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Anybody taking Klonopin?

Ecksunbeam
0 Recommendations

I went to a new PCP a few days ago. I asked her to double my Xanax from .5 1x daily to .5 2x daily. She went berserko! Accused me of "drug-seeking behavior," and "getting aggressive about Xanax." Aggressive? Then went on to tell me I should be on Klonopin. (And then stomped out of the room without completing the exam.)

I came home and looked it up--and then I went berserko! This looks like a mighty potent med to me! I'm not interested. And thinking I need to find another PCP immediately.

Anybody out there taking it? Side effects, etc.? Do you have extteme anxiety attacks? (I do not.)

Thanks.

Sherrie

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32 replies

Ecksunbeam

Thank you, Saranyos!

May the Blessings Be!

Sherrie

saranyos

I am actually on 4 mg on xanaxper day. I used to have panic attacks in college, I tried to jump off a moving bus. At that time 0.25 mg at night worked and I realized it only happened when I had coffee, so I stopped that. 20 years later and I am now on 4 mg a day. 1 mg in the morning, 1 mg in the afternoon and 2 mg at bedtime. I have been on Klonopin years ago, and I can't tolerate it. It makes me feel drugged out. I am a chemical engineer and have to be on my toes. I have Meneire's disease which has left me with a 50% hearing loss in my left ear and constant loud ringing. I try to get really into my work so I don't think about it, but that's when they upped my meds. On the weekends during the day I forget to take it a lot of the time, but at bedtime it does affect me if I do not take it.

The other thing is xanax has a very short half life so it is going to be out of your system in a short while so taking it more than once a day is typical. I have a pyschiatrist prescribe mine since I am also on antidepressants. I can't believe your doctor did that, what was she thinking, apparently she wasn't.

I am so sorry you had to go through that.

Sandy

MMaslek

I have to go see my PCP this morning (routine), but I think he'll be surprised when I throw my arms around his neck & give him a big 'ole smooch!!!! He is the doctor I wish everyone could have. Thorough, sweet & compassionate. I adore him!!!! He researches my conditions & always has suggestions, some work some don't. He's not in constant fear for his license so he actually treats his patients and tries new treatments to see if they work. He views pain as an issue & treats it without abusing pain meds. I really struck gold with him. Makes up for the ones who almost killed me repeatedly, huh?

Ecksunbeam

Dear RoseyQ,

Thank you for responding. I agree with your potential addiction assessment.

May the Blessings Be!

Sherrie

RoseyQ

Hey Sherrie

Aren't doctors unbelievable?

To answer your question, I have taken klonopin for years at bedtime. After my bypass my anxiety was quite strong and was advised to take some in the daytime as well. It just made me sleepy so I am still only taking a tablet at night for sleep.

I don't have any side effects from klonopin.

What I can't understand is how your doctor can be so fearful of xanax and so in favour of the drug klonopin, which is just as potentially addictive.

Anyway, klonopin works well for anxiety and for helping you get to sleep. If you need it, I hope you will try it.

Ecksunbeam

Dear Christmaslady,

Thank you for responding.

What I don't understand is why a doctor who seems to be so worried about a patient becoming addicted to 1 mg. of Xanax a day would gladly recommend Klonopin, which seems to me to be a much heavier med and even more addictive!

Is this the first time you have posted? I read your bio and you are still only 46 years old and wheelchair bound? As I read your story it was pretty incredible how many similar type situations have happened to me--and you don't even know my story! I went into SCA on my bathroom floor. I no longer live in that house but going to the friggin' bathroom gave me PTSD and it's not easy to avoid the bathroom!

Six weeks prior to that a staircase collapsed underneath me and I ruptured a disk in my neck and one in my lower back. (I don't remember which ones.) I also went into cardiogenic shock (almost always fatal) and stroked when I pulled off sudden cardiac death x3. And I have been diagnosed in the past five years with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (although it seems to be in remission for the past couple of years.) But another poster, Kathi, also sufferes from CFS and is prescribed Klonopin. I am wondering if this new doctor prescribed it for MCTD. It's a thought. From what I can tell, it's an anti-anxiety agent, and used for seizure disorders, but I'm wondering why it's also prescribed for CFS.

I was able to get up on my feet, but I could not walk more than a couple of yards. I went through cardiac rehab once and physical therapy three times over the next two years. But I was pretty much bed bound for two years and then walked another year dragging a leg behind me, or I shuffled like an old man--very dangerous for tripping over rugs and cords. I then had cranio sacral therapy and served as a guinea pig for two week-end clinical seminars and received deep tissue massage from one of the foremost experts in the United States, which I feel probably ultimately saved my walking.

As the single parent of one 20-year-old daughter (at the time) I was bound and determined that as long as I did not have a spinal cord injury, I would walk. I had other help though, too--literally from above. My father was a rehabilitated quadraplegic and he simply would not shut up. But my greatest fear was that I would end up in your situation and that it would inevitiably destroy the relationship between me and my daughter. (She is an artist--not exactly the doting Florence Nightingale type.) I wanted her to have a future of her own--not one swallowed up by taking care of an invalid.

I really feel for you. Having any form of heart disease is frightening because it's life-threatening. But losing your ability to walk is just as terrible in it's own way. People really do take their ability to walk, and consequently their independence, very much for granted.

I don't have a clue of what Complex Regional Syndrome is. I've never heard of it. Are you on the CFS board? I think if you explore the Team Inspire web site, you will find your fair share of others who are also shut in because of physical disabilities even if they don't share your exact diagnosis. Becoming an active participant can literally be a lifeline for you and after a while you will find yourself actually bonding with certain people. There are several women on the heart disease boards that I will probably never meet personally, and yet they have become a part of the landscape and consciousness of my daily life. And I've come to truly care about them. My best prescription for you is to browse the entireTeam Inspire web site and become an active particpant in one or two of the discussion boards.

You don't mention your insurance situation, but any chance you could be recommended for physical therapy again?

I don't know if you realize you are on the heart disease board, but would like to hear from you again.

Thanks for writing.

May The Blessings Be!

Sherrie

Christmaslady

Hi there;
I am so saddened to hear this type of behavior has happened with you. I have been ill since the late 80's and I have dealt with so many doctors that come off cocky, or act like we are drug seekers. Be real we just want to live like everyone else. I use to take it personal, and sometimes forget and still do. I also want to know where you can report people. I have had situations to occur with me over years. . I had a neurologist to say to me I can walk, she can walk (a friend who takes me to doctor appointments,), but why can't you walk? She was Indian and very rude. I had liver and kidney failure in 2004, and when I woke up I could not use my right leg. I was found on the toilet near dead, and had been on there for about 6 hours. They said I had rhabdomylosis in that leg. I now have nerve damage and have to get around the house with a cane and walker but outside the house in a wheelchair. (I have been a prison in my home for 5 years now. I can no longer drive, and have to rely on other people to take me places. This is hell for me.) However, the numbness is going away but it is being replaced with severe pain in my back, hips, knees and ankles. My feet feel like they are cast in cement. The pain is excruciating. In the feet are severe tingling and pins and needles. I take Neurontin for that but it only takes the edge off. Since then I saw another neurologist that says I have problems in the L4, L5, S1, S2. I have tried two nerve blocks without success. Another doctor who blamed me because they did not work, but that may be because they dropped me on the floor. I have so many of these stories, that I would love how to report these people for neglect. So, if anyone out there know let me know. Can you sue these people for these things?

I have CFS, Fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Syndrome, etc. and I have not been able to find anyone that will treat my pain aggressively. I wish these doctors could live in our bodies one day and know what we go through. I too was on Klonopin for a while. I participated in Dr Lapp's Ampligen trial, and had to stop after 8 months because I got so sick I could not drive myself the 2 hours it took. Klonopin is a standard used for alot of the conditions above. I have CFS friends who swear by it, however it did not agree with me. I could never find a small enough dose that didn't give me side effects. I do take a very small dose of Ativan because my pain issues are so bad that it helps calm everything down. Also I used Elavil for years with great success. I have just started using a very small dose now, because I have had a round of shingles and could not sleep. I have found that we are so chemical sensitive that the smallest dose that will work is the best.

Queen_E

Hi Jaynie et al
Taking the meds does not cause the symptoms. The withdrawal from the benzos causes these symptoms in a good percentage of folks who take them (may 20-25%?). I had those panic symptoms at various times in my life. I've spent so much time on the web since my heart attack (too much time at home!) and researched anxiety. I am working my way off the Prozac now, after 18 mo, and trying to get info on that led me to many sites that discuss the withdrawal from benzodiazapines. I was able to engage my doctor in giving me specifics on how to taper the dosage, and Prozac is very long acting so it is easier to step down. I am looking forward to one less drug in my life :-)

martzj

Hi Queen E,

'Five years ago, he couldn't sleep at night, his heart raced, he had wrenching stomach pains and felt as if his skin were crawling off his bones. He was in the midst of a 2 1/2 -year battle to withdraw from the drug Klonopin, which his psychiatrist had prescribed to him for anxiety. "I went through sheer living hell," he said. "I didn't know if I was going to make it."

Thanks for this fascinating article link. I'll reread it a few times.

I never understand what is meant by Xanax or Klonopin causing the above symptoms. I had the above symptoms for 6 years BEFORE I was prescribed my first anti-anxiety med. I take Xanax now in .25mg tablets (or break that in half) as needed. I don't know if I am an exception, or because I am female...but it was damaged heart tissues causing all the above for me....years before the meds came on board.

take care,
Jaynie

Queen_E

Hi
The Washington Post just had an article in the Health section on Tuesday, on this topic!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/29/AR200906290 3105.html

Klonopin and other benzos can be very "addictive" for some people, but not for others. The blog "Beyond Meds" has many personal stories of the difficulties and symptoms people experience during tapering, and long after, from this class of meds and others. So, sounds like a drug to avoid since you cannot predict if you will face that withdrawal pain.
Options I have used:
1) Good therapy - I have found this immensely helpful with my post-heart attack anxiety
2) SSRI - when I wasn't willing to try therapy (before heart attack) I took Prozac to help with generalized anxiety. You may be able to combine it with Xanax?

Good luck in finding a solution for your PCP situation and, more importantly, for your anxiety.

lonewolf7

I was prescribed Klonopin (clonazapam) after having a stent inserted in my artery. Was supposed to take one in the morning and one at night. All I know is that Xanax (alprazolam) acts more quickly and has a short half-life. It is extremely addicting. Klonopin acts more slowly but stays in the system longer.

Don't know if that is of any help. I have taken both and found they made me irritable and unable to concentrate.

Your dr's behavior - inexcusable. She must have gotten her degree from the back of a comic book. Maybe she's on drugs herself.

martzj

Did you see those gaint paintings Farrah was working on? She was a very gifted artist and I had no idea. The documentary was moving. She chose all that chemo over surgical removal of the diseased area....and paid a heavy price.

Oh yeah, I have many of Chopra's books too...and now Pema Chodron, Ekhart Tolle.........

Healing Zen: Ellen Birx, PhD, RN A small but exquisitely helpful book for learning the tenets of caring for self and others.

Broken Open: Elizabeth Lesser. Founded the Omega Institute of healing. I would love to spend time there.

It is amazing to see zen disciplines like 'monkey mind' calming make their way into modern American culture and now found written in practical, applicable ways for daily life. I always have these precious books within arms reach.

Yesterday I had a massage that helped tremendously with the relentlessly high anxiety levels. Which is great because I have a carpenter on the way over to repair things and discovered a powder room potty tank leak this morning that now means the floor will have to be ripped up. Just shoot me now!! : ) I have minus zero energy for tackling this AND it still must be done.........so, I am pulling out a zen lesson that helps me 'not resist what is' : )

cheers today,
Jaynie

Ecksunbeam

Dear Kathi,

Hummmmmmm. . . . .

Love,

Sunflower

arizona1

Sherrie..........I have not been attuned to this site as much as I used to because of things going on here, so I did not see this post. You know how I am about drugs, but.........as far as klonopin goes ( or the generic clonazepam) it is Dr Cheney's tried and true tested medication for CFS. It is one of the four that helps CFS people the most. I use it when I get the wired and tired feeling that often accompanies CFS.
I only take it when I have one of those days and am so wired that I can't get to sleep. A tiny portion of a .5 mg pill does the trick. Many CFS people are on it constantly and have no problems. It is highly recommended in the CFS world.

Hugs
Kathi

Ecksunbeam

Well, my Dear CPAPed and Support-Stockinged Mrs. Mermaid,

I have had my share of panic attacks. They are not fun. I suffered from PTSD before having an MI. That was just more fuel for the fire. And, although my most recent cardiac news is good news, I don't think you ever get over the trauma of sudden cardiac death. Forevermore, it's always on the back burner, and as we all know only too well, the dice can shake in a totally different direction on a moment's notice regardless of the test results. When it's happened to you once, you live with the knowledge on a daily basis that your life can be over in an instant.

I have to say, however, I am a HUGE proponent of Dr. Deepak Chopra. I think I have read every book he has ever written and I would not suggest anyone disturb me if he's speaking on public television. I have indeed, also studied both Auryvedic and Chinese medicine. I like to look at things from many points of view and then incorporate them into my own situation. That approach has served me well. I find Truth in many medical disciplines, as I do in many different religions.

Did any of you watch the documentary on Farah Fawcett? So sad. She fought so hard. But it sure made me think twice about whether I would ever agree to undergo chemotherapy.

It will certainly be interesting to discover the autopsy findings on Michael Jackson. Did the doctor have anything to do with it? My thoughts right now are, "No." But time will tell . . .

Mermie--we both need our beauty rest--especially you.

Good night and sleep tight--

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Goldenrod Snapdragon

martzj

yep, me again...

"Anybody out there taking it? Side effects, etc.? Do you have extteme anxiety attacks? (I do not.)
"
Just in case I haven't gone on long enough, ad nauseum.....I never had an anxiety attack in my life.....until I was put on SSRI class antidepressants that sent me into a nerve-shrieking extreme anxiety/agitation reaction that lasted 3 days nonstop. Didn't know WHAT in the world was going on....nor did the doc. He wanted to DOUBLE the dose of Zoloft to help the 'depression'. I ran out!!

martzj

" I would hope that an Indian doctor would be a touch more Auryvedic, for Gawd's sake!

oh Gawd......I run, not walk the other way when people come at me with this stuff.: ) ....way past anything 'subtle' being helpful physically.

Just saw a report on pediatric psychaitry treatment now being considered 'ok' for 4 year olds diagnosed with ADHD (now it is becoming more popular to call it bi-polar). A 4 year old boy was put on Tryleptol + Focalin + Clonodine. His eyelids are now chronically half-mast....I can't even bear to think what these adult meds are doing to that 4 year old brain (3-4 is when the most massive brain changes are taking place and the brain chooses which cells to discard, which to keep for the rest of life). By 13, his neck was rolling, he had all sorts of tics, moved like a zombie. Beyond tragic.

You are a grown woman and can protect yourself, decline meds that are scary and disabling. Glad you have found your way into the alternative medicine-herbal world. I don't have the patience or aptitude for that.

Do use 'placebo effect' on myself a lot.

ta ta, BRAT!! : )

Ecksunbeam

Dear Brat!

I'm not sure it's even being accused of " aggressive Xanax-seeking behavior" that concerns me most.

It's that doctors "treat" patients with such high-potency completely legal medications! That's the Western medicine solution for everything. I would hope that an Indian doctor would be a touch more Auryvedic, for Gawd's sake! When I read the uses and potential side effects of Klonopin, THAT scares the hell outta' me. Like, "Hello, chemical straight-jacket!" That is certainly not ME! I am an extremely active and independent woman and I'm just the opposite of her "projections." But like I said previously, the signs are all over her outer office walls and her inner office walls. It's like she's all ready standing there with the paddle in her hand no matter who you are. Challenge her signage and she'll swat ya' one! THAT bothers me!

I will openly admit that Xanax has played an important role in my life in terms of keeping me calm and sane. All things have their purpose in moderation. It's one of the most valuable medications for post HA patients that I know of!

But I'm an alternative/herbal gal around here. I'm the last person to dump poisionous chemicals and drugs down my throat!

This woman jumped to some very hasty conclusions and I'm not sure that's such a good attribute in a doctor.

I think I'll do a background check on her--see what comes up? Eh?

May the Blessings Be!

Deliliah

martzj

Dear (Meanie) Big Sis : )
" have a follow-up appointment in two months (for what, I don't know.) I think I will probably give her a second chance. Give her a chance to thoroughy review my medical records, etc."

hahahaha! I'll personally buy your next 5 gallons of chocolate milk if you can find any proof she EVER glanced at your records after she stomped out of that exam room beyond scribbling a prescription.

She gave you clear evidence of the treatment tree she was running in her head while you were trying to explain your needs as a heart attack survivor. She blurted out 'aggressive drug-seeking behavior'...which is a pat phrase bandied about these days. And she revealed her cluelessness about the reality of life with a damaged heart....They actually believe it is FIXED, nor do they really undertstand the nature of complex 'chronic' conditions. Your heart-brain controls the signals/enzymes/hormones that are released, not you.

But what do so many doctors focus on? Not your collective long term conditions and how to ease them carefully....just go straight to an abstract concept like 'drug-seeking'. PCPs are the first line of defense for women with heart problems and I despair our medical culture is ever going to grow out of infancy regarding this.

Ecksunbeam

Dear Kennarina (My Dahling),

THANX for the clarification. Because I was, indeed, interpreting it as though maybe she was expecting some sort of withdrawal crazed drug-seeking aggressor who just might physically attack her person if she did not immediately fulfill my request.

I mean, if I have a doctor who, upon first impression, decides that I need Klonopin, who knows what I may do???????

The more I think on it, I think she was just po'd. Here she gets what appears to be a fairly decent intelligent new patient and, in the final anaylsis, I'm no different than any other drug seeking crazed aggressor from the streets. Damn! What a disappointment!

What this lady does not realize is that I am an angel in disguise. I bring with me referral(s) to the most exclusive hospital in Michigan and a hook-up to the Chief of Interventiional Cardiology as a colleague--in addition to all the patients on my book cart route. She should be very very nice to me! Just give me my Xanax DAMMIT!

I think you all have a point, however. I think doctors need Non-threatening, honest, feedback from their patients. They should read boards like this one. I tell you true tales that several doctors have unburdened their woes on me. In addition, I worked for the Dean of a medical school and in the Counselor's Office with troubled medical students for over four years. I have a friend in our running group who just graduated from medical school. They are really just human, like you and me, and yes--they have their personality quirks and problems like anybody else. In addition, she sounded like she has the same kung-fu crap disease I have. SNORT! It's been over a week and I still feel like CRAP! So, for the moment, I'm going to let her slide. I am in no life-threatening situation (knock on wood) so for today (and that's for today ONLY my dearest, Kennie) I will be a benevolent Her Royal Ass Majesty. After all, I've got my drugs. :--)

I do believe, however, should I not have such a good experience with her on the next go round, I am going to provide her with a printed copy of this thread--and move on. So ya'll feel free to jump on in to the discussion.

May the Blessings Be!

Sherrie

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