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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rakken on October 21, 2001, at 13:13:08
It seems that klonopin is used often as an anti-anxiety med. It tends to be used a lot longer than other benzos. Usually xanax, ativan, etc. are used for short-term relief. But klonopin seems to be used for quite awhile. Is there any reason for this? Does klonopin have better results or is it less difficult to withdraw from? I get the feeling that when someone develops tolerance the doc just ups the dose and keeps the klonopin effective. It seems like its used much more commonly than other benzos. If its so accepted and prescribed, why do some docs seem against it? Any info is greatly appreciated.
Posted by JohnX on October 21, 2001, at 13:51:35
In reply to Klonopin, posted by Rakken on October 21, 2001, at 13:13:08
Rakken,I don't know if there is any statistical difference
between the potential for addiction with Klonopin,
but there is a very simple reason that it is the
gold standard for maintaince benzo use: it has one
of the longest 1/2 lifes (the time for your body
to eliminate 1/2 of the med from your system).You can take the med 2 times a day and it will maintain
a steady state level in your system for most people
(no ups/downs). This makes it easier for people to stay at
the lowest consistent therapeutic dose. Generally it works
for upto 12 hours compared to ~4 for meds like Xanax.
Also, for once a day dosing at night, the 1/2 life
is long enought to cover a night of sleep.Others may have more insights.
Regards,
John
> It seems that klonopin is used often as an anti-anxiety med. It tends to be used a lot longer than other benzos. Usually xanax, ativan, etc. are used for short-term relief. But klonopin seems to be used for quite awhile. Is there any reason for this? Does klonopin have better results or is it less difficult to withdraw from? I get the feeling that when someone develops tolerance the doc just ups the dose and keeps the klonopin effective. It seems like its used much more commonly than other benzos. If its so accepted and prescribed, why do some docs seem against it? Any info is greatly appreciated.
Posted by Mitch on October 21, 2001, at 15:42:46
In reply to Klonopin, posted by Rakken on October 21, 2001, at 13:13:08
> It seems that klonopin is used often as an anti-anxiety med. It tends to be used a lot longer than other benzos. Usually xanax, ativan, etc. are used for short-term relief. But klonopin seems to be used for quite awhile. Is there any reason for this? Does klonopin have better results or is it less difficult to withdraw from? I get the feeling that when someone develops tolerance the doc just ups the dose and keeps the klonopin effective. It seems like its used much more commonly than other benzos. If its so accepted and prescribed, why do some docs seem against it? Any info is greatly appreciated.
Rakken,
I take just .5mg-1.0mg a day and I haven't varied from this much over about 3 years now. People may become "dependent" on it-but people are dependent on insulin for diabetes and dependent on antidepressants (as a maintenance) to prevent recurrence of major depression. People that *abuse* benzodiazepines tend to increase the dose a LOT and take large doses to get *high*. I never developed any tolerance to the *benefits* of the Klonopin. I take it for social anxiety/panic/mood stabilizer and .25mg (half a tab) for a performance situation works as good now as it did three years ago. If you find yourself getting euphoric on it and tending to increase the dose-then you probably shouldn't take it.
Mitch
Posted by tina on October 21, 2001, at 16:00:16
In reply to Re: Klonopin » Rakken, posted by Mitch on October 21, 2001, at 15:42:46
I've been taking it as needed for over 10 years with no withdrawals when I don't need it and no need to increase the dosage. I have tried xanax and ativan but the klonopin stays in my system longer. I just like it.
good luck
Tina> > It seems that klonopin is used often as an anti-anxiety med. It tends to be used a lot longer than other benzos. Usually xanax, ativan, etc. are used for short-term relief. But klonopin seems to be used for quite awhile. Is there any reason for this? Does klonopin have better results or is it less difficult to withdraw from? I get the feeling that when someone develops tolerance the doc just ups the dose and keeps the klonopin effective. It seems like its used much more commonly than other benzos. If its so accepted and prescribed, why do some docs seem against it? Any info is greatly appreciated.
>
> Rakken,
>
> I take just .5mg-1.0mg a day and I haven't varied from this much over about 3 years now. People may become "dependent" on it-but people are dependent on insulin for diabetes and dependent on antidepressants (as a maintenance) to prevent recurrence of major depression. People that *abuse* benzodiazepines tend to increase the dose a LOT and take large doses to get *high*. I never developed any tolerance to the *benefits* of the Klonopin. I take it for social anxiety/panic/mood stabilizer and .25mg (half a tab) for a performance situation works as good now as it did three years ago. If you find yourself getting euphoric on it and tending to increase the dose-then you probably shouldn't take it.
>
> Mitch
This is the end of the thread.
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