![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 62. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Simcha on January 9, 2002, at 8:08:06
OK, I took the 1mg at 10:30 last night. I felt relaxed while going to sleep about an hour later.
I woke up late and I was 30mins late to work! I was not at all concerned about it. This is not like me. I hope to take the pill at 9:30 tonight to see if I will have an easier time getting to work on time tomorrow.
The jaw feels better. At least I can chew this morning. I just love my bagels but they are difficult to eat after a whole night on grinding my teeth.
I don't know how anyone could possibly be anxious on this stuff. Even being late to work felt like no big deal. I'm amazed. I've never been this calm. I kind of like it. I hate being freaked out in the morning while rushing to work..
Posted by Dinah on January 9, 2002, at 8:32:08
In reply to Klonopin First Night/Day, posted by Simcha on January 9, 2002, at 8:08:06
I have to admit I love my Klonopin. It just seems to reduce the anxiety without any side effects at all. I can even take a bit during the day without feeling sleepy if I need to. But one of the things I like about it is that it reduces the physical sensations of anxiety without reducing the thoughts associated with the anxiety. So I might be late for work, but I would still care. I just wouldn't feel the anxiety (as much).
I'm glad your doctor didn't make the medication changes you feared. In my experience, the doctors never reduce anything that is working and will keep you on those medications forever without tapering unless you request otherwise.
I'm glad things are going well.
Dinah
Posted by Lorraine on January 9, 2002, at 20:34:17
In reply to Re: Klonopin First Night/Day » Simcha, posted by Dinah on January 9, 2002, at 8:32:08
Dinah:
Lorraine, here. What is your dosage and dosing (eg 1x day, 2x day) of the Klonopin. I am getting ready to throw in the towel on treating my anxiety by toughing it out. There are just too many things I can't do without becoming aggitated (like watching my son's sports or a movie). I'd be interested in you experiences. Any cognitive dulling or sexual dysfunction? Mine would be for physical anxiety only--though I suppose if it helped with sleep that would be good also.
Lorraine
> I have to admit I love my Klonopin. It just seems to reduce the anxiety without any side effects at all. I can even take a bit during the day without feeling sleepy if I need to. But one of the things I like about it is that it reduces the physical sensations of anxiety without reducing the thoughts associated with the anxiety. So I might be late for work, but I would still care. I just wouldn't feel the anxiety (as much).
> I'm glad your doctor didn't make the medication changes you feared. In my experience, the doctors never reduce anything that is working and will keep you on those medications forever without tapering unless you request otherwise.
> I'm glad things are going well.
> Dinah
Posted by Dinah on January 9, 2002, at 21:38:43
In reply to Re: Klonopin First Night/Day » Dinah, posted by Lorraine on January 9, 2002, at 20:34:17
Hi Lorraine,
I usually take .5 to 1 mg at bedtime. Lately it's been wearing off around 3 am so I take .5 mg at bedtime and .5 mg at 3 am. I also take it as needed during the daytime, occasionally .25 mg or 1 mg, usually .5 mg, it depends on the situation. A prescription of forty-five 1mg tablets is supposed to last me at least a month but it usually lasts 1 1/2 to 2 months, depending on how I'm feeling. I notice absolutely no cognitive dulling and absolutely no sexual side effects. Sometimes I think it might unmask depressed feelings covered by anxiety, but that's the worst I can say about it. I'm really sensitive to medication side effects, but I've been completely happy with Klonopin. Moreover, when I don't need it I just quit taking it and have never had any withdrawal problems at all. It doesn't make me feel good or even relaxed, exactly; it just reduces the physical sensations associated with anxiety and agitation. Of course, YMMV.
Dinah
PS - I don't find the generic version as effective.
Posted by Simcha on January 10, 2002, at 7:38:23
In reply to Re: Klonopin First Night/Day » Lorraine, posted by Dinah on January 9, 2002, at 21:38:43
Dinah,
I'm on the generic version and I find it very sedating when I take it initially. Of course last night was only my second night on the stuff.
I take 1mg before bedtime to releive bruxism (grinding teeth).
I was wondering if it will always knock me out about an hour after taking my dose, or will I get used to it.
Also I have noticed that things that used to be a big deal during the day just do not affect me like they used to. I have much more of a clear head about such incidents and I'm more willing to let them go. I've found that I cannot get aggitated really well even if I try.
Any more information about taking this drug would be appreciated. If I find it too sedating do you think I could cut my pill in half without consulting my pdoc? Do you think I should wait a couple of weeks to see if I adjust?
What was your experience starting this drug?
Thanks,
Simcha> Hi Lorraine,
> I usually take .5 to 1 mg at bedtime. Lately it's been wearing off around 3 am so I take .5 mg at bedtime and .5 mg at 3 am. I also take it as needed during the daytime, occasionally .25 mg or 1 mg, usually .5 mg, it depends on the situation. A prescription of forty-five 1mg tablets is supposed to last me at least a month but it usually lasts 1 1/2 to 2 months, depending on how I'm feeling. I notice absolutely no cognitive dulling and absolutely no sexual side effects. Sometimes I think it might unmask depressed feelings covered by anxiety, but that's the worst I can say about it. I'm really sensitive to medication side effects, but I've been completely happy with Klonopin. Moreover, when I don't need it I just quit taking it and have never had any withdrawal problems at all. It doesn't make me feel good or even relaxed, exactly; it just reduces the physical sensations associated with anxiety and agitation. Of course, YMMV.
> Dinah
> PS - I don't find the generic version as effective.
Posted by Dinah on January 10, 2002, at 8:37:53
In reply to Re: Klonopin First Night/Day » Dinah, posted by Simcha on January 10, 2002, at 7:38:23
> Dinah,
>
> I'm on the generic version and I find it very sedating when I take it initially. Of course last night was only my second night on the stuff.
>
> I take 1mg before bedtime to releive bruxism (grinding teeth).
>
> I was wondering if it will always knock me out about an hour after taking my dose, or will I get used to it.
>
> Also I have noticed that things that used to be a big deal during the day just do not affect me like they used to. I have much more of a clear head about such incidents and I'm more willing to let them go. I've found that I cannot get aggitated really well even if I try.
>
> Any more information about taking this drug would be appreciated. If I find it too sedating do you think I could cut my pill in half without consulting my pdoc? Do you think I should wait a couple of weeks to see if I adjust?
>
> What was your experience starting this drug?
>
> Thanks,
> SimchaSimcha,
I don't know if I can help you here. I never found Klonopin to be particularly sedating (although it helps me sleep when I am sleepy) and it never affected my mood at all the next day, even when first starting it. I usually take only .5 mg at night though. And if I take 1mg, it's usually because I am so anxious that it counteracts the increased dose. I'm sure you can experiment with reducing the dose and seeing if it helps the bruxism without causing the sedation. I've never heard of a doctor complaining that you reduced your benzo dose :).
Dinah
Posted by Lorraine on January 10, 2002, at 10:39:22
In reply to Re: Klonopin First Night/Day » Lorraine, posted by Dinah on January 9, 2002, at 21:38:43
> Hi Lorraine,
> I usually take .5 to 1 mg at bedtime. Lately it's been wearing off around 3 am so I take .5 mg at bedtime and .5 mg at 3 am. I also take it as needed during the daytime, occasionally .25 mg or 1 mg, usually .5 mg, it depends on the situation. A prescription of forty-five 1mg tablets is supposed to last me at least a month but it usually lasts 1 1/2 to 2 months, depending on how I'm feeling. I notice absolutely no cognitive dulling and absolutely no sexual side effects. Sometimes I think it might unmask depressed feelings covered by anxiety, but that's the worst I can say about it. I'm really sensitive to medication side effects, but I've been completely happy with Klonopin. Moreover, when I don't need it I just quit taking it and have never had any withdrawal problems at all. It doesn't make me feel good or even relaxed, exactly; it just reduces the physical sensations associated with anxiety and agitation. Of course, YMMV.
> Dinah
> PS - I don't find the generic version as effective.
Posted by sid on January 10, 2002, at 14:25:16
In reply to Klonopin First Night/Day, posted by Simcha on January 9, 2002, at 8:08:06
I still have bruxism, and if it's not gone by Tuesday, I may ask my doc for something to counter it. I'm not biting my tongue, but my teeth have moved in the past 6 weeks, and I don't like it one bit: too much pressure on them and on the jaw.
I take Effexor XR - could I take Klonopin?> OK, I took the 1mg at 10:30 last night. I felt relaxed while going to sleep about an hour later.
>
> I woke up late and I was 30mins late to work! I was not at all concerned about it. This is not like me. I hope to take the pill at 9:30 tonight to see if I will have an easier time getting to work on time tomorrow.
>
> The jaw feels better. At least I can chew this morning. I just love my bagels but they are difficult to eat after a whole night on grinding my teeth.
>
> I don't know how anyone could possibly be anxious on this stuff. Even being late to work felt like no big deal. I'm amazed. I've never been this calm. I kind of like it. I hate being freaked out in the morning while rushing to work..
Posted by Simcha on January 10, 2002, at 17:24:31
In reply to Klonopin with Effexor XR ? » Simcha, posted by sid on January 10, 2002, at 14:25:16
Sid,
I have heard of others on the board taking Klonopin with Effexor. Be sure to ask your pdoc about it.
> I still have bruxism, and if it's not gone by
Tuesday, I may ask my doc for something to counter it. I'm not biting my tongue, but my teeth have moved in the past 6 weeks, and I don't like it one bit: too much pressure on them and on the jaw.
> I take Effexor XR - could I take Klonopin?
>
> > OK, I took the 1mg at 10:30 last night. I felt relaxed while going to sleep about an hour later.
> >
> > I woke up late and I was 30mins late to work! I was not at all concerned about it. This is not like me. I hope to take the pill at 9:30 tonight to see if I will have an easier time getting to work on time tomorrow.
> >
> > The jaw feels better. At least I can chew this morning. I just love my bagels but they are difficult to eat after a whole night on grinding my teeth.
> >
> > I don't know how anyone could possibly be anxious on this stuff. Even being late to work felt like no big deal. I'm amazed. I've never been this calm. I kind of like it. I hate being freaked out in the morning while rushing to work..
Posted by sid on January 10, 2002, at 17:57:34
In reply to Re: Klonopin with Effexor XR ?, posted by Simcha on January 10, 2002, at 17:24:31
Posted by Amy Blue on January 14, 2002, at 16:25:00
In reply to Re: Klonopin First Night/Day » Dinah, posted by Simcha on January 10, 2002, at 7:38:23
Simcha,
If you take Klonopin (generic or brand) daily the sedative effect will wear off after maybe 2 months. But the anti-anxiety effect does not wear off.. This was my experience and I've read others with the same. I've taken Klonopin on and off since 1996. It no longer helps me sleep, but it's very helpful at eliminating anxiety.
If you are too sedated with your dosage you can lower it. I was initially RXed 1 mg at night and 0.5 mgs morning but I found the .5 to be too sedating so broke it in half. Now I usually take 0.5 mgs every morning.
good luck,
Amy Blue> I was wondering if it will always knock me out about an hour after taking my dose, or will I get used to it.
Posted by Simcha on January 15, 2002, at 7:49:36
In reply to Simcha Re: Klonopin sedation, posted by Amy Blue on January 14, 2002, at 16:25:00
Amy,
Thanks very much. I'm finding that I'm less sedated already than last week. I do find that the anti-anxiety part works fabulously. I will stick with it. I'm a big guy so 1mg might be necessary due to my body-weight. I'm happy with all of my dosages at this time.
Thanks for the encouragement. I look forward to a further balancing in two or so months where the sedation wears off completely.
I do like the floaty, restful feeling at night. I really hope I get to keep that. If not, oh well. At least I'm not grinding my teeth and my legs are still... ;-)
-Simmy
> Simcha,
>
> If you take Klonopin (generic or brand) daily the sedative effect will wear off after maybe 2 months. But the anti-anxiety effect does not wear off.. This was my experience and I've read others with the same. I've taken Klonopin on and off since 1996. It no longer helps me sleep, but it's very helpful at eliminating anxiety.
>
> If you are too sedated with your dosage you can lower it. I was initially RXed 1 mg at night and 0.5 mgs morning but I found the .5 to be too sedating so broke it in half. Now I usually take 0.5 mgs every morning.
>
> good luck,
> Amy Blue
>
> > I was wondering if it will always knock me out about an hour after taking my dose, or will I get used to it.
Posted by manowar on January 17, 2002, at 16:08:35
In reply to Re: Simcha Re: Klonopin sedation » Amy Blue, posted by Simcha on January 15, 2002, at 7:49:36
Hello fellow Klono-pin heads!:)))
I've been using the drug for years, and it has ALWAYS worked for me to calm me down at night and go to sleep. The smoothest sleeping agent I've ever had!
Now, I take my entire daily dose (1.5 mg) at one time in the evening, which may have something to do with it.
The fact is, taking the nightly dose is perfect for me and my cyclothymia. I sleep wonderfully at night and feel well rested in the morning. I take my Provigil and Wellbutrin in the morning and I feel stimulated but calm at the same time (there is a God in heaven!). When the effects of the Klonipin start to wear off is around 4-8 in the evening. Since I just take it as a mood stabilizer anyway, it’s not a big deal for me, and ITS ALMOST TIME FOR THE NEXT DOSE!
--Whoever invented Klonipin should win the Nobel Prize or something!Sincerely,
Tim
Posted by IsoM on January 17, 2002, at 16:57:36
In reply to Klonopin -the drug of kings, posted by manowar on January 17, 2002, at 16:08:35
I wonered about using adrafinil & taking a benzo occasionally. So there's no problem with a trank in the evening affecting the Provigil the next day?
Adrafinil does a good enough job for me for calmness & helps with sleep too, but there's times I'd like to use a trank (like dentist visits) & wondered.
Very glad to hear that your cocktail's working so well for you. Do you take Provigil just in the morning then? And how much? Thanks, Tim!
> Hello fellow Klono-pin heads!:)))
>
> I've been using the drug for years, and it has ALWAYS worked for me to calm me down at night and go to sleep. The smoothest sleeping agent I've ever had!
>
> Now, I take my entire daily dose (1.5 mg) at one time in the evening, which may have something to do with it.
>
> The fact is, taking the nightly dose is perfect for me and my cyclothymia. I sleep wonderfully at night and feel well rested in the morning. I take my Provigil and Wellbutrin in the morning and I feel stimulated but calm at the same time (there is a God in heaven!). When the effects of the Klonipin start to wear off is around 4-8 in the evening. Since I just take it as a mood stabilizer anyway, it’s not a big deal for me, and ITS ALMOST TIME FOR THE NEXT DOSE!
> --Whoever invented Klonipin should win the Nobel Prize or something!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Tim
Posted by manowar on January 17, 2002, at 20:01:39
In reply to Re: Klonopin -the drug of kings » manowar, posted by IsoM on January 17, 2002, at 16:57:36
Hello again,
I take 200 mg of Provigil along with 150 mg of Wellbutrin in the morning. Then I take 150 mg of Wellbutrin in the afternoon.> I wonered about using adrafinil & taking a benzo occasionally. So there's no problem with a trank in the evening affecting the Provigil the next day?
>
> Adrafinil does a good enough job for me for calmness & helps with sleep too, but there's times I'd like to use a trank (like dentist visits) & wondered.
>
> Very glad to hear that your cocktail's working so well for you. Do you take Provigil just in the morning then? And how much? Thanks, Tim!
>
> > Hello fellow Klono-pin heads!:)))
> >
> > I've been using the drug for years, and it has ALWAYS worked for me to calm me down at night and go to sleep. The smoothest sleeping agent I've ever had!
> >
> > Now, I take my entire daily dose (1.5 mg) at one time in the evening, which may have something to do with it.
> >
> > The fact is, taking the nightly dose is perfect for me and my cyclothymia. I sleep wonderfully at night and feel well rested in the morning. I take my Provigil and Wellbutrin in the morning and I feel stimulated but calm at the same time (there is a God in heaven!). When the effects of the Klonipin start to wear off is around 4-8 in the evening. Since I just take it as a mood stabilizer anyway, it’s not a big deal for me, and ITS ALMOST TIME FOR THE NEXT DOSE!
> > --Whoever invented Klonipin should win the Nobel Prize or something!
> >
> > Sincerely,
> >
> > Tim
Posted by Rick on January 18, 2002, at 2:12:45
In reply to Klonopin -the drug of kings, posted by manowar on January 17, 2002, at 16:08:35
My Klon-opinion is similar to yours. It's great, not just for my social phobia, but for sleep too.
In fact, I take it all (1.0 mg) in the morning with my Provigil (usually a low-ish 100 mg), yet the Klonopin still helps me sleep like a baby at night. That said, while I've never -- and don't intend to -- take Provigil by itself, I think Provigil may have a mild crashing effect as bedtime approaches that actually facilitates sleep. BTW, even though Provigil keeps me wide awake during the day, I have no problem taking a daytime nap when I want to. That kind of "user-control" is one of the things I love about Provigil, or more precisely about a Provigil/Klonopin combo.
P.S. When I take Klonopin at night, I sleep fine but actually feel somewhat *less* refreshed in the morning. So I guess our Klon-opinions aren't *completely* in synch.
Rick
> Hello fellow Klono-pin heads!:)))
>
> I've been using the drug for years, and it has ALWAYS worked for me to calm me down at night and go to sleep. The smoothest sleeping agent I've ever had!
>
> Now, I take my entire daily dose (1.5 mg) at one time in the evening, which may have something to do with it.
>
> The fact is, taking the nightly dose is perfect for me and my cyclothymia. I sleep wonderfully at night and feel well rested in the morning. I take my Provigil and Wellbutrin in the morning and I feel stimulated but calm at the same time (there is a God in heaven!). When the effects of the Klonipin start to wear off is around 4-8 in the evening. Since I just take it as a mood stabilizer anyway, it’s not a big deal for me, and ITS ALMOST TIME FOR THE NEXT DOSE!
> --Whoever invented Klonipin should win the Nobel Prize or something!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Tim
Posted by Simcha on January 18, 2002, at 8:24:52
In reply to Klonopin -the drug of kings, posted by manowar on January 17, 2002, at 16:08:35
Heh Heh,
I am a fellow Klono-pin head! Ima druggie. Heeza druggie. Wouldn't 'ya like to be a druggie too? Be a druggie take the Klonopin!
LOL
Actually, I cannot imagine abusing this drug. It does not offer a high. There just is not any abuse value in it as far as I can see.
I've been on it for a little over a week. I take 1mg at night to stop grinding my teeth and the restless legs made worse by the SSRI I take in the morning, Celexa. I take my Wellbutrin in two doses, am and afternoon. It's just a splendid combo for now.
On this combo I actually feel like I'm balanced and I can feel my feelings without having them rule my life. I do not plunge into the depths of depression. I do not get anxiety attacks that cause me to seek out dozens of sexual partners per day. I'm actually doing well. Ten years of therapy and six years of 12-step alone did not do this.
All praise to the people who have discovered this chemical assistance!
> Hello fellow Klono-pin heads!:)))
>
> I've been using the drug for years, and it has ALWAYS worked for me to calm me down at night and go to sleep. The smoothest sleeping agent I've ever had!
>
> Now, I take my entire daily dose (1.5 mg) at one time in the evening, which may have something to do with it.
>
> The fact is, taking the nightly dose is perfect for me and my cyclothymia. I sleep wonderfully at night and feel well rested in the morning. I take my Provigil and Wellbutrin in the morning and I feel stimulated but calm at the same time (there is a God in heaven!). When the effects of the Klonipin start to wear off is around 4-8 in the evening. Since I just take it as a mood stabilizer anyway, it’s not a big deal for me, and ITS ALMOST TIME FOR THE NEXT DOSE!
> --Whoever invented Klonipin should win the Nobel Prize or something!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Tim
Posted by kid47 on January 18, 2002, at 11:04:10
In reply to Klonopin -the drug of kings, posted by manowar on January 17, 2002, at 16:08:35
Posted by mr.scott on January 18, 2002, at 12:40:43
In reply to Klonopin -the drug of kings, posted by manowar on January 17, 2002, at 16:08:35
Tim,
You speak the truth about Klonopin. I almost got stuck taking Depa-crap (Depakote), but Klonopin handles things well enough without all associated problems.
Three cheers for clonazepam!
Scott
Posted by manowar on January 18, 2002, at 16:04:04
In reply to Klonopin -the drug of kings, posted by manowar on January 17, 2002, at 16:08:35
Hi again,
Simcha makes a very important point about Klonipin: It has a very LOW abuse potential. Xanax, and Diazepam work well for me too, but they cause euphoria. Now most people would think that euphoria is a good thing, and it is. The only problem is, it can very easily cause a psychological dependence the size of the state of Utah!As a matter of fact, I've had doctors and others tell me before that Xanax is the most addicting drug there is. I happen to disagree with that assumption. The most addicting agent in the world is the drug that gives a user the greatest amount of euphoria. Therefore, because everyone is different, the most addictive drug in the world is the drug that's the most addictive drug for you--get it. But I think you could narrow the VERY addicting agents to:
Nicotine (Women seem to have a harder time than men with this one-generally)
Heroin
Crack cocaine
Methamphetamine
Xanax or Diazepam (I can't spell the trade name)Anyone care to add to this list?
BTW: I'm very intrigued about the other less known benzos that have even a longer half-life than Klonipin. Could they even be more effective? Anyone ever used such benzos?
Thanks,
Tim
Posted by AnneL on January 18, 2002, at 23:58:22
In reply to Klonipin- low abuse potential? I think so..., posted by manowar on January 18, 2002, at 16:04:04
I have been on Klonopin 1 mg. at bedtime for almost one year now, first as an anti-anxiety agent to get me through the start-up of Effexor and then as a sleep agent. I find it extremely sedating which is great for sleep.
But, I haven't heard anyone talk about how it feels to miss a dose. I have not taken it on 2 or 3 ocassions when I have indulged in 3 or more alcoholic beverages, the last time being New Year's Eve. By 4AM, I was in the midst of a severe Klonopin withdrawal. I really feel for those who are addicted to drugs like heroin, etc.
The only thing that took away the body twitching, extreme anxiety, etc., was a dose of Klonopin at 4:30 AM. It was a living hell for 30 minutes and I dread the day when I taper off of this drug. Any comments?
Posted by Mr. Scott on January 19, 2002, at 1:21:25
In reply to Klonipin- low abuse potential? I think so..., posted by manowar on January 18, 2002, at 16:04:04
I may sound arrogant here, but it is only because I KNOW what I am talking about. Having suffered from anxiety for years I have used most of the benzos and discovered some great ways to come off of them.
In terms of efficacy for Anxiety, no drug is better than Xanax. Because not only does it kick anxiety's ass, but it doesn't mess up your head quite as much as Klonopin (attention span and memory problems). Of course it is a bitch to come off of and I did develop tolerance to the anti-anxiety effects after a couple years (poop-out). I find Ativan and Klonopin to be the worst in terms of memory problems, but also highly effective for agitation, anxiety, AD induced problems, or other states involving overarousal. Also the anti-anxiety effect of Klonopin never pooped out on me..Go figure.
One of my favorite benzodiazepines is Tranxene (chlorazepate). You feel ZERO euphoria and it has the longest half-life of any benzo marketed in the US with the exception of Dalmane.
Also, Neurologists have found that tolerance to the anti-convulsant effect of Tranxene does not develop.
This brings me to tapering klonopin. Jump over to tranxene and simply drop the dose comfortably every two weeks. You won't notice much of anything until the last taper. At that point use 200mg of Neurontin PRN if needed at all for a week or two. Just be patient and determined because as your anxiety slowly returns, you will convince yourself to go back on the drug (psychological dependence indeed).
Tranxene seems to me to be more anticholinergic than Klonopin, but ironically causes hardly any cognitive problems. It is best suited for withdrawal and generalized anxiety and tension rather than mania.
Thats my two cents
Scott
Posted by Rick on January 19, 2002, at 3:36:36
In reply to Klonopin is great, but how do you get off it?, posted by AnneL on January 18, 2002, at 23:58:22
I guess everyone's different. I also take 1 mg, but all in the a.m. I've been taking it for two and a half years, starting at 3 mg, and have found I need less over time. One day a few months ago I went on an overnight trip and managed to leave my Klonopin back home (not smart). I ended up going about 42 hours between doses. The only result was a moderate rebound of my social anxiety during the latter part of that period.
Based the incident you related, my suggestion would be that, as long as you're on Klonopin, you should deny yourself the special-occasion booze. Or take just a very small amount of Klonopin on those nights, e.g. 1/4 mg, which should be safe even if it's potentiated by a factor of four. Then take more the next morning or afternoon if you feel any withdrawal symptoms.
Other things to consider: See if you can get by on less (but with S-L-O-W taper). If your insomnia stems from anxiety, then Klonopin doesn't need to be sedating to help you get to sleep and stay asleep. It just needs to keep anxiety in check. Even though I take it all in the a.m., and don't find it sedating unless I take more than usual, it still relieves the insomnia I used to have.
Rick
> I have been on Klonopin 1 mg. at bedtime for almost one year now, first as an anti-anxiety agent to get me through the start-up of Effexor and then as a sleep agent. I find it extremely sedating which is great for sleep.
>
> But, I haven't heard anyone talk about how it feels to miss a dose. I have not taken it on 2 or 3 ocassions when I have indulged in 3 or more alcoholic beverages, the last time being New Year's Eve. By 4AM, I was in the midst of a severe Klonopin withdrawal. I really feel for those who are addicted to drugs like heroin, etc.
> The only thing that took away the body twitching, extreme anxiety, etc., was a dose of Klonopin at 4:30 AM. It was a living hell for 30 minutes and I dread the day when I taper off of this drug. Any comments?
Posted by Rick on January 19, 2002, at 3:46:14
In reply to Klonipin- low abuse potential? I think so..., posted by manowar on January 18, 2002, at 16:04:04
But I think you could narrow the VERY addicting agents to:
> Nicotine (Women seem to have a harder time than men with this one-generally)
> Heroin
> Crack cocaine
> Methamphetamine
> Xanax or Diazepam (I can't spell the trade name)
>
> Anyone care to add to this list?Chocolate
Potato Chips ("Crisps" for British P-B-ers)
>
> BTW: I'm very intrigued about the other less known benzos that have even a longer half-life than Klonipin. Could they even be more effective? Anyone ever used such benzos?Tranxene. Excellent for generalized anxiety, not useful for social phobia (for me, anyway), maybe useful at high doses for panic. Since I have social phobia, I wouldn't consider ANY benzo but Klonopin. Xanax wasn't even in the same league. Valium was useless.
Rick
Posted by Dinah on January 19, 2002, at 9:23:37
In reply to Klonopin is great, but how do you get off it?, posted by AnneL on January 18, 2002, at 23:58:22
It's odd how people's responses to medications are so different. When I'm not anxious I just don't take any Klonopin and have never had any bad reaction from it. I've been off sometimes as much as a week with no problems. Of course, there may be something going on in my brain that explains both the lack of anxiety (NOT a normal state for me) and the lack of Klonopin withdrawal symptoms.
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