Klonapin???????

[Suzzie205]

I am thinking about asking my doctor to put me on Klonapin, I am now taking 1800mg of Gabapentin a day and have little relief from my anxiety. Does anyone think this might help me and what are some of the side effects? Thanks for any advice!!!!!!!!!!!  SICK OF THIS ANXIETY

[kimmi3333]

hi i am taking ativan but it short term and addtive  i would ask your doc about klonopin i have heard alot of good things about that pill i have it at walmart waiting till i run out of my ativan the klonopin is 1 mg it last longer then what i am taking mine last  8 hr if 1 mg but if its 05 mg dont last the hole 8

[Suzzie205]

Do you know anything about the side effects of the Klonopin? I've read on this forum that it really doesn't have that many. I have to be careful, as I am very medicine sensative. Thanks!!

[RCA7591]

Neurontin (Gabapentin) has absolutely no useful indication in acute anxiety states. The drug is often prescribed as a Benzodiazepine substitute, but it is not effective. There are no studies to prove that it is effective in anything other than epilepsy and neuropathic pain. 1800 mg is an excessive dosage in my opinion, and such a dosage may carry untoward side effects over the long-term. Thus, the risks outweigh the benefits. Since the drug has not proven to be of any significant benefit in your case, I would consult with a competent psychiatrist, and request Klonopin. The Neurontin must be discontinued slowly, to avoid the risk of convulsions. Neurontin and Klonopin should not be taken concomitantly, as this increases the risk of untoward effects such as excessive sedation.

Klonopin, when dosed at the target dosage of 1 mg daily, is essentially void of side effects. This drug is exceptionally safe, and is currently the most effective option for the management of panic disorder (and off-label use for GAD). If you are sensitive to medicine, Klonopin is extremely unlikely to provoke any untoward reactions. It is remarkably safe and effective.

During the first two weeks of treatment, sedation may occur. The drug should always be started at a dosage of 0.25 mg, b.i.d (twice daily). After two weeks, the dosage should be increased to 0.5 mg, b.i.d. (1 mg total, daily).

Onset of action is 45 minutes - 1 hour, and the duration of action is 12 hours at the minimum. Dosed twice daily, everyday, the drug retains a steady-state plasma level. This level does not peak and trough, as is the case with Ativan or Xanax. Klonopin is indicated for the long-term management of anxiety disorders, and it will NOT lose its efficacy over the long-term. Klonopin provides round-the-clock coverage against the sensations of anxiety/panic.

As with any drug, there is a trade-off. Klonopin's trade-off is physical and psychological dependency. This is NOT addiction, and dependency is irrevelant when treating a long-term condition. Dependency can be managed effectively should the need arise to discontinue the drug.

Ryan

[Suzzie205]

Why if the Klonopin would be a better choice for me, would my phsycistrist not put me on this when I tell him every time I see him that my anxiety is not getting any better? He just tells me that I'm not trying hard enough to get better and I'm "all about my pain". He makes me feel that maybe he's right and I'm just not doing all I can to get better. Maybe I'm not. I don't feel like I can get better until this anxiety stops having control over my life. My husband feels like I'm trying really hard to get better,and that my dr. is just not working in my best intrest. I have bought books and have been reading to try and help myself. They talk alot about the anxiety dragon. How do you work around the dragon when all you do is fear him? I feel like I am living in limbo land until I get the right medication to help me move forward. I am a very bright and intelligent woman, at least I was until all this hit me. I don't even know if she's in there anymore. What does it take to crawl out of this anxiety hole? Please give me your best advice about this phsyciatrist,Thanks. Is he helping me or not?