Anxiety Managment

[rosa502]

Klonopin is the only medication I have tried that works for my anxiety.  I have a history of severe alcoholism and began recovery in Nov 09.  I have relapsed several times, however, when taking Klonopin, my anxiety symptoms are lessended and I do not feel the need to drink.  My dr has completely stopped my medication.  She weaned me from 1.5 mg a day to .5 everyday for one week and .5 every other day for one week then stop.  My anxiety is back with a vengeance.  Why can't this medicine be used long term for Chronic Anxiety?  Especially if monitored by a physician.  I feel it is better than wanting to take a drink.  My symptoms are controlled best at 1 mg a day and don't need more than that........  Thanks

[lynn57]

Have you been taking the Klonopin during this whole period that you have relapsed?  If so your doctor may be afraid of possible liver damage.  Benzos and alcohol do NOT mix. Your liver may already be weak from your severe alcoholism in the past.  If your doctor fears that you are starting to abuse alcohol again, he should do some blood work and check your liver enzymes before yanking the Klonopin.  Your taper was way too quick.  A lot of docs just don't realize how long it takes to withdraw comfortably.

[Perfectly_Imperfect]

I would def. tell your doctor your thoughts. The dr might have been trying to wean you off to see how you can handle this on your own and if you're having problems doing that then I would def. let him know. Klonopin can be used long term but only if NEEDED (as it seems in your case), the only reason being is because is it addictive and being an alcoholic you probably have a tendency to become addicted more so than others.
If this Dr. won't listen to you, then I agree, find another one. There are alot of BS dr's out there who will blow off anxiety disorders because they are difficult to treat and manage at times but once you find a Dr. who is will to listen and help, you're golden.

I'd also recommend therapy, I would def. find a good therapist/psychologist who you can talk to on a regular basis, COB therapy works extremely well (I'm in it right now!)

Good luck :)

[nursegirl6572]

Welcome to the Anxiety Forum!  Sorry you're going through this.  We'll try to help you.

Quick question...why did your doctor recommend stopping the Klonopin?  Because of your alcoholism history?  Was there any abuse of this med, were you taking more than Rx'd, for example?  What did she say?  Was she the same doc that put you on the Klonopin from the beginning?

If you took the med as prescribed and it (obviously) worked for you...then my advice to you is FIND ANOTHER DOCTOR.  For starters, even if your doc DID feel that you needed to d/c the Klonopin, she tapered you WAY too fast...which is why you feel horribly.  Also, there is quite a bit of rebound anxiety after one stops these meds, which is what you're experiencing.  She should have addressed that with you...especially if she knows that your alcoholism history revolves around self-medication (with alcohol) to ease anxiety.

Of COURSE Klonopin can be used long term.  Many people take it that way and have had great success.  I understand that a benzo isn't always an optimal choice of med for someone with a history of substance abuse...but every situation varies.  There is no standard "cookie cutter" approach that applies in all situations.

Find yourself a new doctor, one who is willing to address ALL of your issues and look at the benefits of the Klonopin for you despite your history.  Especially since keeping your anxiety under control is a HUGE component in maintaining your sobriety.  Even if it is determined that Klonopin IS indeed contraindicated for you...you must be given other options to help you manage your anxiety.

Let us know how you're doing!  Hang in there!