is 1 mg klonopin

[kimmi3333]

is klonopin a good dosage?my doc put me on it today after my lozapam is gone.

[Mark TX]

Make sure you understand the proper dosing for klonopin.  I took this drug for years assuming it works on an 'as needed' basis after switching from lorazepam.  It's not meant to be taken that way.  Also make sure you understand about dependency.  You can't just quit klonopin cold turkey.  I know they say that about most drugs... but this one is very tough... I'm weaning off it now.  Much harder than quitting smoking!

Learn everything there is to know about any drug before you accept any new prescription.

mark

[kimmi3333]

I AM GOING TO BE TAKING 1 MG  THE LORAZAPAM IS NOT ALWAYS WORKING IT TAKES 30 TO 45 MINS HOW LONG DOES  THE KLONOPIN TAKE SHOULD I TAKE IT I AM STILL ON THE OTHER.

[RCA7591]

The target dosage for Klonopin is 1 mg (0.5 mg in two divided daily doses, spaced 12 hours apart). The drug must be dosed twice daily, unless it is being used on an as-needed basis only.

Klonopin reaches steady-state in two weeks, at which time the maximum effect be will obtained. When switching from Ativan (Lorazepam) to Klonopin (Clonazepam), you may experience a 3-14 day period of heightened anxiety. Klonopin will not instantaneously replace Ativan. Therefore, you should be informed of the possibility of a heightened awareness of anxiety during the transition period. This will pass within 3-14 days (the results are individualized from person to person).

The onset of action for Klonopin is also highly individualized, but it is generally within 45 minutes - 1 hour. However, unlike Ativan, once Klonopin reaches steady-state, it provides full, 24-hr coverage, and will minimize your symptoms. No drug is a 100% cure-all, thus you will still experience some symptoms.  

Ryan

[kimmi3333]

thanks for coming back to me .i do have another question  but with this pill it will still help even if the 3 to 14 day period .ok with the ativan should i finsh them and then start the klonopin after?i hate having to ask questions but my mom was a pill person and i just dont want to get addicted like she was so i am careful.i just want to know should i wait to start these are keep the ativan on hand?

[RCA7591]

Before I answer these questions, I have a few questions for you:

(1) How long were you taking Ativan? What was the dosage, and how many times per day were you taking it?

(2) What are your physical symptoms? (ie: palpitations, shortness of breath)

(3) How long have you been experiencing these symptoms? What brought them on originally (if anything)?

(4) Have you had a work-up to exclude causes other than anxiety?

To answer your question(s):

If you took Ativan for greater than four months, and more than once a day, you will undergo Ativan withdrawal when switching to Klonopin. Ativan works immediately, and Klonopin does not. Klonopin must accumulate. This is a two-week process. The withdrawal will subside somewhere in between the 3-14 day period, which I call "the window of vulnerability".

Before you start on the Klonopin, read and understand the following facts:

(1) Before making the transition from Ativan to Klonopin, you should be fully aware of the withdrawal effects that will follow shortly after. These effects are anxiety-like, but amplified x100. The effects may vary from 3-14 days. Thus, you should be prepared to manage these symptoms. You MUST NOT take Ativan and Klonopin together, for any reason.

(2) Klonopin is approved for the long-term treatment of epilepsy and panic disorder. The target dosage for panic disorder is 1 mg daily, in two divided doses of 1/2 mg. Tolerance (defined as the need to increase the dosage) is extremely rare, thus Klonopin is indicated for long-term use.

(3) Taken as prescribed (1/2 mg, b.i.d.), the risk of dependency after four months is 100%. This is NOT an issue, and can be managed effectively should the need arrise. Quality of life outweighs dependency.

(4) Klonopin must NEVER be discontinued or stopped abruptly, ever. Do not skip doses, take it exactly as it was prescribed. The therapeutic benefits can only be maintained if the drug is taken properly.

(5) Klonopin must never be taken concomitantly with alcohol, H2 receptor blockers (Tagamet), narcotics, or Erythromycin. It should not be combined with Ativan or other Benzodiazepines.

(6) If you intend to become pregnant, the Klonopin must be discontinued well in advance. Klonopin has been shown to cause severe birth defects.

Should you wait to start the Klonopin? No, as the longer you take Ativan, the greater the likelihood of tolerance is.

I think that covers just about everything.

Ryan

[kimmi3333]

i have been taking ativan for about 3 to 4 months.my doc said take 1 mg if needed but i cut them in half.i feel  very anxiety when i drive.when my asthma kicks in.i am always scared of dieing.i have shortness of breath,it started after my mom died a 2 yrs ago but it wasnt as bad.when i first went to the hospatail  for astama attack  they also ran test for everything under the sun and i do have anxiety.i am scared all the time i have to pace and walk around the block a few times to keep from going in to this.i waighed 189 pounds and now i am 172 pounds.