klonopin

[beema36]

Is it ok to use klonopin on an as needed basis for anxiety it does it need to be taken regularly?

[lynn57]

Klonopin can be taken two times a day and be very effective.  Even though PRN it only lasts about 6 hours, once it reaches steady state, it's long half life extends the effectiveness.  Problem with PRN is by the time it kicks in your panic attack is already on it's way out.  My one doctor was determined that it would be just as effective PRN.  I have a new doctor and she likes it 2 x per day regularly.  It really has to be in your system all the time to keep anxiety at bay.

[RubyWitch]

Please let me know what you and your doctor finally settle on and how you're doing, OK?

Life can really grab us by throat at times.

Take care
Greenlydia

[beema36]

Thank u I will call pharmacy. I do think maybe my Dr also thought it woukd help with ms spasticity. He only gave me enough for 3 days so I think maybe he is confused which is odd as he's a very good Dr and on top of things normally. Pharmacy is good idea

[RubyWitch]

Well my dear, the plot thickens!
This thread began as a simple question regarding Klonopin use on a PRN basis. Now we find out you have dysautonomia, a very unpleasant disorder, you are grieving the loss of your father, (for which I am very sorry) and you need to travel a great distance for the funeral which makes you very anxious.
Due to everthing you are dealing with right now, perhaps a short course of antianxiety meds would be very beneficial. But Klonopin is used for long term therapy and we don't  think you need that. (You and I) In this case, where your anxiety has very specific causes, a short course, i.e. 4 months or less, of Xanax or Ativan would be an appropriate method of dealing with the anxiety.
Down the road, when you wean off the Xanax or Ativan and IF your anxiety has become a daily fixture in your life, THEN I would recommend discussing going on a long term benzo like Klonopin.
You need to talk to your doctor about this, but I fear it is him, not you, that is confused about the Klonopin dosing issue. The only thing I can find in my medical books is that Klonopin does have an "unlabeled" use for insomnia that is dosed only at bedtime, but for anxiety and panic disorder, it states it should be taken in THREE daily divided doses.
You can also call your local pharmacist and get this information from him/her. They are, afterall, DOCTOR'S OF PHARMACOLOGY and they know their stuff. Most often a great deal better than our GPs, who basically only know wha the pharmaceutical reps tell them.

Before this gets any more confusing, let me know if you have any more questions.
Peace
Greenlydia
  

[beema36]

Thanks. I have huge adrenaline dumps due to dysautonomia. That causes panic. I am unable to take antidepressants as they are lifethreatening to me. My Dr prescribed klonopin on a as needed basis no more than 3x a day. I have never actually used it but am going to need to travel a long distance and attend my dads funeral. I am very anxious to travel and of course the grief. I thought I may take it with me in case.

Reading posts here it seemed klonopin should be taken regularly but that's not what my Dr says. Therefore I am confused.

[RubyWitch]

Klnopin must be dosed at least 2X a day on a regular daily schedule of morning and evening. As with most of the benzos and antidepressants, it must build up in your system to reach a therapeutic level where it will begin to give you some relief. Taking it on an "as needed" basis does not allow it to build up in your system and is therefore pretty useless.
If you were on a regular dose of Klonopin 2X qd and were having some breakthrough anxiety or panic, then taking a dose of Klonopin PRN would be beneficial.
Benzos such as Ativan, Valium and Xanax are perscribed more for PRN use.
Before discussing this with your doctor, you may want to do some research on Klonopin and how it's dosed. Please consult only reputable sites like the Mayo or Cleavland Clinics.
Peace
Greenlydia