I don't know know why- I guess I just feel weak for having to take a pill to feel normal.. Anyone else feel this way??klonopin
I have just recently been prescribed "klonopin" because I was so anxious and I felt like I was crawling out of my skin!! I take 0.5 mg usually in the AM and it just makes me feel calm,( like I use to feel) and at ease.. But for some reason I feel guilty about taking it... I don't know know why- I guess I just feel weak for having to take a pill to feel normal.. Anyone else feel this way??
I don't know know why- I guess I just feel weak for having to take a pill to feel normal.. Anyone else feel this way??-
Guest
Hi Vickixox,
It's OK that you use something to help you temporarily. That's what it's there for. But please be aware that it should really not be used for more than 2 to 4 weeks as it's REALLY addictive. That does not mean you will crave the stuff but that your body gets addicted to it quickly.
You can learn all you need to know about the Klonopin which is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines at this website:
<A HREF="http://www.benzo.org.uk/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.benzo.org.uk/</A>
Don't let your doctor tell you it's fine to take for the long term because it is NOT!!
I could tell you my experience with it but I think you should read the info in the web-site first and then you can ask me anything you want.
Please take care...
Martin
It's OK that you use something to help you temporarily. That's what it's there for. But please be aware that it should really not be used for more than 2 to 4 weeks as it's REALLY addictive. That does not mean you will crave the stuff but that your body gets addicted to it quickly.
You can learn all you need to know about the Klonopin which is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines at this website:
<A HREF="http://www.benzo.org.uk/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.benzo.org.uk/</A>
Don't let your doctor tell you it's fine to take for the long term because it is NOT!!
I could tell you my experience with it but I think you should read the info in the web-site first and then you can ask me anything you want.
Please take care...
Martin
-
Guest
-
Guest
I agree with the replies you've gotten.
There are plenty of other non-addictive alternatives as well.
Vistaril is a sedating antihistamine which helps with anxiety. It knocks you out though so if you're having sleeping problems, it's perfect.
The herbs passion flower and chamomile help also.
Take a supplement with magnesium and calcium.
If all else fails, you still have the Klonopin.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
Jim
There are plenty of other non-addictive alternatives as well.
Vistaril is a sedating antihistamine which helps with anxiety. It knocks you out though so if you're having sleeping problems, it's perfect.
The herbs passion flower and chamomile help also.
Take a supplement with magnesium and calcium.
If all else fails, you still have the Klonopin.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.
Jim
-
Guest
I also take Klonopin, prescribed by my Psychiatrist for severe anxiety related to Health OCD, obsessive irrational worry over my health and disease. In conjunction with the Klonopin, my Dr. prescribed Celexa to work on anti-depression and it also will eventually take over for the Klonopin-it is useful for OCD. So since the Celexa takes longer to kick in (a few weeks) I will gradually be weaned off of the Klonopin. The thing with Klonopin, similar to Xanax is that it works quick, and if taht's what you need right now, then by all means don't feel ashamed or bad. Don't suffer when there is help. But, maybe talk to your doctor about a long-term alternative eventually. Good luck, take care, and feel better. I struggle every day with my problem, but I know there is light at the end of the tunnel, and the same goes for you.
-
Guest
I just hate to see people that get some relief and already they need to be worried about very small doses of benzos…The bottom line is when you post is how much from your experience where you taking and how long …and finally did you quite cold turkey…that’s a no no…other then that post what happened to you with this process… People please don’t be so hard on yourself for taking benzo-family ...anxiety and panic patients are the worst for taking meds in the first place...they work and help to build a certain confidence needed to subside the panic then you work on the cognitive remedies…do not suffer needlessly and do not obsess about the addiction portion…just be cautious
-
Guest
JJB1
You do have a valid point in not putting a guilt trip on yourself. My Klonopin dose went from .05 to 2mg's two times a day for three years. Even with my physicians assistance, weaning off it slowly was a nightmare! I guess the lesson here is to talk with your doctor and use this -- as with all drugs -- judiciously.
You do have a valid point in not putting a guilt trip on yourself. My Klonopin dose went from .05 to 2mg's two times a day for three years. Even with my physicians assistance, weaning off it slowly was a nightmare! I guess the lesson here is to talk with your doctor and use this -- as with all drugs -- judiciously.
-
Guest
Thank you Everyone!! You have all been so helpful and I am going to take all of your advice! I am going to talk to my doctor about a long-term alternative, not feel guilty about helping myself feel better, go to the benzo website now and look into herbs-- jasmine and chamomile--- Martin ,Steve, Jim, Sarah, JJB---Thanks for new action plan!!! 
I agree wholeheartedly with JJB1; I think the word that is most accurate for continued cautious use of benzo's is HABITUATION; your body becomes accustomed to the small dosage and then begins to need more and more in order to alleviate anxious symptoms.
Nearly nine years ago I began taking Xanax, four years later I was switched to Ativan, and in January I began Klono. Each of these drugs is a benzo (Klono is also prescribed for siezures), but each is intended to be used in a different fashion and under various circumstances.
The fact that I took Xanax for over four years is ridiculous! My psych. NEVER should have continued filling this Rx. Xanax enters your nervous system quickly (usually within a 1/2 hr.) and is gone within approx. 24 hrs. It is to be used for the occasional anxiety producing circumstances... minor surgeries (lasik, cosmetic), flying, and whatever...
Ativan is similar yet it usually takes a day or two to reach full potency and well over a week for it to be entirely gone from your body. This drug is usually prescribed for short-term stress/anxiety enduced life situations so an individual can continue normal daily functions. Again, this was not a drug I should have been taking on an "as needed" basis (for over four years!), since my anxiety was/is clearly daily.
Finally, I began taking klono. a little over four months ago, and not only do I feel better but also in control for the first time since I ever popped a "mama's little helper." This is probably what I should have been taking years ago when it was clear just how dibilitating my anxiety had become.
At my worst with Xanax I was taking up to 12 mgs. a day; Ativan 9 mgs.; and now that I'm on Klono. 1 mg in the am and 3/4 mg in the pm. Like the other two drugs, I'm nervous about tapering entirely but I actually feel like I can do it. Some may say that Klono is stronger and I'm just kidding myself about the lower dosage; to some extent this may be true, however I know that since it takes longer to leave the body my chances of having withdrawl symptoms is less likely if I taper slowly.
Lastly, I've also tried many different herbs/supplements, and this is what's worked for me:
passion flower (pharmaceudical [sp] quality)
tart cherries (capsule form)
Natural Calm- a hot drink that contains magnesium/calcium
I don't mean to come across as a know-it-all or preachy, but I don't want anyone to go through the hell I've been through and I really wish someone would have informed me of the above instead of ignorantly following my psychiatrist's advise.
Here's to a sound, script-free mind-someday ;*)!
Meanwhile, we're all working toward a common goal and deserve to be functional and COMFORTABLE!
fischee
Nearly nine years ago I began taking Xanax, four years later I was switched to Ativan, and in January I began Klono. Each of these drugs is a benzo (Klono is also prescribed for siezures), but each is intended to be used in a different fashion and under various circumstances.
The fact that I took Xanax for over four years is ridiculous! My psych. NEVER should have continued filling this Rx. Xanax enters your nervous system quickly (usually within a 1/2 hr.) and is gone within approx. 24 hrs. It is to be used for the occasional anxiety producing circumstances... minor surgeries (lasik, cosmetic), flying, and whatever...
Ativan is similar yet it usually takes a day or two to reach full potency and well over a week for it to be entirely gone from your body. This drug is usually prescribed for short-term stress/anxiety enduced life situations so an individual can continue normal daily functions. Again, this was not a drug I should have been taking on an "as needed" basis (for over four years!), since my anxiety was/is clearly daily.
Finally, I began taking klono. a little over four months ago, and not only do I feel better but also in control for the first time since I ever popped a "mama's little helper." This is probably what I should have been taking years ago when it was clear just how dibilitating my anxiety had become.
At my worst with Xanax I was taking up to 12 mgs. a day; Ativan 9 mgs.; and now that I'm on Klono. 1 mg in the am and 3/4 mg in the pm. Like the other two drugs, I'm nervous about tapering entirely but I actually feel like I can do it. Some may say that Klono is stronger and I'm just kidding myself about the lower dosage; to some extent this may be true, however I know that since it takes longer to leave the body my chances of having withdrawl symptoms is less likely if I taper slowly.
Lastly, I've also tried many different herbs/supplements, and this is what's worked for me:
passion flower (pharmaceudical [sp] quality)
tart cherries (capsule form)
Natural Calm- a hot drink that contains magnesium/calcium
I don't mean to come across as a know-it-all or preachy, but I don't want anyone to go through the hell I've been through and I really wish someone would have informed me of the above instead of ignorantly following my psychiatrist's advise.
Here's to a sound, script-free mind-someday ;*)!
Meanwhile, we're all working toward a common goal and deserve to be functional and COMFORTABLE!
fischee
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
~~ Ronald Reagan
~~ Ronald Reagan
-
Guest
Hey Vicki:
I have the same thoughts. I take Klonopin as needed and feel guilty or worried if I take it too much. I suspect this is just part of the same scrupulousness that gives us anxiety to begin with. I don't want to minimize it's addictive properties, but if you're suffering and it helps you function, you should use it as directed.
I have the same thoughts. I take Klonopin as needed and feel guilty or worried if I take it too much. I suspect this is just part of the same scrupulousness that gives us anxiety to begin with. I don't want to minimize it's addictive properties, but if you're suffering and it helps you function, you should use it as directed.