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Klonopin Use
I’ve been struggling with anxiety for over 7 years. In addition to taking Desvenlafaxine, i also have been taking klonopin, an average of 3-4 milligrams a week. Usually separated by a couple of days (but occasionally back to back). I’ve been cutting back the last couple of weeks and am struggling. Could i be addicted using this small of a dose? My psychiatrist (only used for med management) says no. He said I’d need to be taking much more and daily to be addicted. Any answers?
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Have you had to increase? I never had to increase my original dose. I talked with my doctor at Mayo and she said that since I have been it for 25+ year's then if it causes dementia and other things that after 25 year's it would not change because whatever damage it might of caused doesn't go away if you stop. In fact she said by stopping it could cause alot more problems. Good luck!
I have tried not to use it daily, but it sure would help. I struggle with anxiety a lot of the time and fight taking klonopin until it becomes intolerable. I take it about 3 times a week, total of 3-4 mg.
@arthur57
I disagree that it is no different from a street addiction. It is a prescription that many of these people went on per their doctors. Most people take the dose they are given and do not "drug seek". I don't even know if there is an illegal market for the drug.
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1 ReactionAll I'm saying is that people are dependent/addicted to klonopin same as folks are addicted to cocaine etc. That's why it's so hard to wean off of this benzo, same as other meds. Not trying to compare legal vs. illegal.
There definitely is an illegal market for klonopin.
I swore off this site but I thought I needed to respond to your comments.
Yes Klonopin is addictive and Doctors have mentioned possible connections such as dementia. That said I believe the dementia is tied to genetics and lifestyle. Based on people that I have known who have developed it genetics has played a major role. A close friends father who was a surgeon had early onset dementia and my friends brother also has developed dementia at roughly the same age.
Many Doctors don’t like their patients taking antidepressants but for people that have true depression they are a life saver. Getting off antidepressants comes with its own set of side effects. One of the worst side effects is your depression returns.
I have been fortunate to find a balance that has worked for me and enabled me to be a good father and have a successful career. As I have said before my mother had severe depression and anxiety for which she self medicated with alcohol with terrible results for my family.
There is not a drug out there that doesn’t have side effects and everyone has to weigh the side effects versus the benefits.
I wish everyone the best and I hope they can find the balance they need to enjoy life to its fullest.
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2 Reactions@daveshaw I hope you will stick around. I think people are just trying to make you aware of some subtle judgments embedded in your posts, that may be hurtful at times. To be clear, my father had depression and committed suicide and depression runs throughout my family. Two of my kids are on Lexapro and yes, life-saving. But this is a thread on Klonopin, which is known to be addictive.
There are many types of dementia so it is hard to generalize on cause. Attributing it to lifestyle factors may be hard for some to read because it implies bad habits as a cause. This is the type of thing that is causing some of the responses. Even if true at times!
This site is very friendly and supportive and I think if you share your experiences without reference to others, you will receive that welcoming kind of response. I think your intentions are good. I often have to edit my posts to make sure my language is getting across what I want it to!
Thank you for the like. We all have to make decisions regarding our health.
Every drug has side effects but I believe the biggest risk for most Americans is their fast food diet and their lack of exercise.
These new weight loss drugs that once you start you have to take them for the rest of your life or the weight comes right back on are for people that are looking for a magic pill.
I don’t believe obesity is a disease.
If people ate fast food in moderation and exercised on a regular basis the hospitals would be looking for people to fill their rooms. More importantly we would not have the health crisis we have today with obesity and diabetes running rampant in our country.
My wife was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at 43 years old and chose to ignore it. She died because of it even after getting a kidney transplant from my son. She refused to change her diet or exercise and her primary care physician who she shared with me finally sent her a letter that she was no longer welcome at her practice. That decision was not made lightly but after years and years of her ignoring her advice she just felt seeing her was taking time away from her other patients. Her heart doctor basically did the same thing and they are both excellent doctors.
Good luck to you and all the other people on the site.
Your point is well taken. I only wish the best for everyone on the site.
Depression is a terrible disease that I would not wish on anybody. I am so glad both your children are on antidepressants.
Regarding Klonopin I have made my decision based on conversations with my primary care physician that I have seen for over 14 years.
If I came across as judgmental I am deeply sorry. I only wish the best for everyone suffering from depression and anxiety. My kids both have one or the other and I believe anxiety and depression go hand in hand.
Thanks for your response.
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1 ReactionHugs to you as well. 😊