Posted by Alan on January 21, 2003, at 20:43:41
In reply to Raise Klonopin dosage?, posted by andyboy on January 21, 2003, at 17:18:08
> Hi All,
> Its been awhile since Ive posted, but thought Id share a concern...
> Been on Klonopin for just shy of 2 years now and it has worked great. I mean, i finally gained my life back, after 4 previous years of constant worry, panic, and anxiety. I have been thinking as of late however, if my dose was too low to begin with, as although i felt tremendous relief- there was still that lingering "pit in my stomach." Mind you, my panic/anxiety was pretty bad before I went on Klono. I take 2mg/day - 1 at 10am and the other after dinner (7pm). I have been debating (along with my pdoc) about bumping up to 3 as i still have some social phobia/anxious times. One part of me goes for it as i know how well 2mg has worked, but aanother part of me is reluctant- not because of dependance or addiction, but because does 2 lead to 3, then 3 to 4 etc.? Was my dose too low to bgin with? Not sure. I tolerated the initial side effects very well.....
> Any feedback would be great!!!
> Thanks
> Andy
-------------------------------------------I take klon and vary the dosage according to the waxing and waning of my anxiety. Perhaps you should consider the same or alternatively have some xanax or ativan to take PRN (as I do) when I need instant relief because of breakthrough panic. If the breakthrough is more pronounced I figure it's time to up the klonopin. I take anywhere from 1.5 - 3 mgs but have taken more and de-escalated as my symptoms allowed.
By the way, the vast majority of the panic population stay at or around their theraputic dosage. The myth of escallating dosages out of control was long ago dispelled and it occurs usually in those that have addiction proclivities in the first place, craving the drug or simply to get high as an abuser.
Sustained medical dependence does not = "addiction" - where increasing amounts are needed to get a high or to achieve the same effect.
It's true of any bzd but it's woth reading and understanding to alleviate your concerns:
http://panicdisorder.about.com/library/weekly/aa031997.htm
Best,
Alan
poster:Alan
thread:136916
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030119/msgs/136957.html