Klonopin

[joe504]

Hi, I was just recently prescribed to klonopin and wanted to know the duration of each pill.  Is it 8 hours?  If someone knows, please let me know.  Thanks.

[RCA7591]

Klonopin is in the class of drugs known as the Benzodiazepines. It is used to treat epilepsy, and has more recently been approved to treat panic disorder.

Klonopin works on the principals of steady-state and accumulation. When taken in two, daily divided doses, Klonopin reaches steady-state (a consistent plasma level) within two weeks. Once steady-state is reached, the maximum benefit of Klonopin is obtained. Maintenance of steady-state prevents tolerance to the anxiolytic/anti-panic property. Tolerance to the sedative effect occurs within two weeks - one month, and this is desirable. Efficacy is maintained over the long-term with Klonopin.

For the treatment of panic disorder, the target dosage is 1 mg daily. Ideally, Klonopin should be taken twice daily. The target dosage is 0.5 mg, b.i.d.

The duration of action after a single oral dose is 12 hours. Klonopin may be used p.r.n. (as needed), or daily in two or three divided doses.

Klonopin, like all Benzodiazepines, will cause physical dependency if used over the long-term. The risk of dependency is 100%. Klonopin should never be discontinued abruptly.

Ryan

[joe504]

Thanks for the feedback.  Now, I've heard that klonopin is much better than xanax in that  it's more ideal for panic disorder.  Do you know the differences between attivan, valium, klonopin and xanax.  Do you suggest klonopin?  Why or why not?

[RCA7591]

Klonopin is the drug of choice for the long-term management of panic disorder.
Klonopin maintains its efficacy over the long term, where as Ativan and Xanax do not. All three are indicated for panic, however, Ativan and Xanax are for as-needed use only. Prolonged use of Ativan or Xanax leads to rapid tolerance and loss of efficacy.

Valium is beneficial for all forms of anxiety, but is highly sedating in the dosages required to treat panic disorder (20-30 mg daily). Thus, I'd suggest Klonopin. Generally, 0.5 mg twice daily is the standard.  

Ryan

[joe504]

I also find that it takes a while for the klonopin to kick in (like an hour and a half).  Is this normal?  Or does it change over a period of time?  Also, I'm still a bit confused about the "steady state".  Does it mean that after two weeks the medication will become more effective?

[joe504]

   I also find that it takes a while for the klonopin to kick in (like an hour and a half).  Is this normal?  Or does it change over a period of time?  Also, I'm still a bit confused about the "steady state".  Does it mean that after two weeks the medication will become more effective?

[RCA7591]

"Also, I'm still a bit confused about the "steady state".  Does it mean that after two weeks the medication will become more effective?"

^quote

Precisely. Klonopin accumulates to steady-state within two weeks, at which point the maximum benefit is obtained.

The onset of action is highly individualized - 45 minutes - 1 hour. If one had prior exposure to a short-acting agent (Ativan or Xanax), the maximum benefit would not be obtained for up to two weeks.

Ryan

[kf07]

I was prescribed klonopin about a year and a half ago to help me with sleep.  Please be  careful with this drug.  Even though you may not think you are addicted to this med your body becomes very dependent on it.  I currently am having the most difficult time tapering off klonopin.  If i had know what it was going be like to come off this drug I never would have started it even if it was a miracle drug.  Good luck, do research and be very proactive about being aware of all the good/bad things about klonopin.  I suggest if there is any other route you can go to help with your problem do it.  Good luck!

[startingover1]

I just started .25mg bid (that's 0.5mg per day). Will alcohol consumption be a serious issue at this low of a dose? I am on my 3rd day and feel the benefits from the Klonopin but have yet to drink on it and I do consume alcohol on the weekends (quite a bit of it!)

Also will the tiredness go away? I've felt slightly sluggish but anxiety free. Also I feel a little "giddy" at times, probably due to the fact that at times I realize I'm so much less anxious!...anyone have this experience?

[GraphicsQueen]

I have been on this medication for 11 years. Believe me, they are not kidding when they say it's addictive. I have been trying to taper off of it the past 2 years, and I have to go about it really slowly or I experience severe withdrawal symptoms. It got so bad that I actually experienced hallucinations and frightening visuals that kept me up at night. I took it for panic attacks and anxiety, and although it worked great at first, I found that it made my anxiety worse over the years. Please try to avoid this drug if you can, and don't stay on it too long. The longer you take it, the harder it will be to stop taking it again.

[tblue]

I have been on it for 10 years total, a  year ago, I tapered down to 1/2 the doses, and then to as needed and I did not experience any severe withdrawal symptoms? I wonder why I had no problems or troubles?

I have epilepsy (head trauma) also, but Klonopin was not prescribed for that. I take nothing for that really, used to take phenobarbital for about 15 years then slowly went off that.

My diagnosis is Anxiety/Panic attacks with depression.

[startingover1]

Can someone comment on the use of alcohol and Klonopin?

[startingover1]

I am suppose to increase my dosage to .5 mg bid (1 mg/day) and would like others experiences with drinking alcohol while on this dosage. Thanks!

[joe504]

bump

[startingover1]

Does anyone have an issue with Klonopin and motivation? It seems I'm battling with this. If I add Adderall (adderrall) (which I'm also prescribed) I get more anxious but motivated. Anyone have similar experiences?

[Praying4MiniMe]

I was first diagnosed with Panic Disorder January of 2004. The doctors gave me xanax. Horrible horrible drug. It took me two years to get off of it and that was with the help of Klonopin. Now I am stuck on Klonopin, went from 2 mg 1xday to .5 mg 1xday in 7 months. Good for me. However, i am trying to concieve, so it is very hard for me. I have had two miscarriages due to the withdrawal symptoms of this drug. My doc now put me on 20mg of Prozac and .05 mg Klonopin once a day. I myself used to be a heavy drinker...I never had any problems with drinking and taking the pills. You should be fine. Since I'm trying to concieve, I've definately laid off the drinking. But You should be fine. Does anyone know anything about pregnancy and klonopin. I know its a class D drug but I heard this woman took it while she was pregnant with her son and her son is now 8 and in perfect condition, but I don't know. Any suggestions? Any suggestions about getting off klonopin in a non withdrawaling way???  Thanks guys, good luck to you all!

[startingover1]

Thank you for the information. As far as getting off Klonopin I really suggest looking into a supplement called "Picamilon" please do a search on this. I just ordered some so I will keep you posted but people have noted very positive results on their anxiety level and there are even forum topics discussing its use during benzo withdrawal. Good luck!