Klonopin

Missletoes · Post by **Missletoes** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 2:27 am

Hi everyone. I have been on paxil the last 10 years and it has worked wonders. Every sooften they would have to up the dose because I would get anxious or breakthrough panic. I'm not sure what they call it. Anyway, it happened again about 5 weeks ago. I know the holidays are stressful and I think that is what this has to do with. It seems I get this breakthrough stuff when i am in stressful situations. My docotr gave me klonopin to take over the holidays. He said I could start at .5 and go up to 1 if I needed to. I am afraid to take take it. I take it and it just seems to make memore anxious, but I do know that it works. The physical symptoms are gone but the worry and fear is still there. Has anyone experienced this?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:01 am

I have not taken the medications you are talking about. They were not on the market at the time I was in my most intense crisis. The meds can help with the symptoms temporarily. The important thing is to get going on this program and get a handle on the cause, and change the behaviour.

Holidays can be very bad. Hang on.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:22 am

I've taken klonopin for over 5 years now. I'm up to 3mg at bedtime. It really worked well for me when I was getting my Masters degree and was under a great deal of stress. Low doses is what I started at. Have you taken a full mg yet? You will definitely notice it when it kicks in, its very calming. As far as the worrying and fear still being there, that is something you need to work on yourself. I mean, take a 1mg tab of klonopin and you SHOULD not have any worry or fear BUT you will get used to 1mg and eventually go up in dose. Start working now on changing your negative thoughts. I have gone almost 10 years withouth trying to fix this problem using self talk, etc. instead of medication. IT CAN BE DONE

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:09 am

I was on klonopin for about 5 years. I took .5mgm 3 times a day. It did relax me. It helped me sleep. I now only take it 1 time a day at bedtime. This is a good med from the standpoint that it has a long half life. It won't give you the "jitters" if you choose to take it less often as I have. You may be more anxious taking it as you are not sure what is going to happen. You did say it helps.
As you relax and develop more skills with the program you may be able to stop it. The program takes a lot of work but is well worth it. I am having some problems now with a family member. I am working on positive self talk and assertive talk. Wish you well Natalie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 3:45 pm

Thank you all for offering your input and opinions. The klonopin has really been a life saver. I was totally able to enjoy the Christmas holiday with my family. I am still on .5mg at lunch. It makes me a little sleepy, but usually goes away in an hour or two. I don't want to take it forever, but until I go through this program and work with my therapist on CBT, I think it is a necessity. Thanks again everyone for your kind words and encouragement!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:24 am

I have been taking Klonopin for over 5 years and it does help me. I need to usually take it before bedtime, because the panic attacks usually wake me up during the night. I am hoping to stop taking the medication one day. I take .5 mg It is not much. I am hoping to get involved in this program whereby getting myself together and off the medication can be an option.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 11:22 am

hi

,
Glad you were able to enjoy the holidays w/your family.

Klonopin has been a "life saver" for me, too. My friend was with me during a panick attack one day and suggested I ask my doc for it. She'll never know how grateful I am for that advice.

I also like to take as little med as possible. I usually take .5, sometimes I take 1mg, and sometimes I take .75 (you can split the pills in half with a pill slicer, or

your teeth).

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 12:04 pm

heyMCGrace klonopin saved my life would love to to take to you look for me in chat

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 8:27 am

I would have to agree that klonopin has been the best anxiety med I have taken. I was on it for a few months in combination with 20 mg of Celexa and it was a huge help. Unlike some of the other Benzos that are out there, Klonopin seems to last longer and is not as abrupt with symptoms disappearing and returning. I too, was very anxious to take it for the first time like I am with most every medication, but it really helped me get through the rough few months I was going through. Now I keep some on hand for a PRN if need be, but have had to resort to other relaxation techniques as I am 3 months pregnant and Klonopin is a big no no. Anyway, I hope this info is helpful

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