Posted by TheKenoshaKid on February 18, 2004, at 5:34:34
In reply to Klonopin trial diary for social anxiety - advice?, posted by mrgeek on February 16, 2004, at 18:58:16
I began taking Klonopin in 96. It saved my life--literally. The panic attacks were becoming so frequent and intense that I seriously contemplated a lasting (read: final) solution. Since then I've taken as much as 5mg and as little as .5mg. Mileage varies. My own experience/advice:
- Klonopin lasts a long, long time. If you're taking it daily you can take the _entire_ dose before bed. This isn't Xanax: you don't need to check your watch between doses.
- I know someone who takes it 3-5 days a week and experiences no side-effects on off days. I wouldn't dream of trying this. Again, mileage varies.
- Benzo + booze = ? Do the math. It's ok if you're one of the two or three people out there who can stop after one drink. For the typical boozer this is a _terrible_ idea.
- Regarding side effects: Compared to panic attacks? Is that a serious question? You need to do a cost-benefit analysis. Many people maintain that Klonopin is exceedingly difficult to discontinue. Is the alleviation of your problem worth the potential withdrawal? For me, the answer is a no-brainer. Back to the original question: no, I can't think of any side effects. By quelling the agitation it's _added_ to my cognitive functioning.
- What about other anti-anxiety meds? I'm Bipolar: just about everything else is off limits. AFAIK the anti-depressants prescribed for anxiety are far from benign. By many accounts Klonopin is the single best medication for anxiety, in terms of both efficacy and side-effects.
- What about Cognitive Therapy? Yeah, right. ;)
poster:TheKenoshaKid
thread:314271
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040218/msgs/315031.html