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Mental Health  (Expert Forum)
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Klonopin
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.

Klonopin

by jermojohnson, Mar 29, 2006 12:00AM
I was recently perscribed Klonopin for generalized anxiety disorder.  I am concerned about using this drug on a regular basis because of horible withdrals experienced in the past with antidepressants and xanax.  I do not have depression, but expereince cronic anxiety usually in the morning. My question is, can Klonopin be used on a periodical basis when symptoms come on like a xanax can be used, or does it have to build up in your system like some other solutions I have tried?  Also, how safe is it to take in the evening after I have had a drink or two?

by Roger Gould, M.D., Apr 01, 2006 12:00AM
Yes, klonopom can be used periodically. It takes a little longer to start acting and it lasts longer.  Also, it does not have the same kind of withdrawals as xanax for those same reasons.  Mixing antidepressants and alchohol is always somewhat hazardous because both can depress the cns.
Member Comments (5)

by setshiva, Mar 29, 2006 12:00AM
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by terramuggus, Mar 30, 2006 12:00AM
Hi,

For up todate relevant, scientific information on the benefits and dangers of benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Librium, etc.) check out the internet's most comprehensive medical site for these drugs: www.benzo.org.uk I also suggest you join their support forum and tell the moderators your story. They'll have great coping strategies for you regarding anxiety. Drinking alcohol while taking benzodiazepines is contraindicated, dangerous, and very likely to entrench a dual addiction.

The American Medical Assosciation, the British National Formulary of medicines, and all leading government health authorities recommend the maximum use time for all benzodiazepines (Klonopin, Xanax)is not to exceed 4 weeks.

Good luck and God bless,

Terramuggus

by jilly b, Jun 12, 2006 12:00AM
Hi,
I am on K too, mostly as a help as a mood stablizer for my bipolar II, and axiety (of  course), i take 4 mg a day, and 2 more at night if I can't sleep..My Dr., whom i finally found a really great one, is into being on as few meds as pssible. I am very med resistant, and have tried all the mood stablizers to no effect. only been on Lamictal for 3 months, so not sure yet. I am a very rapid cycler.
Anyway, after running out of Xanax once with a bad Dr., who would not see me for 5 days, I went through the most horrific experience of my life, later finding out it was like withdrawing from Heroine or Oxycontin...my new Dr. was furious, and switched me to Klonopin because it has way less withdrawal effects when being taken off it, very slowly..as I have a very short term memeory, i can't remember what your actual question was. Pathetic!!! and i happen to be in a mixed state right now, so can't really concentrate, but i remember wanting to tell you that K is much better than any other Benzo for getting off of it.
IMHO, as I have been on all the meds.
I hope this answered your question...i am going to go check what it actually was right now....
Oh, and for anxiety, K definately takes longer to kick in, but the effects last longer than Xanax!
jilly b
(i am new here)

by jilly b, Jun 12, 2006 12:00AM
Hi,
Jilly B again...
I wrote down your question,SO I wouln't forget,as I see my last post had really nothing to do with what you wanted to know..
You can use Klonopin as needed, like I said, it just takes longer to kick in, lasts longer, and after drinking one whiskey with Lamictal and going psychotic, i am never drinking while on meds again. (so i guess there goes drinking for life!)
When I was on regular anti-depressants, and whatever Benzo at the time, i would drink and it did increase the effect, but I was just a kid, and didn't realize what a bad idea that was...
so if you want some friendly advice, don't have a beer and pop a Klonopin!
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