at 18:32:51
P.S. I hope this isn't violating a policy. Not trying to be forward, if you have further questions, feel free to use sage_526@hotmail.com.
Posted by Ed on March 6, 2003, at 16:58:25
In reply to One more question » SBOATRN, posted by Jack Smith on March 5, 2003, at 18:32:51
> Do you ever drink now???
Jack-- if you have a tendency to abuse alcohol, be careful if you drink while on klonopin. I am usually o.k. having a few beers, but if I have a few beers after I have taken .5 klonopin, I have learned the hard way I can make a real fool of myself. Ed (another atty)
Posted by Jack Smith on March 6, 2003, at 17:19:36
In reply to Re: One more question » Jack Smith, posted by Ed on March 6, 2003, at 16:58:25
> Ed (another atty)
>Wow, great to see someone else in my line of work. What is your diagnosis? What do you take? How long have you practiced law and how long have you been treated with meds? I am real curious because I am scared to death that I will not be able to have a successful career because of my depression/anxiety. I just finished law school last may and I did extremely well. Right now, I don't have a stressful job but it is very prestigious, I am just worried about the years ahead. You can only clerk for so long.
Please respond or email me personally at
jsmith121@yahoo.com
JACK
This is the end of the thread.
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