Medication change? Increased prozac dosage/Xanax to Klonopin - Need opinions.

[dmbfan07cb]

So I went to my Doctor today and he proposed a slightly different approach in medication to treating my anxiety since I'm not making any large amount of progress.

Right now I take
- 40mg of Prozac daily
- 0.5mg Xanax as needed (usually every other day)

He wants to change me to this
- 60mg prozac for two weeks, then increasing to 80mg if 60mg is tolerated well.
- 0.5mg klonopin twice daily (morning and night) for two months untill the 80mg of prozac fully kicks in

Just wanted some opinions on this change, does this sound like a good idea to help me get through this anxiety?  I hear klonopin is the better choice over xanax.  Is this too high of a dose for prozac?  He said he would like me to keep on the prozac for 2 months at 80mg and if I am alot better he will decrease it back to 40mg daily.  He said he just wants to get me out of this rut i'm in quickly.

So just any opinions anyone has would be appreciated.   Thank You!

-Doug

[barfer]

Is your primary problem anxiety or depression?  Klonopin is a better choice for long term anxiety than xanax, but I still would like to know if your primary problem is anxiety or depression.  

[dmbfan07cb]

severe anxiety and panic disorder.  I worry about my heart alot and that I have health issues that I'm not likely to have.  Even after being tested i still think something could be wrong.  that sort of thing

[barfer]

I'm just wondering why the antidepressant when you have blatant GAD and panic.  I found that once I stopped taking the many antidepressants that I had tried in the past, my anxiety and panic was better controlled just with clonazepam.  Everyone is different but I've never really understood why doctors prescribe an antidepressant when the patient only has a panic disorder.  I get it if there is both present, but not when it is strictly panic/anxiety.  Just my thoughts...

[dmbfan07cb]

well, i do know the prozac helps tremendously, without it im bed ridden with every fear in the world, cant eat, etc

[barfer]

You've got to do what is right for you and if prozac helps, then by all means keep taking it.  It is all about improving our lives and I'm all for whatever makes that happen.

[nursegirl6572]

I think it is actually a good plan.  The Klonopin will definitely regulate the anxiety MUCH better and prevent panic attacks, rather than just taking a "rescue" med prn ("as needed") like Xanax.

Since the Prozac has been helpful, I think you will see even more improvement with the dose adjustment.  Is the dose high?  Not necessarily, since you will only be on the 80 mg for a short time.  It isn't unusual for people to be on a maintenence dose of 40 , or even 60 mg.

Keep an open mind and try to be patient thru the adjustments (I know that is easier said then done).  It's worth a try, that's for sure....if in a few months, you haven't had significant progress, then you can always discuss other options with your doctor.

It's great that you are being proactive about this, and verbalizing all of this to your doctor.  Hope it works for you.  Hang in there.......take care.

[dmbfan07cb]

Yes that is what I think too.  He said its not a big deal if I just stick with the 60mg of the prozac because its still an increase without taking me to the maximum dose.  So i guess I will just see how the 60 makes me feel.  So taking the klonopin and prozac together like that is ok?  I'm sure the doc would know lol, but im always overly concerned.


any other insight is welcomed, thanks everyone

[dmbfan07cb]

Anyone else have any opinions on this matter?  Looking for all the insight possible


Thanks

[nursegirl6572]

Yes, taking the two meds together is perfectly fine.  Hey...it never hurts to ask.  Always good to educate yourself, and when in doubt....ask questions.

I have my fingers and toes crossed for you.

[maxchloe]

I have also just added klonopin (.5 2x a day) to my regular dose of 60 mg. prozac. One month ago my doctor added delpin as well to help boost the effectiveness of the prozac. It seemed to help a little. The klonopin is making me tired, but it's only been one day, so I'll give it some time. I am taking these meds to treat bulimia, anxiety, depression...

[Omusicgame]

Hey I think if you need two medications its fine.  I mean, I used to take medications, but I dont really take any right now.  I suffered from anxiety and depression.  But what I strongly recommend, since I've seen you jammin out on the drums there, is keep playin.  Music helps alot.  It's helped me through the years, some good some bad.  But what I do is I keep busy with my music, and I try to walk at least 2 miles everyday just to straighten things out.  This helps alot.  After taking walks like this and listening to music alot, I dont even know what depression and anxiety is.  Seriously.