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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by GypsySoul on September 5, 2013, at 15:32:32
Hi,
I recently started Klonopin, 2mg x 2day (with up to 1.5mg Xanax spread out/as needed).
I have been taking the Kpin for about 2 1/2 months. My doc switched me to it because I asked her to, I wanted a longer acting med for my extremely bad Panic & Anxiety with severe Agoraphobia (with a helping of IBS on the side, ugh.)
I started reading and googling (stupid, stupid) about Klonopin and saw where the literature says that people with Panic/Anxiety did better on 1mg a DAY than on higher doses.
But almost everyone I read about who has personal experience with this for PD seem to be on at least 2mg, usually two or even 3 times a day.Does anyone have any insight on this discrepancy? Is 1mg a day really BETTER for Panic? Would I feel better if I weaned down to 1mg a day from 4mg, is what I am wondering, I guess.
Even on 4mg Kpin + 1.5mg Xanax I still have really bad agoraphobia and anticipatory anxiety. (I have tried many of the ADs and none helped at all, in fact they made the situation worse usually.)
Thanks for any information. I just was befuddled about the whole 1mg/day thing. Seemed weird when real life experiences didn't seem to mirror it.
Thanks,
~Gypsy
Posted by Phillipa on September 5, 2013, at 17:58:48
In reply to Klonopin-why does the lit. say 1mg/day for Panic?, posted by GypsySoul on September 5, 2013, at 15:32:32
I do the same thing and mess myself up. Is the dose working for you or haven't you been taking it long enough? I know Xanax is better for panic attacks. Phillipa
Posted by GypsySoul on September 5, 2013, at 18:19:24
In reply to Klonopin-why does the lit. say 1mg/day for Panic?, posted by GypsySoul on September 5, 2013, at 15:34:19
Hi,
I accidentally posted this question twice I think.
I'm sorry. >.<
Feeling silly,
~Gypsy
Posted by gadchik on September 5, 2013, at 19:45:12
In reply to Klonopin-why does the lit. say 1mg/day for Panic?, posted by GypsySoul on September 5, 2013, at 15:34:19
Hi Gypsy!I have read the exact thing u r speaking of, that 1mg is the target dose for panic. I too have wondered about that, as I hear of people needing higher doses. I was able to bring my panic and extreme anxiety under control with 7.5mg remeron,25mg zoloft and .5mg klonopin. I took all 3 for 2 1/2 yrs or so, then tapered remeron and zoloft to lose weight, and kept the klonopin. Im under control with just .5mg. I know u mentioned ibs and ssris do aggravate, but remeron doesnt do that. Have u thought of just remeron and klonopin? I had to take my meds at night because of the sedation, but they really worked wonders for me. Good luck to you.
Posted by Guy on September 5, 2013, at 22:19:15
In reply to Klonopin-why does the lit. say 1mg/day for Panic?, posted by GypsySoul on September 5, 2013, at 15:34:19
GypsySoul, from "Psychiatry MMC":
"BZs have proven efficacy as monotherapy and in long-term use for PD. As described above, they can be especially helpful when used in combination with SSRIs at the initiation of treatment. Patients with PD may require doses higher than the doses many clinicians are accustomed to prescribing.
Some clinicians hesitate to use BZs due to concerns about dependence, abuse potential, and cognitive dulling. While important to recognize, there is little empirical support for any significant abuse or harmful effects from BZs on neurocognitive function, or a significant risk for abuse among patients with anxiety disorders. For PD sufferers who have a prior history of substance abuse, however, the risk is increased and caution is indicated. Thorough patient education and close monitoring of side effects and usage patterns are critical components to therapeutic success. If BZs are used, it is important to remember that they do not treat depressive symptoms and may even worsen depression. Moreover, there is some limited evidence suggesting that BZ use may interfere with exposure therapy. All of the medications currently used to treat PD, however, have limitations and risks in addition to their benefits."
Posted by Phillipa on September 5, 2013, at 22:36:28
In reply to Re: Klonopin-why does the lit. say 1mg/day for Panic?, posted by Guy on September 5, 2013, at 22:19:15
Xanax is said to have slight antidepressant effects. Worked wonders for me before initiating any SSRI's. Those haven't worked for anxiety for me at least. Those I find dulling. Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on September 6, 2013, at 21:31:35
In reply to Re: Klonopin-why does the lit. say 1mg/day for Panic?, posted by Phillipa on September 5, 2013, at 22:36:28
I don't know what to tell you. Personally, Klonopin helped my agitation and what not (moody+sometimes psychotic issues here), but it came at the cost of intense depression either caused by the Klonopin or maybe made worse by it. I dunno.
I wish I could say "hey, don't worry about it!," but...ummmm...its your life, right? Also, I wish I could say that BZDs are evil and you don't need them ever, but...hey...they can be very effective.
Maybe a higher dose of Xanax xr, with something at night? That's all I can come up with. You can go up to crazy high Xanax xr doses, like 10mgs or something.
Good luck!
This is the end of the thread.
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