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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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@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!
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1 ReactionThank 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. 😊
One last thought. I’m the original poster. Currently, I’m in a bad place. Nothing is working for the anxiety; except klonopin. It’s unbearable right now. . Seems I’ll have to continue to take klonopin, and probably more for awhile?? Makes me nervous.
@rclouv I believe I can become dependent even taking 0.125 a couple of nights a week.
My family has used tapers very very slowly over months to reduce a dose. I also would consult with a psychiatrist or rehab specialist on whether some other medication can be substitute as you go down.
We use time to taper as well as dose, meaning separating the doses with more time. But it really requires expert help from a professional who deals with withdrawal.
If you don't find you have to increase the dose, perhaps you can continue as you are or make a slight reduction over a period of time.
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2 ReactionsI tapered Xanax after using daily for 25 years. 3 mgs. per day. I was 67 when I started tapering. I HAD to taper because the Xanax stopped working (tolerance) and threw me into withdrawal. I had no choice. The key to my success was a very, very long taper. Tapering was not fun but nothing I could not handle. Thankfully I had a very patient doctor and family. I did have my days let me tell you! When I finally took my last dose and decided this is it, I had zero symptoms. Sleep has always been off but I use melatonin for that. I’m making a long story short but this was my journey. Do I embrace my journey? No I do not. I wish I had never ever put a benzo in my mouth. Anxiety or no anxiety, I would have figured it out without this addictive medication. And yes I was addicted and you’re addicted. No one takes a mind altering substance for years and years without being addicted. Good luck and God bless.
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10 ReactionsTolerance is very real, it happened to me. No one in this day and age is going to find a doctor that will continue to up their dose. It’s not going to happen.
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1 ReactionGood advice.
It took 27 years to become dependent?
Klonopin is different than most Benzos. It has to build up in your system before it even works. It's not like Valium or Xanax. It's won't help a bad attack immediately at all. That's why it is not abused like Xanax or Valium. It is not a drug you can take to get high or whatever. But not taking it every day will disrupt it's ability to work correctly. I always take mine on schedule. Good luck to you.