klonopin, and panic disorder

[gigiroj]

I was recently switched from xanax to klonopin after an EPS hospitalization. Not sure why xanax did not work for me, but klonopin did work for me, and I am grateful. I take 1 mg a day, and I feel it works best if I take 1/2 of it in the morning and the other half in the evening. My question is that I have noticed that I start feeling short and breath and and anxious at the same time everyday, does this mean my body has become dependent on the medication. I have noticed this the last 3 days.

thank you

[Paxiled]

Unfortunately, none of us can answer this for you.  We all react differently to medication.  But generally, since klonopin stays in the body a long time, it's less likely to happen on it than on the Xanax.  But who knows?  Your body isn't mine.

[nursegirl6572]

You're most welcome!

Taking it the way you're taking it is much more optimal, b/c of the long half life and because it will give you a steady level of the med in your system.

Let us know how you're doing!

[gigiroj]

I am currently on 1 mg a day. I break the klonopin in half. I take half in the morning, and the other half in the evening. I took it upon myself to break the dosage in 2 increments. This was not advise by my doctor, she just mentioned to take it as needed (which unforturnately I need everyday to keep my symptoms at bay). However, there are times where I feel I dont need an entire pill, and there are times where I do. I will say that I have noticed when take .5 in the morning and .5 in the evening I feel like I can handle the day better vs 1mg just at night.

Thank you so much for your advice and knowledge, much appreciated.

[nursegirl6572]

So, you are taking 0.5 mg twice daily?  Or 1 mg twice daily?  0.5 mg is a typical starting dose.  You've been on it for two weeks, but how long have you been taking it twice a day?  If not long, you're going to need to give it time at the 2x day dosage.  Only after you started splitting the dose up would it have started sufficiently building up in your system.

Personally, I don't think you've been on it long it enough to start bumping the dose.  Most times, these meds have to be given ample time to build up to know how effective they are goig to be.

Also, while I am a HUGE proponent of a person being educated about their medications....like mr.green said, sometimes a lot of  knowledge can be a bad thing.  You begin to expect certain things, instead of allowing yourself to have your own experience with the drug.  Just because you read about a side effect, doesn't mean YOU will have it.

Also, the symptoms you mentioned sound like typical anxiety symptoms....which does not at all necessarily mean it is due to the Klonopin, either not being effective, or as a side effect.  It just may mean you are still having some anxiety.  Treatment of anxiety is often a long process, and you need to be patient with yourself.  There isn't a magic pill that will make it all go away and STAY away.

Hang in there....and give the Klonopin a chance.

[gigiroj]

Thanks Mr Green. I have been on it on approx two weeks. And you are absolutely right. I tend to do alot of research when it comes to anything that may be of interest to me or that concerns my health, and I can see your point of view that too much information can be a bad thing. I am on 1 mg for the day, but my psychartrist mentioned that because my panic attacks did not manifest until last year, she doesnt want to start me on a high dose.

Regarding the Xanax I was on it for 2 months, I took 1.5 mgs of xanax in 2 hours and it did nothing for me. I was becoming frantic. I admitted myself into the psych ward where I was given a big blue pill. I was hesitant at first but two took while I was there, and finally the attack was over. They told me it was klonopin and have been on it for 2 1/2 weeks now.

So do you think that my milligrams may not be sufficent??
thanks to all.

[MrGreen]

I think you have read too much in advance about the medication. I take klonopin too. Morning and night. I don't feel as you described. Maybe you expected to feel that way after doing some reading up on the medication. Too much knowledge can be a bad thing at times. It is normally dosed out twice a day. To cover the full day. Maybe .5mg is not enough. Only you and your doctor can discuss that question. But how long have you been on it? Give the next reader some indication of the amount of time. Might be able to give you a better answer.