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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SteveB on March 7, 2003, at 3:40:33
Hi,
This is my first post on this site. I'm 35, male, and have suffered from mild depression and GAD/SP since the age of 15.
I've tried SSRIs but they don't work for me, so I recently decided to give Wellbutrin a try. I'm now on 225mg (150mg AM, 75mg PM) and I like the energizing nature of the med. I get more done so I feel better about myself. However, the anxiety has only got worse, so my pdoc finally prescribed Klonopin as an adjunct.
I've played around with the doses for the past 2 weeks, first with 0.125mg per day (morning), then 0.25 and 0.5, then back down to 0.125mg. I must be particularly sensitive to this stuff, because anything over a 1/4 of a 0.5mg per day makes me feel really sedated. At 0.25mg I do notice a dramatic drop in my anxiety, but this at the expense of sociability - basically because I'm too groggy to want to make conversation.
I want to be calm, yet alert, when dealing with others. Does the sedative effect of Klonopin eventually go away?? Will I have to increase the dose to retain the anxiolitic effect?
Thanks
Steve
Posted by exbenzouser on March 7, 2003, at 12:11:54
In reply to Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear?, posted by SteveB on March 7, 2003, at 3:40:33
Steve, I suggest that you try taking the klonopin at bedtime for less sedation during the day. Klonopin has a 30-40 hour elimination half life so it will still be in your system the next day. The sedative effect does wear off with continued use. I personally do not favor long term use of klonopin but many people do take it for years with no apparent problems, it is very hard to come off of after long term use though.
Larry
Posted by viridis on March 7, 2003, at 12:47:23
In reply to Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear?, posted by SteveB on March 7, 2003, at 3:40:33
It took about 1-2 weeks for the slight (for me) sedative and other side effects to disappear, and I experimented with various dosing strategies during that time. Divided doses throughout the day seemed most effective at striking a balance between anxiolysis and drowsiness. The before bed strategy didn't work well for me (it wore off by the middle of the next day) but I seem to metabolize it faster than most people.
Now the whole dose in the AM is fine, with no side effects; I get the same anxiety reduction with no increase in dose after over 1.5 years.
Posted by jodie on March 7, 2003, at 20:56:46
In reply to Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear?, posted by SteveB on March 7, 2003, at 3:40:33
Hi Steve,
I have been on Klonopin for about a year and a half now. When I first started taking Klonopin I was taking .25 mg's a day. It really sedated me. I used to be really sensitive to any kind of sedating medication.
I was originally prescribed Klonopin for anxiety & aggitation. I am now on it for the same, but also as an anticonvulsant. I was diagnosed about 8 years ago with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. I used to take Dilantin for the seizures, I weaned myself off of it because I did not like the side effects. I was seizure free for about 5 years, then suddenly started having seizures recently. Now I take 2 mg Klonopin a day. I have been taking that dose for about 3 months now. It has controlled my seizures. It took a few weeks for the sedative effect to go away, but it did. I have no side effects from this medication. Some people may not favor taking Klonopin for a long period of time, but I see no harm in it. Many people take it & will for life, especially the individuals who take it as an anticonvulsant. I am very thankful for it. It now keeps me seizure free. Though I notice that since I take it on a daily basis at 2 mg, it doesn't always control my anxiety now. I use Xanax .25 mg on an as needed basis, usually a couple of times a week.
Now medications that used to sedate me (Benadryl,Xanax,Ambien, for example) do not anymore. Thats the only thing I've noticed. I have problems with insomnia, & no medication I've tried works. So I guess that is the only downfall I have using Klonopin, since I used to be able to take a Benadryl & fall fast asleep. Not anymore.
I hope the sedative effect that you have goes away soon.
Good Luck!!!
Jodie
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 23:13:08
In reply to Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear?, posted by SteveB on March 7, 2003, at 3:40:33
Hi Steve,
I'm pretty new to this too, and it is a great board to be part of. As far as Klonopin, I take 2mg at night-A LOT compared to you huh? I'm glad that just 0.25mg helps you out. I am 32, and have been diagnosed with Major Depression in 1995, and Bipolar II in Nov 1999.You ask, "Does the sedative effect of Klonopin eventually go away?? Will I have to increase the dose to retain the anxiolitic effect"?
In my experience-yes the sedative effect of Klonopin/the foggy feeling, if that's what you're experiencing, does go away, and it continued to help me. YMMV
Your doc would be the best one to talk about if you will need to increase the dose to retain the anxiolitic effect.
Welcome and all the best, keep us posted:-)
Kristen
-------------------------------------------------Hi,
This is my first post on this site. I'm 35, male, and have suffered from mild depression and GAD/SP since the age of 15.
I've tried SSRIs but they don't work for me, so I recently decided to give Wellbutrin a try. I'm now on 225mg (150mg AM, 75mg PM) and I like the energizing nature of the med. I get more done so I feel better about myself. However, the anxiety has only got worse, so my pdoc finally prescribed Klonopin as an adjunct.
I've played around with the doses for the past 2 weeks, first with 0.125mg per day (morning), then 0.25 and 0.5, then back down to 0.125mg. I must be particularly sensitive to this stuff, because anything over a 1/4 of a 0.5mg per day makes me feel really sedated. At 0.25mg I do notice a dramatic drop in my anxiety, but this at the expense of sociability - basically because I'm too groggy to want to make conversation.
I want to be calm, yet alert, when dealing with others. Does the sedative effect of Klonopin eventually go away?? Will I have to increase the dose to retain the anxiolitic effect?
Thanks
Steve
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 23:15:00
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear? » SteveB, posted by viridis on March 7, 2003, at 12:47:23
Hi, May I ask what dosage of Klonopin you take and what works for you? I'm on 2mg and hopefully going to wean down to only 1mg since I added Lamictal for bipolar II.
Thanks, Kristen
> It took about 1-2 weeks for the slight (for me) sedative and other side effects to disappear, and I experimented with various dosing strategies during that time. Divided doses throughout the day seemed most effective at striking a balance between anxiolysis and drowsiness. The before bed strategy didn't work well for me (it wore off by the middle of the next day) but I seem to metabolize it faster than most people.
>
> Now the whole dose in the AM is fine, with no side effects; I get the same anxiety reduction with no increase in dose after over 1.5 years.
Posted by viridis on March 8, 2003, at 0:56:56
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear? » viridis, posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 23:15:00
Hi Krissy,
1 mg K /day works for me, but this is considered a very low dose. I also take Xanax as needed (0.25 - 0.50 mg, rarely), plus Adderall (10 mg/day) and Neurontin (1200 mg/day). Klonopin is really the key for me, and the Adderall helps too (but I have ADD). SSRIs are a disaster, although they work well for many others. I also take 8 g/day fish oil, and believe it or not, I really think it helps.
All the best,
Viridis
Posted by noa on March 8, 2003, at 10:50:43
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear? » SteveB, posted by viridis on March 7, 2003, at 12:47:23
I think it varies from person to person. I always find Klonopin extremely sedating, and actually that is why I take it--to help me sleep. But others don't feel so sedated. I only take a quarter mg. and it makes me nod off, whereas there are others who take much larger doses, and only find that the klonopin calms them, but wihtout sedation.
Posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 14:14:25
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear?, posted by noa on March 8, 2003, at 10:50:43
I agree too that it does vary from person to person I found that Ativan-another benzo, was so weak for me that I had to take at least 2mg-if not more toget ANY effect. Klonopin works for me for sleep.
All the best,
Kristen
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think it varies from person to person. I always find Klonopin extremely sedating, and actually that is why I take it--to help me sleep. But others don't feel so sedated. I only take a quarter mg. and it makes me nod off, whereas there are others who take much larger doses, and only find that the klonopin calms them, but wihtout sedation.
Posted by noa on March 9, 2003, at 10:12:06
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear? » noa, posted by KrissyP on March 8, 2003, at 14:14:25
BTW, I realized that I erred in my last post. I currently take ativan, one quarter mg at night, not klonopin. I used to take klonopin--half a mg. at night for same reason (effexor overactivation gets in the way of sleep), but switched because the klonopin did not seem to wear off by morning, so I asked pdoc for something shorter acting. The ativan causes much more intense sedation for me than the klonopin, but both cause a lot of sedation for me. I would not be able to take either during the day and still be able to function. For me the difference is like this: with ativan, it is like the poppy field in Wizard of Oz -- quick and heavy sedation. With klonopin, it takes a bit longer.
Posted by SteveB on March 10, 2003, at 5:48:12
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear? » SteveB, posted by jodie on March 7, 2003, at 20:56:46
Thank you all for your feedback. It's been 2 weeks now since I started the Klono and already I'm noticing considerably less sedation. In fact, with the reduced anxiety and less "mental static", my thoughts now seem clearer than ever. I guess it's easier to concentrate when you don't have 1,000 often irrational worries clouding your brain.
From your replies and the various threads I'm amazed by the varying dosages though - some only need 0.25mg while others take 2 or 3 mg /day. I suppose how your brain is wired determines how you tolerate the med.
Be well.
Posted by cybercafe on March 11, 2003, at 0:20:52
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear?, posted by SteveB on March 10, 2003, at 5:48:12
i took 1.5 mg of clonazepam and went out to social, thinking i would be able to be charming and cocky without anxiety making me... freeze up?but i found once i started acting confident i felt anxious and started becoming hypersensitive to physical symptoms (like "oh no .. is she noticing my nervous gulp" etc etc)
i don't know if more clonazepam would do it, or if i just can't be my charming self without more serotonin
Posted by SteveB on March 11, 2003, at 2:52:30
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does it get rid of all the anxiety?, posted by cybercafe on March 11, 2003, at 0:20:52
CyberCafe,
I guess it depends on the individual, as always. For me too much Klono (anything above only 0.25mg!) makes me sedated, so when I go out I'm not anxious or self-conscious, but I'm not social either. With 0.25mg I'm still a little anxious I guess, but that gives me the edge to be more social and mentally sharp. So for me "less is more", although I guess over time that may change as benzo tolerance creeps in...
I don't react well on SSRI's so I guess extra seratonin is not for me. Actually I tried Stablon - which reduces seratonin - and liked it!
Keep well
>
> i took 1.5 mg of clonazepam and went out to social, thinking i would be able to be charming and cocky without anxiety making me... freeze up?
>
> but i found once i started acting confident i felt anxious and started becoming hypersensitive to physical symptoms (like "oh no .. is she noticing my nervous gulp" etc etc)
>
> i don't know if more clonazepam would do it, or if i just can't be my charming self without more serotonin
>
>
Posted by viridis on March 11, 2003, at 3:51:31
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does it get rid of all the anxiety?, posted by SteveB on March 11, 2003, at 2:52:30
Klonopin takes some getting used to, but once you're accustomed to it, you should just feel normal (if it's the right med for you). You should know within a week or two of regular use.
Posted by jodie on March 11, 2003, at 23:36:46
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear?, posted by SteveB on March 10, 2003, at 5:48:12
Hi again
Glad to hear things are getting better for you. When the sedative effect is not wanted, it can be a real pain.
I mentioned that I take Klonopin for seizures & anxiety, and temper tantrums (yes, I cry, scream, slam doors, pace the floors, do & say things without thinking first). I have read & was told from a neurologist that some people take up to 19 or 20 mg of Klonopin a day for seizure control. I can't imagine. It seems like so much, but I guess it is an approved treatment for seizure disorders. I was just mentioning this because I have never met anyone who actually takes that much. I take 2 mg a day, & when I tell people this they think that is a lot. I do believe that the 19 or 20 mg dose is only for seizure control & not for anxiety or panic disorders (at least thats what I have gathered).
Anyway, thought I would just mention this.
Good Luck!!! Hope things keep getting better for you!!!
Jodie
Posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 23:40:18
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear? » SteveB, posted by jodie on March 11, 2003, at 23:36:46
Jodie!!! Are you serious?? I didn't know that 19-20 mg Jesus!!! That is a lot-just another" when I tell people this they think that is a lot".
Holy S$#@!
Take care,
Kristen
==================================================================================================Hi again
Glad to hear things are getting better for you. When the sedative effect is not wanted, it can be a real pain.
I mentioned that I take Klonopin for seizures & anxiety, and temper tantrums (yes, I cry, scream, slam doors, pace the floors, do & say things without thinking first). I have read & was told from a neurologist that some people take up to 19 or 20 mg of Klonopin a day for seizure control. I can't imagine. It seems like so much, but I guess it is an approved treatment for seizure disorders. I was just mentioning this because I have never met anyone who actually takes that much. I take 2 mg a day, & when I tell people this they think that is a lot. I do believe that the 19 or 20 mg dose is only for seizure control & not for anxiety or panic disorders (at least thats what I have gathered).
Anyway, thought I would just mention this.
Good Luck!!! Hope things keep getting better for you!!!
Jodie
Posted by jodie on March 13, 2003, at 0:14:40
In reply to Re: Klonopin - does the fog eventually clear? » jodie, posted by Krissy P on March 11, 2003, at 23:40:18
I know, it seems like quite a bit. I feel like my 2 mg a day is a lot. I have read on several sites & books about the max. dosage of Klonopin, which all were pretty much the same. Some said 19, some 20. Like I said though, I think that dosage is probably only for seizure control for people who have a hard time controlling them. And that is after gradually increasing the dose.
I still can't imagine taking that much though. I have a form of epilepsy & since I take Klonopin, I've been doing lots of research on seizures & Klonopin. I really don't think a pdoc would ever prescribe that much for anxiety or panic attacks, I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Take care
Jodie
This is the end of the thread.
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