Question About Klonopin and how it makes me feel

[JamesAA]

I have been prescribed 0.5 mg of Klonopin, to be taken twice a day if needed for anxiety/phobias.  I've only taken it maybe 10 times spread out throughout maybe a 3 week period.  

The first 30-60 minutes feels really weird after I have taken 0.5mg--kinda dizzy and "off."  Not really a good or fun buzz like how I feel when I drink liquor.  However after 1 hour I feel great!  Relaxed, but pretty much normal...not like drunk or totally out of it.  Just mellow and chill.  It then wears off after 5 hours usually.

Does that sound normal--the (1) feeling odd in the 1st 30-60 minutes, and (2) wearing off after 5 hours??

[nursegirl6572]

As far as "stronger"....well, you're there.  In comparison, Klonopin packs a bigger punch.  Just ask your doc if it is okay for you to take it regularly every day, like twice daily.  After it starts building in your system, I think you'll notice a huge change.  

Let us know what the doc says!

[JamesAA]

Thank you for your comments.  I only wish I was taking it for "fun" but my life is anything but now.  I take it strictly when I'm anxious.  I was just referencing the comparison to that and the way I used to feel when I drank (which was for fun..but I don't drink anymore).  That beer buzz first kicking in felt awesome!  But that 1st hour of klonopin feels weird.  After 1 hour I feel relaxed and ok.  

I see what you mean about Ativan/Xanax and Klonopin.  I asked my psych. to give me Ativan.  He staunchly refused.  He said Klonopin is much better for daily use--as you pointed out.  But I wanted something stronger.  He still refused.  :(

[nursegirl6572]

Ok, for one, you definitely shouldn't be looking at Klonopin to make you feel "high" or "good", it is supposed to manage anxiety.  I'm not sure how to take that comment of yours...so I'm just throwing that out there.

Klonopin is a long acting benzo, with a long half life, which means it is most effective when dosed regularly, usually twice daily.  That allows the medication to build up in the blood plasma for a steady state of calm rather than the ups and downs you're seeing now.  Short acting benzos, like Ativan and Xanax,  are much better suited for "as needed" use.

You need to have a discussion with your doctor about that.  My opinion is, you either need to start taking the Klonopin regularly, or switch to a different, shorter acting benzo.  If you are anxious most of the time, the Klonopin may be the way to go.  If you are having intermittent anxiety or panic attacks, the short acting benzo would probably be morer beneficial.

Keep in mind that any REGULAR use of a benzo, longer than 3 or 4 months will lead to dependency, which will require you to be slowly tapered off the medication if you decide to stop taking it.  To avoid that, the "as needed" method is the best, or limit any course of "regular" treatment to under 3 months.

[mammo]

Klonopin is not to be taken "as needed", it has to be taken exactly as prescribed.  Feeling like you do after taking one is not normal and you should contact your doctor regarding this.  We're all different when it comes to these types of medications so it's difficult to answer your question.  But with the way it makes you feel the first hour after taking it needs to be discussed with your doctor, he will know what to do.