occasional anxiety medication

[katy1623]

I was prescribed the generic form of Klonopin (.0.5 mg ) yesterday for occasional anxiety.  After reading about this drug I get the impression it is something that should be taken on a regular basis.  Is it ok to take it occasionally?  Do you have another suggestion that may work better for this?  I would like to call my Dr. once I have heard another opinion and done more researching on my own.  I don't take any other medications or drink, perhaps there is something more fitting for me?
Thank you, katy

[avitar31]

Hi all, I've recently started taking Zoloft for occasional panic attacks. I can generally feel them coming on, say 20 minutes beforehand. I sing and play in front of live audience's and because of this I felt it was time to do something. I must point out that not every time I am going to perform I get a feeling of dread and only on some occasions. I love playing music and writing songs and would not give it up, under any circumstances.
My doctor maintains Zoloft is the best approach to deal with the situation. However, I'm starting to think after reading other posts that a benzodiazepine, may be better.
Is anyone on here in a similar situation to my own? Maybe you can shed some light on it.
Thanks in advance. X

[LBW1959]

I take Zoloft but occasionally need Xanax for bad anxiety days. Very occasionally. Usually use about 6 Xanax(.25 mg) in a 3 month period. Does anyone else take both Zoloft and Xanax.

[crabby70]

Is St. Johns Wort addictive?   Did you talk to your Doctor about taking it?  I aslo heard some brands are better then others..Do you feel this way?   thanks

[katy1623]

Thanks so much for your input!  I don't take the St. J.W. on a regular basis, I'll just stop using it. Nothing I read said that you can take the Klonopin as a single dose.  I really don't want to take anything but sometimes with life circumstances it seems it may help. Honestly it would be maybe once or twice a month.  Thanks again, katy

[katy1623]

May I ask what you do naturally?  I do B vitamins & St. Johns Wort.  I'm curious what you take. Thanks :)

[tostressed]

Yes you can. It is not there area of practice, but if you have anxiety they can prescribe things. My doctor knows that I can't take antidepressents so I do as much naturally as I can. Use the xanax only if in dire need.

[overcomer5361]

Can you get medication from you regular physician?

I myself, don't think I would need one every day.  

My phycian one time gave me a drug for OCD.


Thanks.

[tostressed]

Xanax is addicting and is not a good thing to take everyday. Taking it for a long time can cause a dependancy. I have been taking it for 3 years, but I never take more then 3-4 a month, and thats if it is a really stressful month. I will only take them if I am having a severe panic attack. My doctor know from the time he gives me the script, to when I need a new one is long past the time of how many are in the bottle. I usually get 40, .25 pills in a bottle. Thats lasts a long time for me. I don't get many refills. My doctor will ask me if I need more and I'll say no. If I do I'll call. It concerns me that your doctor said to take 1 pill for the rest of your life everyday. If you want something to take everday I would go with the klonopin. Talk with your doctor about that. If he doesn't listen to you then find a new doctor. If you dont mind me asking what milligram of xanax does he want you to take everyday for the rest of your life?

[lbrooks]

I recently was told by my doc that I should take xanax for my panic attacks everyday for the rest of my life. I am very confused because everything I am reading says do not take it longer than 4-8 weeks. I only recently started having the attacks ever since i had my 1st child this past year i really dont know what to do ?

[tostressed]

xanax or ativan are for a as needed basis.

[katy1623]

Thank you for your responses.  I don't feel like it's something I need to take everyday so that is why I'm questioning whether I was prescribed the right type of medication.  I asked for something for "occasional" anxiety.  I'm 47 and the hormones are a shifting!! lol  I would love to hear what the medications are that people take on an as needed basis, then I would know what I can ask my Dr about.  

[suzi-q]

I take Klonopin as needed.  I am on Paxil and buspar however daily.  I take the Klonopin only when it gets real bad.  From what I have read and from my experience, It does take a while for the klonopin to take effect.  It takes half hour to an hour for me to feel the effects, whereas xanax works faster.  However, I have been doing this for years with the Klonopin on an "as needed" basis, and it works fine for me.  Klonopin is usually prescribed as a daily medication 2 times a day because each dose stays in your system about 12 hours.  This way, people get the effects for 24 hours.  

[tostressed]

I take .25 xanax as needed. I only take it at the most 3-4 times a month, If that. Only if I am having a really bad anxiety attack that I can't control. I've gotten better at dealing with them, so I dont use them that much anymore. Klonopin  has to build up in your system, and most people take it regularly, not as needed. I may be wrong. I am sure someone who uses klonopin will answer your question. I am pretty sure though that you have to take it regularly for it to build up in your system to take effect. Ativan is another that is an as needed basis.
Take care.