Am I taking too much Klonipin?

[zamiradela]

I started with 1 mg. 4 years ago, then uped it to 2 mgs. and now take 4 mgs. Sometimes that doesn't even last throgh the nigh so I drink or take over the counter sleeping pills. I've told my doctor my concerns about addiction and suggested I swicth to Adavan or other sleeping pills, but he said to stick with the Klonopin since it's working. After only one month I already have build up a tolerance and sometimes take an extra mg.
My boy friend recently committed suicide after a failed attempt to get off methadone (to get him off oxycodone). He was off the methadone for 3 months and was like a dead man. He took to drinking, than finally killed himself, feeling worthless and in pain.
Needless to say, this recent occurrance disturbes my sleep and anxiety, but I'm really concerned I'll end up like him.
I need something to help me sleep or I can't work.
Advice?

-DD

[JSGeare]

Because you are so acutely aware of the adverse consequences of addiction, you probably have a high index of self-preservation working in your favor.

So, let's get something ELSE on your side as well.

I think now may be the time for psychiatric therapy, BOTH to address the here and now issues of your comfort and sleep and addiction concerns, AND to dig down into whatever it is that has you on the meds in the first place.

Whether or not anything is "working" depends on your definition of what "working" means. If we simply mean there is a reduction is symptoms, then maybe, yes, it's "working." But if we mean free and clear of the need for the meds in the first place, and free of exposure to addiction or other down-sides, then it is not really working. For those things, meds don't do the work at all -YOU do.

Please consider a psychiatrict consult for the "real deal" on the meds and possible therapy to get you back ontrack. I'm glad you are with us -your question is important, as will the answers be, so please keep us up-to-date.

[Baby123]

Hi.  From what I understand about any benzo, you can develop tolerance in that it will not sedate you like it does when you first start the drug or up the dose.  Maybe Ryan will chime in as he is very knowledgeable of benzos and how they should be used.  

Klonopin is used for panic and anxiety long term but it does lose its ability to assist in sleep pretty early on.  I think 4 mg is a pretty hefty dose.  I would not increase it any more.  I would try some natural remedies like exercise and warm milk.  The milk really helps me as does exercise if I don't exercise within 3 hours of bedtime.  I even keep milk next to my bed and if I wake up at night and don't immediately go back to sleep, I drink it and usually drift back off.  Also meditation is a great tool to help relax the brain and get it ready for sleep.  There are some CDs you can get and listen to them while in the bed.  Do a google and you will find them.  I ordered some from amazon for pretty cheap.

[zamiradela]

Thanks so much for your advice. I'm going to follow it.

Zamiradela

[zamiradela]

Thanks for the input. I did notice last week when I did a long hike, I slept like a baby with no pills or alcohol.