Shown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mrgeek on February 16, 2004, at 18:58:16
Ok, so I am very excited that I finally got my hands on some Clonazepam after failing to treat my social anxiety with three different SSRIs. I've been taking it for about a week and keeping a diary of how it's working. I was going to wait two weeks to post the information, but I just couldn't help it. First...here's my "klonopin diary:"
Klonopin/Clonazepam Trial Diary
Taking Roche brand Rivotril 0.5mg tabs
Attempting to treating moderate to serve social anxiety
Other characteristics I have: very mild depression, irritability, low energy/motivation
General Notes:1) Very noticeable decreased appetite, especially as the dose rises
2) Does not give me the desire or motivation to be more outgoing or social, but is seeming to make social interactions easier and more comfortable.
3) Extremely effective as a sleeping aid
4) Noticeable disorientation and clumsiness for a short period of time (maybe a half hour) about 30-45 minutes after taking a dose
5) Effects seem to last for about 9-10 hours per dose for me
Day 1
Location: At Home All Day
First Dose: 10:00AM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: Somewhat disoriented for a short period of time
Very slightly sedated for a short period of time
Second Dose: 5:00PM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: Became very sedated and slept for approximately 4 hours
No noticeable anti-anxiety affects
Day 2
Location: At Work (9-5)
First Dose: 8:30AM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: No apparent sedation
Noticed a mild anti-anxiety affect, but still had some blushing
Second Dose: 9:00PM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: Fell asleep 30 minutes after taking, slept very soundly for 11 hours
Day 3
Location: At Work (9-5)
First Dose: 8:30AM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: No sedation
Very little percieved anxiety, seemingly increased sociability. Held long conversation without getting flustered/blushing. Increased motivation + energy. Still had some mild negative thoughts that would normally lead to avoidance of a situation, but overcame them with little will power.
Second Dose: 9:00PM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: Slept like a rock for 11 hours
Day 4
Location: At Work (9-5)
First Dose: 8:30AM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: Less disorientation noticed, still noticed some anti-anxiety effects, but also had some situations which prompted avoidance. Talking to people seems a little easier, but conversations can't be too long. No spectacularly noticeable relief.
Second Dose: 1:00AM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: Went out for dinner. Had a few drinks with dinner. Had a single drink after dinner. Slept very soundly until 11AM. Woke up feeling perfectly fine.
Day 5
Location: Friend's Apartment/Public Shopping Centers
First Dose: 12:00PM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: Very noticeable disorientation for a short period when it kicked in. Went out to a few stores/mcdonalds. Felt very calm and somewhat silly, almost on the verge of a drunken buzz for a short period of time (the first hour). Apparent anti-anxiety affect.
Second Dose: 11:15PM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: Stayed up until 2:45AM by choice (working on computers). Fell asleep easily and slept soundly.
Day 6
Location: At Home All Day
First Dose: N/A
Dosage: 0mg
Notes: Decided not to take morning dose becaues I had no plans to go out in public for any reason.
Second Dose: 10:30PM
Dosage: .5mg
Notes: Slept very well yet again. Does not force me to sleep, but makes it effortless to fall asleep when i want to.
Day 7
Location: At Work (9-5)
First Dose: 8:30AM
Dosage: .75mg
Notes: Decided to try increased dose. More noticeable affects than .5mg. Conversations very easy. Very slight blushing in one instance of a normal conversation, but went away quickly with barely any anxiety. Noticed an antidepressant effect. More motivation than normal to get work done. Was mostly happy all day.
Basically if you dont get the general jist of my notes--it seems to be working fairly well. I must admit that I've become a bit frightened by the withdrawal stories I hear about Clozenepam so I'm trying to keep my daily doses as low as possible. There is also the fact that my social anxiety isn't extremely severe--I got by without any drugs for a few years, just without a life that I was very happy with.Anyway...I'm looking for advice from some of the more experienced Klonopin heads out there. I am taking this drug without the supervision of a doctor as I do not have insurance. So far there are absolutely zero adverse side-affects and I believe that I'm managing my usage responsibly. Can anyone think of anything else I should try? I just recently upped my morning dosage to .75mg which I'm planning on trying for anything week. I am planning on trying 1mg in the morning after that. Hopefully I wont have to go any higher than that in the morning. The .5mg dose at night seems to be perfect-lets me get to sleep with the most ease I've had in years and not to mention that the actual sleep is absoltely wonderful. I was however thinking about even decreasing my nightly dose to .25mg since it's working so well at .5mg. Again, I'm trying to keep my daily intake down as much as possible.
One other question I have: Since I'm using this as a daily maintenence medication, is it alright to not take a dose If I do not plan on putting myself in any social situations for an entire day? For example, if I plan to be at home all day? I just dont know how long withdrawal symptoms take to show themselves. Just trying to be safe about this as I know it's a strong med and I'm taking it without the supervision of a doctor. Any advice anyone is willing to give me is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by KellyD on February 16, 2004, at 22:02:57
In reply to Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by mrgeek on February 16, 2004, at 18:58:16
I'm monotherapy Klonopin for 3 years. It has worked great for me and I will always support it's approiate use BUT........... you need to find a supportive doctor that monitors you really closely, esp. when beginning. I'm sorry, but there is no substitute for that part of the process if you are to avoid the pitfalls that can occur. Without supervision, it's only self medicating and just because we CAN get our hands on RX's without a face to face doc does not mean we should.
You need to watch it's use with alcohol, too.
Posted by rianny on February 17, 2004, at 0:39:47
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by KellyD on February 16, 2004, at 22:02:57
What dosage are you up to?
I have used Klonopin before but not on regular basis. It seems like it is most effective when taken regularly or it simply makes anxiety worse because it takes quite some time to be in position. So, I'm starting with 0.5mg/day (0.25 in the morning and 0.25 in the evening). I'll up it to 1.0mg/day in a few days.I have taken 0.25mg of it before going out to go to a shopping mall. Didn't feel any social but a little bit calm. I had a moment talking to a cashier, and no blushing but felt shortness of breath and not proper eye contact.
I'm currently self-medicating with Klonopin but will gain support from a professional. I even feel uncomfortable with going out to see a psychitrist. I get extrememly embarrased when speaking of personal stuff, and panic, somehow.
Posted by mrgeek on February 17, 2004, at 10:53:08
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by KellyD on February 16, 2004, at 22:02:57
Thank you for your input. I direly desire the support of a doctor to monitor my usage, however this is not an option for me currently. I feel that with the research I have done and the precautions I am taking that I am being safe. I was more looking for suggestions as to dosage other than criticisms as to why I need doctor's supervision. Believe me, If I had insurance at my disposal i'd be all over it.
Posted by mrgeek on February 17, 2004, at 11:01:27
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by rianny on February 17, 2004, at 0:39:47
rianny,
I am currently taking .75mg (8:30AM) in the morning and .5mg (9PM) about an hour before bed. Currently, I am finding this to be very effective. I do plan on trying 1mg in the morning maybe in the next few weeks. I do not plan do go any higher than this dose (1.5mg/day).
It sounds like you are being safe with your usage thus far, but I definitely support your decision to seek the help of a professional as anyone taking any kind of psycho med should. And remember-going to see a psychiatrist to someone with anxiety should be like someone with a fear of deep water swimming in a kiddie pool--They deal with people like us all the time and are not judgemental in the least. They understand you much like the people you are presumable comfortable around on a dialy basis (family, friends).
I wish you the best of luck with your therapy. Just be safe :)
/mrgeek
Posted by KellyD on February 17, 2004, at 11:05:21
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by mrgeek on February 17, 2004, at 10:53:08
"I was more looking for suggestions as to dosage other than criticisms as to why I need doctor's supervision. Believe me, If I had insurance at my disposal i'd be all over it."
>>>I did not intend my post to be a criticism, per se, and prehaps I could have termed my post better to reflect that. I was just voicing how I believe things should be done.... That is my choice and my opinion and your choices and your opinions are yours. I'm sorry you are in the position you find yourself in regard to insurance.
I will not step in with my input again.
If I offended you, I am sorry.
Posted by mrgeek on February 17, 2004, at 11:14:30
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by KellyD on February 17, 2004, at 11:05:21
KellyD,
No hard feelings. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect and even agree with yours. I guess I just took what you said as a shot seeing how diligently I have been researching the use of this medication for the past 6 months before even trying it. Anyway the good news is that I may have health insurance within the next month at which time I plan to go to my doctor immediately and discuss the matter.
I apologize if my reply seemed to be a rude rebuttle in any way--it was just defensive old me.
/mrgeek
Posted by KellyD on February 17, 2004, at 11:24:37
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by mrgeek on February 17, 2004, at 11:14:30
mrgeek,
We are cool... no problems on this end either. I thank you for your response and I do support you in your quest to find a med that works for you. From my experience, Klonopin has been a lifesaver and I am a success story. I hope you find that to be the case for you. There's a lot of negative info to be found on benzo's in general, but for some of us... they are what works best and we do really well on them.
That's great about the health plan and I do wish you all the best.
Kelly
Posted by BackOfClass on February 17, 2004, at 12:43:08
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by KellyD on February 16, 2004, at 22:02:57
> I'm monotherapy Klonopin for 3 years. It has worked great for me and I will always support it's approiate use BUT........... you need to find a supportive doctor that monitors you really closely, esp. when beginning. I'm sorry, but there is no substitute for that part of the process if you are to avoid the pitfalls that can occur. Without supervision, it's only self medicating and just because we CAN get our hands on RX's without a face to face doc does not mean we should.
> You need to watch it's use with alcohol, too.We all know that most doctors are ultra-conservative when prescribing a benzo. It is possible to self-medicate and be better off then having a doctor that prefers to push SRII's or AP then a medication that actually works.
Posted by KellyD on February 17, 2004, at 12:52:40
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice? » KellyD, posted by BackOfClass on February 17, 2004, at 12:43:08
Your point is taken... but I still stand by what I wrote.
Kelly
Posted by KellyD on February 17, 2004, at 13:11:05
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice? » BackOfClass, posted by KellyD on February 17, 2004, at 12:52:40
I am very sorry, I did not intend for your post to get "hijacked" by my response to you. I hate it when that happens and it was not my intention. I hope you will receive the guidance you desire and not commentary to my post.
I will not respond further to comments about my initial post to you... and this time I mean it.Kelly
Posted by djmmm on February 17, 2004, at 20:52:32
In reply to Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by mrgeek on February 16, 2004, at 18:58:16
It took 4mg for me to notice anything in terms of anti-anxiety...even @ 4mg, it never caused sedation...but it did work very well for social phobia...I didn't like the alcohol like anti-anxiety effect. I still feel that Nardil is a far superior anti-anxiety/social phobia med...
I liked Klonopin, it's a very effective med...The withdrawl (or "dicontinuation syndrome" as my doc put it) from Klonopin was the most horrible thing I have ever experienced, however.
Posted by TheKenoshaKid on February 18, 2004, at 5:34:34
In reply to Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by mrgeek on February 16, 2004, at 18:58:16
I began taking Klonopin in 96. It saved my life--literally. The panic attacks were becoming so frequent and intense that I seriously contemplated a lasting (read: final) solution. Since then I've taken as much as 5mg and as little as .5mg. Mileage varies. My own experience/advice:
- Klonopin lasts a long, long time. If you're taking it daily you can take the _entire_ dose before bed. This isn't Xanax: you don't need to check your watch between doses.
- I know someone who takes it 3-5 days a week and experiences no side-effects on off days. I wouldn't dream of trying this. Again, mileage varies.
- Benzo + booze = ? Do the math. It's ok if you're one of the two or three people out there who can stop after one drink. For the typical boozer this is a _terrible_ idea.
- Regarding side effects: Compared to panic attacks? Is that a serious question? You need to do a cost-benefit analysis. Many people maintain that Klonopin is exceedingly difficult to discontinue. Is the alleviation of your problem worth the potential withdrawal? For me, the answer is a no-brainer. Back to the original question: no, I can't think of any side effects. By quelling the agitation it's _added_ to my cognitive functioning.
- What about other anti-anxiety meds? I'm Bipolar: just about everything else is off limits. AFAIK the anti-depressants prescribed for anxiety are far from benign. By many accounts Klonopin is the single best medication for anxiety, in terms of both efficacy and side-effects.
- What about Cognitive Therapy? Yeah, right. ;)
Posted by jaby on February 18, 2004, at 10:02:22
In reply to Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by mrgeek on February 16, 2004, at 18:58:16
I take 1 mg at night and 1 mg at noon. No sedation problems with the noon dosage
Posted by BackOfClass on February 18, 2004, at 12:15:24
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by rianny on February 17, 2004, at 0:39:47
I would NOT take more then you need, but the amount you need can be more then a doctor is willing to prescribe. From my own experience, if you up the dosage then be prepared to stick to it. I was doing fine on 2mg a day, then thought 3mg would be better, but now I can barely get by with 4mg.
Posted by KXo on February 18, 2004, at 21:27:52
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by TheKenoshaKid on February 18, 2004, at 5:34:34
What about taking Klonopin with alcohol?
I was taking 0,5mg a day, and when I had alcohol I didnt notice any difference. I could drink the same way I was used to drink before Klonopin.
Now I am taking 1,5mg a day. What can I expect?
Posted by mrgeek on February 19, 2004, at 7:26:57
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by KXo on February 18, 2004, at 21:27:52
I must also say that I've noticed absolutely nothing with mixing klonopin/alcohol. Not to say that I would binge drink after taking a dose, but I have had up to 3 drinks and felt absolutely normal. Can anyone shed more insight onto these adverse reactions? Perhaps the higher the dosage the worse the reactions?
/mrgeek
Posted by bft on February 19, 2004, at 7:51:17
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice? » mrgeek, posted by KellyD on February 17, 2004, at 11:24:37
I have struggled with anxiety/panic for many years and have tried various medications along with psychotherapy. I am a psychotherapist, in practice for over 20 years now, specializing in the treatment of anxiety (surprise!) It is my firm belief that Klonopin is an extremly helpful medication for anxiety--probably more so than the SSRIs in my experience--and tends not to be abused by people who don't have addiction problems to begin with. Find a good psychiatrist to monitor your use and never stop taking it abruptly. There are some new medications in the "pipeline" that look promising.
Posted by Franz on February 19, 2004, at 17:47:05
In reply to Re: Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by bft on February 19, 2004, at 7:51:17
> There are some new medications in the "pipeline" that look promising.
Like which ones?. new benzos?
thanks
Posted by bft on February 20, 2004, at 7:45:53
In reply to which ones? » bft, posted by Franz on February 19, 2004, at 17:47:05
A few to keep your eyes open for: Pregabalin (Pfizer) and LY354740 (Lilly). They apparently both act on GABA, and both have shown real promise with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
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