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Anxiety Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to generalized anxiety, anxiety and eating, anxiety and sleeping, mood swings, and phobias.
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0.25 mg BID is the recommended starting dosage, according to Roche (the manufacturer). I'll be increasing the dose to 0.5 mg BID next week (as per the advice of my psychiatrist), to see if any additional benefit can be obtained.
You didn't state what type of anxiety you're experiencing, but Klonopin is usually used for "panic disorder". It will not stop a sudden attack, it has a very gradual onset on action (over a period of one hour or slightly more in my case). For stopping panic, Ativan or Xanax used PRN is a better choice. Klonopin is a good maintenance benzodiazepine, for preventing panic/anxiety. Used reasonably, the anxiolytic effect is maintained.
The other benefit of using Klonopin (or Valium, Librium, Tranxene) is the longer half-life. The effects are long lasting (12 hrs plus), and you won't get the feeling that its wearing off.
If you are affected by panic/anxiety on a daily basis, Klonopin is probably the best choice. If you have occassional panic attacks, Ativan or Xanax used PRN may be better.
My anxiety is geared towards my health (heart in particular), and I have panic attacks while driving (and in most social situations). Over a two year span, the symptoms became so severe that I became agoraphobic (not wanting to leave the house for fear of a panic attack). I also have a constellation of other unexplainable symptoms that are mainly fueled by anxiety. For this, the Klonopin has worked wonders. It's not a cure by any means, but it will offer some relief.
As far as side effects are concerned, there are none that I'm able to discern (at least at 0.25 mg). Just a feeling of "normal"
Best regards,
Ryan
just a suggestion: when beginning Klonopin, see the effects first before driving or "operating heavy machinery" especially a vacuum!!!(trying some humor here). Seriously, it does make some people sleepy and you need to see its effects on you.
Generally speaking, the sedative effects tend to wear off rather quickly (and this can give the impression that the drug is no longer working). However, the anxiolytic effect is usually maintained in folks using it for anxiety/panic in reasonable doses (under 4 mg).
The major concern with Klonopin, when used over the average 1 mg daily does, is physical dependency. Withdrawing from a 4 mg dose may be difficult (should you ever need to), and must be done very gradually to minimize withdrawal effects. The dose should be decreased in 0.125 mg incriments not more than every three days.
If you are concerned that the Klonopin is loosing its efficacy, you need to let the doctor know.
Best regards,
Ryan