Posted by Rick on September 11, 2000, at 4:33:24
In reply to Newbie to this forum that is drowning, posted by numbers on September 11, 2000, at 1:05:40
> Hi all. Sure glad I found this forum and hope somebody can help me. I've been on 1 mg of Klonopin daily for years (6-7). It has controlled what was diagnosed as GAD. For all these years, I've taken it every night and have never had to increase or change. Sometimes, I would forget to take it and would realize it the next night (i.e., 48 hours between doses) and never had a problem. 3 weeks ago, literally overnight, what was working fine for almost 48 hours wouldn't last 12 hours. I started having severe withdrawal symptoms after about 10 hours. I have increased the dose to 1.5 mg with my docs OK but that also only lasts for about 10 hours. Suddenly, I'm looking at going from 1 mg to 3-4 in a 24 period to stay at therapuetic effect. Something is terribly wrong. I had a complete physical done to see if there was some physiological problem and there is not. I've been trying to get by on 1.5 to 2 mg per day for the last 3 weeks but withdrawal symptoms are getting worse. I am at a loss as to what is going on or what to do. Unfortunately, so is my pdoc. He wants to put me on an SSRI. I don't want one. I've come to the conclusion I have to get off this benzo but don't know how to start or how to deal with the withdrawal symptoms. I have trouble sleeping with the Klonopin; without it, I'm in deep doo-doo. Someone help. Someone else here must have been in this situation before. What did you do? Please help. I feel like my life has just taken a big, big hit and I'm sinking fast. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Numbers, what are your symptoms? Given your low dosage of Klonopin, and the fact that you did not reduce it, this is likely not withdrawal at all, but a new manifestation of anxiety or depression.
In fact, there is some belief that Klonopin usage can lead to depression in certain susceptible individuals, but a causal relationship has never been proven.Could it be tolerance? Well, while some people do develop tolerance to a benzo, it tends to be a gradual process, not as sudden and extreme as what you're experiencing.
Instead of taking more daily Klonopin, did you first try spreading the 1 mg through the day (1.5 might be more realistic here), instead of taking it all at bedtime? In fact, if it has been creating sleeping difficulties for you, why do you continue to take it at bedtime? When I took some at bedtime, it always made me a little groggy the next day. No such problem when taken at, say, 8 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Are you taking branded Klonopin or a generic? What other prescription meds, non-prescription meds, herbs or supplements (if any) are you taking? Has there been any change in your daily regimen over the last few months? Have you increased your alcohol consumption? Have you had a thyroid test? I can think of lots of other questions which could suggest possible sources of your dilemma, but your doctor should be asking these and others.
I know this may not be a comforting idea, but doctors can go through a battery of physical tests and fail to uncover a real (this does not have to mean "serious"!) problem. Recently, it took months for doctors to figure out the cause of my boss's sudden, intense lethargy and physical/mental weakness: He had walking pneumonia. (They honed in on the problem just as he was finally feeling better!)
Regardless, I agree with St. James that you should take an antidepressant. Effexor-XR (essentially an SSRI at lower doses) would seem to make a lot of sense (but with careful monitoring if you have high blood pressure), because it has proven extremely effective and fast-acting for GAD at low doses, and is a good antidepressant. It is also reported to work quicker than other AD's on panic. Effexor CAN cause withdrawal problems when discontinued, especially without a gradual weaning-off.
Serzone, which is not an SSRI (although related) has also been shown to work well and quickly for many GAD sufferers, and tends to be a good choice for anxious depression. Moreover, it lacks the sexual dysfunction frequently seen with SSRI's and Effexor. But you mst remember to take it twice a day.
Hang in there. I know it's very difficult for you, but keep telling yourself to relax. Try to keep in mind that it may be quick, or it may take a little longer, but you'll get through this.
Rick
poster:Rick
thread:44595
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000905/msgs/44604.html