Ethansmom Posted May 7, 2018 Share Posted May 7, 2018 I'm so worried about this. I take Klonopin every day. Its the only thing that helps. I go to therapy and am worried i will never get better. I'm scared of what might happen if i do not take my klonopin. Does anyone have good stories? Right now i am on a starting dose of trintellix. It's like i wake up anxious and can't stop the cycle so i take klonopin. I have a family to take care of and i need to get better. Can anyone help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiaB Posted May 7, 2018 Share Posted May 7, 2018 Hi there I've moved your post to the benzos forum so that you can receive more targeted responses. Mia (mod) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looking for answers Posted May 7, 2018 Share Posted May 7, 2018 (edited) I do, been for years Edited May 7, 2018 by looking for answers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted May 7, 2018 Author Share Posted May 7, 2018 Can I ask what you take? Does it alleviate all of the anxiety? I’m so fearful of being addicted. Its the only thing to help and I know I have to just take one day at a time. Have you tried anything else for your anxiety? Medwise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancesintherain Posted May 7, 2018 Share Posted May 7, 2018 I take Ativan daily (0.5 mg morning and evening). I’ve taken klonopin previously but was getting too tired from it. I’ve just found that I need something on top of the regular medications. It may not be a permanent thing, but it has been for a decent period of time barring hospitalizations (for some reason it is always what they stop). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted May 7, 2018 Author Share Posted May 7, 2018 I’ve never tried Ativan but may switch back to Xanax since klonopin makes me tired and gives me that flat feeling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyRedhead Posted May 7, 2018 Share Posted May 7, 2018 (edited) I've been taking Klonopin (2mg) every single day for almost 5 years....My doc thought it would be best for me since it's longer acting than Xanax or Ativan. Have you told your pdoc how you're feeling on the Klonopin? Edited May 7, 2018 by CrazyRedhead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmaryland Posted May 7, 2018 Share Posted May 7, 2018 I have since about 2015, most of the time it being Xanax between 1mg and 3mg a day. Now I am reducing the Xanax but still take Valium mostly every day, or at least some Xanax. I think if you can control yourself to use them only therapeutically and honestly, benzos are wonderfully effective medications. The give me a sense of calm and relaxation from stress and anxiety that nothing else can really replicate. But if you do take a benzo daily, you should just accept that you will be dependent, physically, on that medication and rapid withdrawal is seriously dangerous. I understand and accept this, and I am willing to accept the trade off of because that is how much benzos help me in so many way besides relaxation. Xanax helps me focus better, I'm more clear minded, get things done that I had been stressed about, you would think I was on a stimulant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted May 7, 2018 Author Share Posted May 7, 2018 Yes I agree. I just need to accept it. It seems like so many people are on benzos for anxiety and panic disorder. I am also trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and loose weight. I have put on so much weight from trying out different meds. I’m not in weight watchers . That part stinks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wonderful.Cheese Posted May 7, 2018 Share Posted May 7, 2018 I’ve been taking Klonopin on and off (but mostly on) for probably 10 years from anywhere from 1.5 mg to 3 mg. I very first started off at 2 mg then went to 3 mg then later had it reduced to 1.5 mg for many years then recently had it increased back up to 3 mg. Like @dancesintherain they take away my benzo Klonopin in the hospital too. It’s always the first med they take away. There seem to be many anti benzo Pdocs in hospitals near me. That’s one of MANY reasons why I don’t go to hospitals anymore unless I’m forced. Anyway I don’t function without my daily Klonopin. I become a recluse. I can’t leave the house and have intense daily panic attacks that last for a very long time and are worse than normal. I can’t drive to known places. I can’t talk to people. I can’t leave the bedroom hardly. I become an anxious worry ball that’s scared of everything. I cry at the drop of a hat. Noises bother me. I can’t use the phone at all. I just don’t function. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted May 7, 2018 Author Share Posted May 7, 2018 Hi wonderful cheese . Thank you for sharing. I’m exactly the same! A total recluse who’s scared to do anything . It all started after a serious of traumatic events and now I can’t just switch it off. I visit another board often and people are so mean there. They shame me for use benzos. I am using them under the guidance of a psychiatrist . She knows I need them right now and feel better when I have them. I really appreciate all the responses I have gotten! 2 hours ago, CrazyRedhead said: I've been taking Klonopin (2mg) every single day for almost 5 years....My doc thought it would be best for me since it's longer acting than Xanax or Ativan. Have you told your pdoc how you're feeling on the Klonopin? I have .she said I can switch back to Xanax anytime and I do have a prescription. She said I can take whatever works best for me. Do you ever take a Xanax for break through anxiety? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted May 8, 2018 Share Posted May 8, 2018 I do. When my anxiety is bad, or irritability secondary to a manic episode I take Xanax Xr q am and Xanax ir PRN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyRedhead Posted May 8, 2018 Share Posted May 8, 2018 11 hours ago, Ethansmom said: Do you ever take a Xanax for break through anxiety? No.....My doc has certain opinions about benzos, and won't prescribe more than one for me. I guess all pdocs have their own personal beliefs about benzos.......I have heard of some docs that don't prescribe them at all, and I think that's unfortunate, because IMO, some people really benefit from them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted May 8, 2018 Share Posted May 8, 2018 Personally I think there's a huge difference between short term and long term prescribing. I definetly can see why doc's would be nervous about a daily ongoing benzo (even tho it does help some) but to me giving a few pills to get you through the tough times is not super high risk...I kno addiction is a very serious thing...but there schedule 4 not schedule 2. I'm sure doc's have their reasons...but I'm with you that it doesn't make sense to totally disregard a whole class of potentially helpful meds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted May 8, 2018 Author Share Posted May 8, 2018 I wonder if I’ll ever be able to get off them? I am starting to incorporate exercise and diet changes into my life. I’m hoping that will help. I don’t want to stress myself out with that pressure just yet. I need to try to make lifestyle changes for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted May 8, 2018 Share Posted May 8, 2018 That's a good plan. It goes with the whole one change at a time thing. You can't worry about the klon until the trintellix gets stable otherwise it might skew the results of the trintellix trial Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gb84 Posted May 10, 2018 Share Posted May 10, 2018 I take 1mg Klonopin every morning and one at bedtime if needed. It keeps me from being overstimulated, especially in noisy environments or crowded places. There have been times I forgot to take it in the morning and ended up having serious panic attacks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmaryland Posted May 13, 2018 Share Posted May 13, 2018 I take at least some valium or xanax, somehow im always so stressed and very tense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notloki Posted May 13, 2018 Share Posted May 13, 2018 I have been seeing my pdoc over a decade and I have been on one benzo or the other, sometimes as needed and sometimes continuously, the whole time. Even after being on a benzo every day for a year I don't have any problems reducing or stopping them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted May 14, 2018 Author Share Posted May 14, 2018 thank you all for responding! I'm going to up the trintellix tomorrow to see if it helps! Wish me luck. I do have my klonopin to help so hopefully the two will knock out some of this panic and anxiety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmaryland Posted May 14, 2018 Share Posted May 14, 2018 28 minutes ago, Ethansmom said: thank you all for responding! I'm going to up the trintellix tomorrow to see if it helps! Wish me luck. I do have my klonopin to help so hopefully the two will knock out some of this panic and anxiety. How is the Trintellix working for far for anxiety? and do you find this medication is somewhat activating or pro-social? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted May 14, 2018 Author Share Posted May 14, 2018 It’s not activating and isn’t doing much right now. I feel super lazy on it actually the depression is still there and I’m having upper back muscle aches which I think is from anxiety Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted May 18, 2018 Author Share Posted May 18, 2018 So today will be day 4 of upping my Trintellix to 5MG. Usually this is when i get extreme anxiety. I keep waking up feeling like i'm vibrating. I'm worried this is withdrawl from last klonopin dose. I took my second dose of klonopin at 3pm yesterday and didn't take another one until 7 AM this morning. Would i be waking up vibrating? This seems to be common with anxiety from what i've read. I just REALLY wish i didn't have to depend on these pills. Does anyone know if Klonopin or benzos in general can cause liver damage?? That part scares me---- clearing i'm even anxious about taking Benzos, which has been for over a year straight now. Does anyone taking Clominiprine or effexor? I may try one of those meds next to see if they help. How would i even taper off of 2MG of klonopin without having major panic attacks?!! I know i am overthinking all of this and making my anxiety worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyRedhead Posted May 18, 2018 Share Posted May 18, 2018 (edited) 3 hours ago, Ethansmom said: Does anyone know if Klonopin or benzos in general can cause liver damage?? According to this article, liver damage rarely happens with benzos: https://livertox.nlm.nih.gov/BenzodiazepineDrugs.htm Quote from article: ........"clinically apparent liver injury from the benzodiazepines is quite rare." Edited May 18, 2018 by CrazyRedhead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notloki Posted May 18, 2018 Share Posted May 18, 2018 Meds that have the potential to be hard on the liver are identified in the PI. People should be getting liver function tests yearly, it is routine care. More frequent if you take meds. This is a blood test. I take 14 or so meds and have not hit one that has changed my liver function test from normal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellifluous Posted May 18, 2018 Share Posted May 18, 2018 i was going to reply to the continuous usage part (i take ativan daily as catatonia preventative and have xanax PRN) because i've done that for years and i've also abruptly discontinued all of my meds loads of times and not suffered withdrawal. i don't recommend doing that as they lower the seizure threshold and if you're prone at all to seizures, or even if not, you can have them if you abruptly discontinue at the amount i take. but then i saw people saying that they're meds were immediately discontinued when inpatient and that's fucking nuts! that's not been my experience and i've been in the hospital a lot. i think that sounds so backwards. i haven't tried trintellix (i take low-dose zoloft and abilify, but for OCD) but i hope it works. i don't know about the vibrating. can you call a psych nurse to ask? and finally, the liver question. i do get regular blood tests (for clozaril) and i have quarterly types of other tests. i've never had a bad one and i've taken a lot of meds. i think you'll likely be fine. : ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pocketpanda Posted July 25, 2018 Share Posted July 25, 2018 On 5/18/2018 at 1:33 PM, mellifluous said: i was going to reply to the continuous usage part (i take ativan daily as catatonia preventative and have xanax PRN) because i've done that for years and i've also abruptly discontinued all of my meds loads of times and not suffered withdrawal. i don't recommend doing that as they lower the seizure threshold and if you're prone at all to seizures, or even if not, you can have them if you abruptly discontinue at the amount i take. but then i saw people saying that they're meds were immediately discontinued when inpatient and that's fucking nuts! that's not been my experience and i've been in the hospital a lot. i think that sounds so backwards. i haven't tried trintellix (i take low-dose zoloft and abilify, but for OCD) but i hope it works. i don't know about the vibrating. can you call a psych nurse to ask? and finally, the liver question. i do get regular blood tests (for clozaril) and i have quarterly types of other tests. i've never had a bad one and i've taken a lot of meds. i think you'll likely be fine. : ) I was on Xanax for over a year, including hospital time. After discharge, my psychiatrist started tapering me off Xanax because she doesn’t want me to become dependent on it. I was bummed but trusted her. She gave me Gabapentin for anxiety instead, but it has never worked as well as Xanax. A friend said I just need to find a doc who’s not against long term benzo usage or is Rx friendly in general, but I wouldn’t even know how to go about that. Each appointment costs $$, and I can’t exactly call up the office and ask “Hi will the doc give me all my favorite Rx?” LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looking for answers Posted July 25, 2018 Share Posted July 25, 2018 1 hour ago, pocketpanda said: I was on Xanax for over a year, including hospital time. After discharge, my psychiatrist started tapering me off Xanax because she doesn’t want me to become dependent on it. I was bummed but trusted her. She gave me Gabapentin for anxiety instead, but it has never worked as well as Xanax. A friend said I just need to find a doc who’s not against long term benzo usage or is Rx friendly in general, but I wouldn’t even know how to go about that. Each appointment costs $$, and I can’t exactly call up the office and ask “Hi will the doc give me all my favorite Rx?” LOL the question is do u need it or is the gabepentin aqeduate, otherwise ur pill seeking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pocketpanda Posted July 25, 2018 Share Posted July 25, 2018 36 minutes ago, looking for answers said: the question is do u need it or is the gabepentin aqeduate, otherwise ur pill seeking I took Xanax as needed (except hospital time). I used it based on what’s on my calendar for the day, or I could depend on it to help me fairly quickly when I encounter situations. With gabapentin, I have to take it daily, and it can’t help me on the spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gb84 Posted July 26, 2018 Share Posted July 26, 2018 Gabapentin does help my anxiety, but it takes a long time to kick in. I wish that Lyrica was approved for anxiety in the USA. I took it a couple times for pain due to injuries and it turned out to have a great anti-anxiety effect as well. Plus it works much faster than Gabapentin. I would much rather take that than Klonopin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
looking for answers Posted July 26, 2018 Share Posted July 26, 2018 1 hour ago, pocketpanda said: I took Xanax as needed (except hospital time). I used it based on what’s on my calendar for the day, or I could depend on it to help me fairly quickly when I encounter situations. With gabapentin, I have to take it daily, and it can’t help me on the spot. i got yah, u were just talking about asking for ur fav meds..................anyways just tell ur doc what u just said, it makes sense Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notloki Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 Lyrica affects GABA just like benzos so it is Schedule IV, just like benzos. The same restrictions and prescribing practices. Carries the same possibility of dependence if you take it long term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 3, 2018 Author Share Posted August 3, 2018 Hi Everyone, Happy Friday! I just wanted to update you on my situation, and hopefully get some support and feedback at the same time! I started Effexor IR about 9 days ago. I was taking a small dose 25MG (half a table twice daily). I moved up to 50MG two days ago, and have been experience heart flutters on and off today. I KNOW that it's from the Effexor increase. Needless to say , I just took Klonopin to try to help settle me down, and will go back to my 25MG dose tomorrow. I think the doctor rushed me into upping the dosage. I am very sensitive to these SSRI's and meds In general and I believe it takes weeks for my body to adjust. I'm at work right now and it's hard to function worry about the next "hear flutter". My doctor actually said that I might be better off without a benzo and that it might be making me worse. She suggested plan B (which is to switch to valium) and to taper off of that slowly. Has anyone heard of this? Will valium even help my anxiety like Klonopin. I get so anxious when I even take a klonopin late. How on earth will I withdraw from it with valium? is valium safe??? PLEASE HELP! Need advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted August 3, 2018 Share Posted August 3, 2018 1 hour ago, Ethansmom said: Hi Everyone, Happy Friday! I just wanted to update you on my situation, and hopefully get some support and feedback at the same time! I started Effexor IR about 9 days ago. I was taking a small dose 25MG (half a table twice daily). I moved up to 50MG two days ago, and have been experience heart flutters on and off today. I KNOW that it's from the Effexor increase. Needless to say , I just took Klonopin to try to help settle me down, and will go back to my 25MG dose tomorrow. I think the doctor rushed me into upping the dosage. I am very sensitive to these SSRI's and meds In general and I believe it takes weeks for my body to adjust. I'm at work right now and it's hard to function worry about the next "hear flutter". My doctor actually said that I might be better off without a benzo and that it might be making me worse. She suggested plan B (which is to switch to valium) and to taper off of that slowly. Has anyone heard of this? Will valium even help my anxiety like Klonopin. I get so anxious when I even take a klonopin late. How on earth will I withdraw from it with valium? is valium safe??? PLEASE HELP! Need advice. Valium is a benzo and is very safe as long as you don't mix it with alcohol or narcotics. Are you sure that the heart flutters you are experiencing are not normal start-up anxiety? Because whenever starting a new AD, especially SSRIs and SNRIs, it is common to have increased anxiety at first that goes away after a few weeks. Then the med becomes effective against anxiety. Also, 50 mg is a very small dose. I think, but I'm not your doctor, that you will want to be on 150 mg. Above 150 mg, Effexor starts working on norepinephrine which can increase anxiety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 3, 2018 Author Share Posted August 3, 2018 @jt07 The heart flutters could very well be start up anxiety. I'm not sure if I can put up with that it's very scary and I have a heart phobia, so the two don't mix very well for me. I wonder if I could just do 37.5 and go up from there. I can cut the pills. That might help me get used to the meds a bit. Thank you for your advice! Sara Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 7, 2018 Author Share Posted August 7, 2018 Just an update: my doctor said I could switch to Xanax again, but it doesn't last long in my system. Why can't I just take the Klonopin and then take a Xanax if I have a panic attack (maybe I should just call her and ask her). So torn on what to do, but trying not to over think it. I have all the typical anxious start up effects with Effexor and just need to get through the next 6 weeks or so to see if it's working. ugh. I really hate have anxiety AND panic Disorder. I have OCD thoughts and really hate that I analyze everything. I'm scared of mixing the two and dying of an overdose (even though ive taken Xanax before) after the klonopin was wearing off. What should I do? Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyRedhead Posted August 8, 2018 Share Posted August 8, 2018 (edited) 16 hours ago, Ethansmom said: Why can't I just take the Klonopin and then take a Xanax if I have a panic attack (maybe I should just call her and ask her). I think that calling your doc and discussing this with her, would be the best thing to do..... Edited August 8, 2018 by CrazyRedhead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexander search Posted August 8, 2018 Share Posted August 8, 2018 Ive taken 5mg of diazepam every day for a year now for irritability and anger (on top of pregabalin). Im currently SSRI free and feel horrible , Ocd is florid to say the least! 5mg isnt alot in comparison to what some take but im going to have to come off it at some point. Im seeing the psych on Monday so ill find out what the plan is then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancesintherain Posted August 8, 2018 Share Posted August 8, 2018 Agreed that it’s important to call your doctor. That’s a lot of benzo usage, but it’s not unheard of. I think the trick is going to be having enough coverage to get up to a therapeutic dosage on an SSRI, but some people (myself included) do need a steady benzo proscription. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 8, 2018 Author Share Posted August 8, 2018 @CrazyRedhead yes I will ask her. Today I bump up to 37.5. I hope I can get through this and get better. All I can do it try right? I have used klonopin in the best and have taken a Xanax ( as needed for any breakthrough panic attacks. At one point she said that was fine but not something I should do everyday . She confuses me. Very wishy washy with her thoughts . Or maybe that’s the anxiety in me talking. @Alexander search did the ssri help you at all. May I ask why you got off? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savannah Posted August 8, 2018 Share Posted August 8, 2018 I take 1-2mg/day. I try not to take them all the time as my pdod said it would increase my % of getting Alzheimers. I am not to worried about that cuz he tells me the worst case scenerio on all meds. anyway, when I substitute teach I take it. I am also fortunate cuz I can go from 2mg to 0mg with only a one day taper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alexander search Posted August 8, 2018 Share Posted August 8, 2018 1 hour ago, Ethansmom said: @Alexander search did the ssri help you at all. May I ask why you got off? ive been on them for 25 years. for some reason about 18 months ago they started to give me bad paraesthesia. I switched from snri cymbalta to sertraline, then fluoxetine, then citalopram then effexor which ive justed tapered off. Dunno whether to try Luvox (which ive never tried ) or try escitalopram again (which id had about 7 years ago). next step is clomipramine or an AP but im convinced that anything that touches serotonin is going to give me this paraesthesia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 8, 2018 Author Share Posted August 8, 2018 @Alexander search Sorry to hear that! I hope you can find something soon. My next step is a tryciclic antidpressent like clominpramine or something like that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 10, 2018 Author Share Posted August 10, 2018 Day 3 of the increase of Effexor and waking up feeling panicky. My sleep is off too. I'm having bad dreams and not getting solid sleep. I waited a bit, so see I could breath through it, but I have to be functional to go to work everyday. So I popped a Xanax. It is helping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancesintherain Posted August 10, 2018 Share Posted August 10, 2018 I don't mean this to sound heartless. I truly understand that anxiety sucks--I have it also--and that the symptoms are real. I'm not doubting you. Keeping that in mind--you're going to have to try to push through with something. It might just be awful at the beginning, which happens, and you'll never know if it goes away if that's a reason to stop them all. I agree that it's a good reason to have access to something like Xanax--to have relief from anxiety at the start-up phase. And I understand that some people need benzos long-term (including me). But something to actually prevent the anxiety will likely do you a ton of good. It's up to you and your psychiatrist about whether that's Effexor or not--but I strongly suggest sticking it out with something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 11, 2018 Author Share Posted August 11, 2018 @dancesintherain I agree I need to stick with something . I just feel crappy, panicky, and helpless . I’m needing 3mg of Xanax a day to get through the start up effects? That’s crazy and worrying me. I’ll try to last for a few more days to see if it will get better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 15, 2018 Author Share Posted August 15, 2018 Just an update. I am on 37.5 of Effexor ER. I feel very anxious ( on and off). It’s only been a week on the increased dose but 3 weeks total . I started off on 25mg. The issue is.... I’m been taking 2mg of klonopin daily for almost two years and it doesn’t work as good ( if I’m really anxious). Xanax works better but doesn’t last long. Which One would you guys take during this start up time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notloki Posted August 15, 2018 Share Posted August 15, 2018 I would take Klonopin with Ativan as a rescue med when things got really difficult. Though I try to take enough Klonopin to handle everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted August 15, 2018 Share Posted August 15, 2018 I took 3 mg of Klonopin when I was taking it. You have room to go up on it if you need to. Other than medication, do you have any coping skills from therapy to help you deal with anxiety? I strongly suggest therapy so that you are not so dependent on meds working or not for anxiety. Therapy is helpful for anxiety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 15, 2018 Author Share Posted August 15, 2018 Thanks @notloki . That was my plan. I’m scared that I’m going to overdose that’s the anxiety in me talking. I do go to therapy and have some coping skills however I feel like my brain is in over drive with the increase in meds and unfortunately the 2 mg of Kalana pin isn’t really settling me down as much as I’d like to , especially when it’s busy at work! I’m not sure if I should just take 3 mg of Kalana pin or 2 mg of Klonopin and a Xanax as needed I guess I will have to talk to the Doctor on Monday. I’m so miserable right now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted August 15, 2018 Share Posted August 15, 2018 Short term I've actually taken 4mgs klon per day. I would really not advise this tho because I have a weird (and awesome) thing where I get less withdrawal than the average person so I was able to taper pretty quick after things settled down and the meds were cemented. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 15, 2018 Author Share Posted August 15, 2018 @Iceberg I just feel like the klonopin doesn't help all of the anxious feelings, especially while upping the dosage of my Effexor. Maybe I'll switch back to Xanax tomorrow and see how I do. I just need something really strong to help me get through this increased anxiety. I'm just worried the Effexor won't work and I'll be stuck on a higher dose of tranquilizers and making myself worse.. Ughhhh such a dilemma I have going on in my head. I took a Xanax earlier and felt a lot of relief afterwards and am still fairly calm now even though it's been about 6 hours. I did go for a half hour power walk at lunch and that made me feel a bit better. It helped burned off some adrenaline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted August 15, 2018 Share Posted August 15, 2018 6 minutes ago, Ethansmom said: @Iceberg I just feel like the klonopin doesn't help all of the anxious feelings, especially while upping the dosage of my Effexor. Maybe I'll switch back to Xanax tomorrow and see how I do. I just need something really strong to help me get through this increased anxiety. I'm just worried the Effexor won't work and I'll be stuck on a higher dose of tranquilizers and making myself worse.. Ughhhh such a dilemma I have going on in my head. I took a Xanax earlier and felt a lot of relief afterwards and am still fairly calm now even though it's been about 6 hours. I did go for a half hour power walk at lunch and that made me feel a bit better. It helped burned off some adrenaline. Have you tried low dose antpscyhotics to compliment the benzos? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancesintherain Posted August 16, 2018 Share Posted August 16, 2018 I was wondering about a low dose AAP also...because the xanax is likely always going to provide that instant relief, but you probably don’t want to learn to live with that approach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 20, 2018 Author Share Posted August 20, 2018 @dancesintherain I have tried Seroquel (super low dose) for a few weeks and it may be so tired and groggy the next day. I could not wake up at all. This weekend was awful. I was feeling okay-ish on Wed, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. then BAM , woke up Sunday feel shaky and tense. It was so extreme- I was scared. I popped a Xanax and was better, but kept feeling that shakiness when the dose wore off. That's why I miss Klonopin and the way is used to work. Every since they discontinued my two favorite generic manufacturers life has been different. The generics all affect me differently. I was taking name brand Klonopin for awhile and still have it, but it doesn't work that great. I wonder how long these things sit on the shelves! I know must people get generics, so i'm wondering if I received a weaker batch. I know that's stretching it, but it's one theory I have. I was also given name brand Xanax and to be honest the generic I took before works better! Isn't that weird???? I have only been on Effexor for 3 weeks and almost 2 weeks on a starting dose of 37.5. The next level is 75 MG. Doubling the dose sounds scary as hell to me. Do you guys think my shaking and panic attacks are due to the Effexor, or my own anxiety? I see the doctor in about a half hour and I don't know what to do. I'm scared and depressed. I'm at work now, but want to just sleep all day so that the anxiety will go away Thanks friends Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted August 20, 2018 Share Posted August 20, 2018 I think the anxiety you are experiencing is most likely your own endogenous anxiety will a little bit added in from the Effexor start up. Effexor is not going to do much at 37.5 mg. You need to be on a therapeutic dose before you can judge whether the Effexor is helping or not. 37.5 mg is not generally considered a therapeutic dose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notloki Posted August 20, 2018 Share Posted August 20, 2018 On 8/15/2018 at 5:17 PM, Ethansmom said: @Iceberg I just feel like the klonopin doesn't help all of the anxious feelings, especially while upping the dosage of my Effexor. Maybe I'll switch back to Xanax tomorrow and see how I do. I just need something really strong to help me get through this increased anxiety. I'm just worried the Effexor won't work and I'll be stuck on a higher dose of tranquilizers and making myself worse.. Ughhhh such a dilemma I have going on in my head. I took a Xanax earlier and felt a lot of relief afterwards and am still fairly calm now even though it's been about 6 hours. I did go for a half hour power walk at lunch and that made me feel a bit better. It helped burned off some adrenaline. KLonopin takes one hours to start working where as Xanax starts working in about 15 mins. AS I have told you elsewhere Klonopin is a maintenance med and Xanax a rescue med. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 20, 2018 Author Share Posted August 20, 2018 @notloki yes i do agree klonopin is a maintenance med and Xanax for breakthrough panic . I do have both . I just took klonopin tonight after two doses of Xanax wearing off quickly. So 3 milligrams total today . I am upping my dosage this weekend . Is there any point of waiting to up my doasage or should I take the plunge? Just scared of massive panic attacks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notloki Posted August 20, 2018 Share Posted August 20, 2018 You should not increase the Klonopin until about 5 half lives have passed. Don't medicate based on what **might** happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 59 minutes ago, Ethansmom said: @notloki yes i do agree klonopin is a maintenance med and Xanax for breakthrough panic . I do have both . I just took klonopin tonight after two doses of Xanax wearing off quickly. So 3 milligrams total today . I am upping my dosage this weekend . Is there any point of waiting to up my doasage or should I take the plunge? Just scared of massive panic attacks! Doesn't your pdoc have some guidance on that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 21, 2018 Author Share Posted August 21, 2018 She wants me the go up every two weeks . I will wait a few more days( after i see my therapist on Wednesday) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted August 21, 2018 Share Posted August 21, 2018 53 minutes ago, Ethansmom said: She wants me the go up every two weeks . I will wait a few more days( after i see my therapist on Wednesday) What is the target dosage? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 21, 2018 Author Share Posted August 21, 2018 right now she wants me to get to 75MG and eventually up to 150 or so. That's where the Norephinerine or whatever it's called kicks in. I'm not really sure if that would help me or make me more anxious though. I'm scared. I woke up shaking and my heart pounding. This time the shaking did not go away until I took a Xanax. I'm scared. What if this is withdrawl from Klonopin? The doctor said it's most likely not since I am replacing it with Xanax. BUT what if it is? I'm sad and discouraged. The anxiety is so bad that I could've checked myself into a mental health hospital if the Xanax wouldn't have taken away the shaking. Would I get shaking as a side effect almost two weeks into my increase? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted August 22, 2018 Author Share Posted August 22, 2018 @notloki what do you mean when you said to wait until 5 half lives have passed before increasing Klonopin. Is that because it builds up in your system over a few days? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted August 22, 2018 Share Posted August 22, 2018 7 minutes ago, Ethansmom said: @notloki what do you mean when you said to wait until 5 half lives have passed before increasing Klonopin. Is that because it builds up in your system over a few days? Typicaly 5 half lives gets you near steady state. I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notloki Posted August 23, 2018 Share Posted August 23, 2018 24 minutes ago, Ethansmom said: @notloki what do you mean when you said to wait until 5 half lives have passed before increasing Klonopin. Is that because it builds up in your system over a few days? Yep and then levels out and stays at one level Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmaryland Posted August 23, 2018 Share Posted August 23, 2018 Im currently on 30mg Valium a day but it doesn't do much of anything for my anxiety or sleep. I don't want to rely on Xanax daily because I have been there before, but am thinking of asking my doctor if we can convert the Valium dosage to Klonopin and I could just take that instead. I'm hoping this isn't hard to get from my dr and she gives me at least 1mg Klonopin twice a day, I wouldn't even mind Ativan 1mg three times a day. This Valium just sucks it I want off of it and on a different benzo. 2mg Xanax XR would be ideal, because the XR form isn't abusable and doesn't make me crave them, but my dr doesn't and won't prescribe that, to me at least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted August 23, 2018 Share Posted August 23, 2018 Why will they not Rx the XR? I like the2 mg XR with rescue Ir of necessary which it rarely is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted August 23, 2018 Share Posted August 23, 2018 @Ethansmom I mentioned this earlier, but I do recommend that you get therapy to acquire the tools to deal with and short circuit this anxiety. Therapy is very effective for anxiety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmaryland Posted August 23, 2018 Share Posted August 23, 2018 16 hours ago, Iceberg said: Why will they not Rx the XR? I like the2 mg XR with rescue Ir of necessary which it rarely is She will not rx alprazolam in general anymore to me at all because I abused it in the past Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l'appel du vide Posted September 1, 2018 Share Posted September 1, 2018 Yes, I have taken Klonopin in doses of 0.5mg-3mg daily for the past 5 years. It has saved my life, period. I would rather be dependent (NOT the same as addicted) on Klonopin than not even able to leave the house. I have struggled with addiction and I have never CRAVED a Klonopin like I have craved heroin or oxycodone. Plus...I'm dependent on my SSRI, soo....whatever? 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted September 5, 2018 Author Share Posted September 5, 2018 Spoiler I do go to therapy weekly and am so up and down with my anxiety. I upped my Effexor to 75 MG about 2 weeks ago and am feeling constantly on edge- like nervous or waiting for something to happen. I have heard this is part of the process and that I need to just wait it out. I can take 2-3 MG of Klonopin daily but usually take just 2MG unless it's really bad like today. Today I have already taken 2MG and it's only 1:30 where i'm at. Why is the Effexor not helping with the anxiety. I am also exercising and Meditation--- the meditation is sporadic, I must admit. Is that something I should really work on to help calm my brain down? I've been on Effexor for a total of 4 weeks. Is that not long enough? I'm so sad over this. What if I never feel normal? there has to be SOMETHING for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted September 5, 2018 Share Posted September 5, 2018 @Ethansmom Unfortunately 4 weeks is still on the short end and 75 is pretty low....it seems counterintuitive but your doc is doing the right thing with the "low and slow approach" because going up too fast can actually cause worse issues Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethansmom Posted September 5, 2018 Author Share Posted September 5, 2018 @Iceberg I actually started at 25MG, then 37.5 now 75 mg. So far only two weeks on 75MG. I'm assuming she'll want to bump me up at tomorrow's appointment? My question though is--- won't an SNRI give me more anxiety due to the norephendrine or whatever it's called. I do remember taking Cymbalta and had some anxiety, but that's an SNRI. I had to stop due to tummy issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iceberg Posted September 5, 2018 Share Posted September 5, 2018 18 minutes ago, Ethansmom said: @Iceberg I actually started at 25MG, then 37.5 now 75 mg. So far only two weeks on 75MG. I'm assuming she'll want to bump me up at tomorrow's appointment? My question though is--- won't an SNRI give me more anxiety due to the norephendrine or whatever it's called. I do remember taking Cymbalta and had some anxiety, but that's an SNRI. I had to stop due to tummy issues. It's dose dependant and different for everyone. Some people do better at higher doses which is when the norepinephrine effect is stronger, and some do better at lower doses with more SSRI-ish effect, but SNRIs are indicated for anxiety and they do help many, the trick is to find your individual sweet spot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted September 6, 2018 Share Posted September 6, 2018 7 hours ago, Ethansmom said: I do go to therapy weekly and am so up and down with my anxiety. What kind of therapy is it? CBT? ACT? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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