Hi friends -
I've taken both at diffrent episodes in my life, I think the max I took Klonopin was for 2-3 weeks.
I don't have panic attacks, just extreme anxiety just sticks around 24/7 and not the shorter (although scarier) panic attacks.
This time my dr. have me xanex to take until my zoloft starts to work.
I usually only need it at night, to calm me down enough to get some sleep. But I've noticed that 3 hours later, I'm awake again w/ just as much anxiety.
The last time I took klonopin was 3 years ago, so I don't remember if I had the same issue, although, I don't think I did.
Any ideas?
Xanex v. Klonopin
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Guest
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Guest
I take Klonopin, because of GAD, which means I woke up anxious, went to bed anxious, 24/7 , stopped being able to eat, could not function. I felt like I was dying, or wanted to. It was the most sustained horrific level of anxiety I could ever attempt to explain, and I put up with it for 3 weeks, lost 15 pounds. Now am on Klonopin 1mg at night, .5 am and .5 afternoon, and Lexapro for a week, and today went up to 10 mgs. I can NOT believe the difference it made. I feel calm, normal....almost. Yes it is somewhat sedating, but I AM FUNCTIONING, and was NOT doing that before. Klonopin is longer acting and builds a level in your system to sustain the calm instead of the ups and downs. I tried Ativan, but found every time it wore off, I was right back in the ER! Good Luck.
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Guest
Thanks Claire & W2FG -
I think I'll ask my dr. about switching over to klonopin for a few weeks. It's hard not to become more anxious at 3 am when your staring at the ceiling thinking about how anxioous you are...and the cycle continues...
What do you guys think the chest pain that accompanies anxiety is caused from? Do you think it's just the adrenaline rushing through your system or is it from your muscles being tense from stress? I should ask my dr. that too.
I think I'll ask my dr. about switching over to klonopin for a few weeks. It's hard not to become more anxious at 3 am when your staring at the ceiling thinking about how anxioous you are...and the cycle continues...
What do you guys think the chest pain that accompanies anxiety is caused from? Do you think it's just the adrenaline rushing through your system or is it from your muscles being tense from stress? I should ask my dr. that too.
Hi everyone!
I posted part of this a while back but thought maybe it will be helpful here.
Here's what I've come to understand through use of all three (xanax, ativan, and now klono.): Xanax works the fastest (15 mins. to 1/2 hour) but is out of your system in a couple hours. It is best used for "emergency" situations like flying, public speaking, etc.
This may be why you're waking up after only a couple of hrs. sleep, Luvphob (?).
Ativan works for most in about 1/2 hr- 45 mins. and is out of the body in 8-12 hours. My understanding is that it's to be used for shorter-term bouts of anxiety like getting through a divorce, loss of job... whatever. (I was on it for 3 1/2 yrs.- BIG MISTAKE!!!)
As for klono., want2 is right on- it takes the longest in having an effect on anxiety (sometimes over an hour). However, this Rx also stays in the blood longer creating a more consistent level of medication. Of the three, this is what Dr.'s tend to prescribe for longer term use. (I've been taking 1mg. in the a.m. and 3/4mg. midafternoon since Jan. '08, and it's worked VERY well in eliminating my anxiety [in addition to all the skills I've learned from the boards/program]. I'm no longer taking Ambien CR and am down to 25 mgs zoloft- soon to be 12.5 and then 0!!! I'll taper the klono last and will use the schedule and supplements found @ <A HREF="http://www.theroadback.org)" TARGET=_blank>www.theroadback.org)</A>.
I know no one wants additional meds, but have you asked your dr. about using a controlled release sleeping pill? WHen my insomnia was at its worst, this is what I had to resort to. At least I was able to get a relatively full night's sleep (min.6 hrs.), so I could function the next day.
When my mom can't sleep, she prays. She believes that if she can't sleep, it's because someone needs her prayers. I've also done this, simply praying for whoever comes to mind, and suddenly I've calmed down because I'm focused on someone else. Many times I'm finally relaxed enough to drift off to sleep... then I feel guilty for falling asleep while talking to God- ARG!!!
Anyway, hope this is helpful and everyone has a restorative night's rest.
fischee
I've never had chest pain, but i've heard it is another symptom/sensation of acute anxiety (adrenaline rush)- prob. ask your dr.
I posted part of this a while back but thought maybe it will be helpful here.
Here's what I've come to understand through use of all three (xanax, ativan, and now klono.): Xanax works the fastest (15 mins. to 1/2 hour) but is out of your system in a couple hours. It is best used for "emergency" situations like flying, public speaking, etc.
This may be why you're waking up after only a couple of hrs. sleep, Luvphob (?).
Ativan works for most in about 1/2 hr- 45 mins. and is out of the body in 8-12 hours. My understanding is that it's to be used for shorter-term bouts of anxiety like getting through a divorce, loss of job... whatever. (I was on it for 3 1/2 yrs.- BIG MISTAKE!!!)
As for klono., want2 is right on- it takes the longest in having an effect on anxiety (sometimes over an hour). However, this Rx also stays in the blood longer creating a more consistent level of medication. Of the three, this is what Dr.'s tend to prescribe for longer term use. (I've been taking 1mg. in the a.m. and 3/4mg. midafternoon since Jan. '08, and it's worked VERY well in eliminating my anxiety [in addition to all the skills I've learned from the boards/program]. I'm no longer taking Ambien CR and am down to 25 mgs zoloft- soon to be 12.5 and then 0!!! I'll taper the klono last and will use the schedule and supplements found @ <A HREF="http://www.theroadback.org)" TARGET=_blank>www.theroadback.org)</A>.
I know no one wants additional meds, but have you asked your dr. about using a controlled release sleeping pill? WHen my insomnia was at its worst, this is what I had to resort to. At least I was able to get a relatively full night's sleep (min.6 hrs.), so I could function the next day.
When my mom can't sleep, she prays. She believes that if she can't sleep, it's because someone needs her prayers. I've also done this, simply praying for whoever comes to mind, and suddenly I've calmed down because I'm focused on someone else. Many times I'm finally relaxed enough to drift off to sleep... then I feel guilty for falling asleep while talking to God- ARG!!!
Anyway, hope this is helpful and everyone has a restorative night's rest.
fischee
I've never had chest pain, but i've heard it is another symptom/sensation of acute anxiety (adrenaline rush)- prob. ask your dr.
ATTITUDE -- The mind is like a parachute...it doesn't work unless it's open!!
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Guest
Hi fischee 
It totally makes sence why I can't get to sleep for more than 2-3 hours at a time. Las night was pretty rough, I finally took a Xanax at 5:30 am after waking 3 times through out the night and now am awake again at 5:30.
I'm going to call my dr. today, I need to make sure that first, I'm not pregnant because the reason tht she put me on Klono vs. X is that because my husband I were trying this month. Of course I feel guilty about really hoping theres some early blood test she can give me that says I'm not pregnant. This suffering is just could be helped w/ meds, but god forbid I cause harm to a baby because of my lack of coping skills. I am just so tired.
It totally makes sence why I can't get to sleep for more than 2-3 hours at a time. Las night was pretty rough, I finally took a Xanax at 5:30 am after waking 3 times through out the night and now am awake again at 5:30.
I'm going to call my dr. today, I need to make sure that first, I'm not pregnant because the reason tht she put me on Klono vs. X is that because my husband I were trying this month. Of course I feel guilty about really hoping theres some early blood test she can give me that says I'm not pregnant. This suffering is just could be helped w/ meds, but god forbid I cause harm to a baby because of my lack of coping skills. I am just so tired.