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Klonopin regularly VS Klonopin as needed...

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Posted 11/14/2007 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
I have read and heard that taking Klonopin regularly is better than as needed, but on here, I read about so many people using it only as needed. So, I guess I am wondering why?  I take it twice daily, and am totally comfortable with that, since it's doing it's job, and I feel great.  I am not thinking of a change.  I guess I am just curious, and wondering anyones thoughts on this. Thanks guys! 
Posted 11/14/2007 2:27 PM (GMT 0)

Tammy,

I am not sure why, but I have seen the same with Xanax, which is what I take.  I also take it twice a day, even though right now it really isn't doing much.  My guess on the taking it as needed would be so people wouldn't have to taper off of it or have withdrawals from it.  I have to say though, in my experience, benzo's have been a piece of cake for me to come off of when I needed to (for pregnancy reasons).  I say stick with how you are doing it until your situation in under control, since we are all different!

Oh, and don't worry about taking the Effexor, I have a feeling you will do just fine on it...I loved it, but it quit working for me after being on it for years.  I have read a lot of your posts and you are a strong willed person!  You can do it!

I also saw in the other post that you are in OH, I am in PA so we are fairly close state wise!!

Sylk

Posted 11/14/2007 4:10 PM (GMT 0)

Tammy

Taking it regularly keeps your blood levels of the drug in the therpeutic range instead of using in prn (when necessary) .  In essence you are preventing the anxiety instead of chasing it when your level starts to go up.

It keeps you on a level playing ground by just taking it on a schedule.   There are many physicians that  only order it for use as needed.

Lots of Hugs to you my friend.

Kitt

Posted 11/14/2007 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Tammy,
I was prescribed klonopin 1mg twice a day.....that was back in 2003 along with lexapro for anxiety and mild depression...I never used it as prescribed tho,I used it as needed...and when kexapro kicked in I was fine without klonopin...then when I quit lexapro a year and half later I asked my dr if its ok to be only on klonopin as needed and he agreed..so I've been taking klonopin 2 to 3 times a week,0.5 mg,since then...but now,Iam feeling down again so I started lexapro 6 days ago and I 've been taking klonopin almost every day now....but my dr said to take it for now twice a day until lexapro kicks in......he leaves it up to me ........I honestly love klonopin,but I am scared of it............my sister has been taking klonopin for 5 years,one pill a day,0.5mg,and doing great....sometimes she takes an extra pill here and there.....
Let me tell you one thing that eventho I use it as needed i do feel some withdrawals if I dont take it 3 times a week..if I stay 5 days or 6 days without it....I can certainly feel some discomfort.......
Micha
Posted 11/15/2007 2:12 PM (GMT 0)
Sylk, thanks for your input, and yes, Ohio, and PA are very close! Kitt, thanks for your input. I am thankful my pdoc has me on twice daily. Right now I feel more comfortable being there, than having to get to a panic attack, and then fix it. I have been on Klonopin since November 1st, and I haven't had a panic attack yet...thank God. I have come close, a couple times, but easily talked myself right out of it. Micha, thanks for your input as well. You guys eased my curiousity...thanks!!! Many hugs to you!
Posted 11/15/2007 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
I totally agree that you should take it as you feel it is helping you hun and it does need to be steady in your bloodstream as Kitt said

My choice to cut back on valium and ativan was /is personal as I am on so many meds for all the other stuff ya know

I have been having to take my bleeding Valium again daily for a few days since family crud again but at least I am getting thru it

Be well sweetie

Luvs
LYN
Posted 11/15/2007 2:47 PM (GMT 0)

I've taken valium 2X daily when really stressed and panicky, and as needed otherwise. Good question for Dr. but if its working for you stick I'd with it. SOunds like it has controlled the panic attacks & I'd say that's a good thing. If you have holiday stress I wouoldn't change anything now. 

Posted 11/15/2007 5:52 PM (GMT 0)

Cary

Hello there and Welcome to Healing Well.

I have been taking a benzo daily for 25 years and have been weaning off since January.  I am now down to Valium 2 mg/day from 40 mg/day.  I have gone very slow under my physician's care. 

I believe we always need to work with our physician when weaning any med and having a trusting  relationship with our physician is the best way to go.

Glad to have you with us.

Kitt

Posted 11/15/2007 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt,

Wow! 40mg/day - how were you functional? I think 2mg/day is plenty.
I don't plan on going up in dose - but agree entirely - I will work with Dr.

Thanks fpr welcoming me!

Best, Cary
Posted 11/18/2007 6:17 PM (GMT 0)

sylknmyst said...
Tammy,

I am not sure why, but I have seen the same with Xanax, which is what I take. I also take it twice a day, even though right now it really isn't doing much.

Talk to your doctor about this, but it may not be working because of tolerance. Short-acting benzodiazepines such as Xanax are not meant to be taken on a daily basis, much less twice daily everyday. This drug is designed and recommended to be used as needed and on an infrequent basis to alleviate panic or high-anxiety states.

On the other hand, there is very little issue with tolerance when using long-acting benzos such as Klonopin or Valium for long periods of time at recommended dosages. They are maintenance drugs.

In theory, if a patient takes Klonopin as-needed, they will never realize the full therapeutic benefit of the medicine. However, they may not need to. If they take it PRN and are fine with it, then it's working. If they take it PRN and they feel it doesn't work as well as it could be, then they may consider taking it regularly.

Again, talk to your doctor about it.
Posted 11/19/2007 12:07 AM (GMT 0)
Great input, as always, Debaser!
Posted 11/19/2007 12:22 AM (GMT 0)

Debaser,

Thanks...I will ask my doctor on Tuesday when I go!  The xanax isn't cutting it for me anymore and I need something that is going to help!

Is it me, or does it seem like sometimes unless we ask our doctors about a different medication, they just let us continue with the same ones!?

Sylk

Posted 11/19/2007 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
Sylk, are you dealing with a family doctor or a pdoc? The reason I ask, is because when it comes to mental disorders...at least in my experience, the family doctors simply don't know enough about em to try the different pills, and in a lot of cases, won't try different things. I told my family doctor I'd rather have the Klonopin than the Xanax, and he didn't do it. That was when he suggested I see a pdoc, who in turn, put me on the Klonopin...thank God. And, my pdoc swithced the Lexapro to Effexor XR. My family doctor wouldn't think of doing that either. So, that is my opinion on that. I hope you get good results Tuesday about switching over to something better than Xanax.
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