Klonpoin- anxiety medication- up the dose?

Question

I was recently given Clonazepam (generic for Klonopin) for anxiety before bed, as well as Zoloft to take once a day. I tried taking the Klonopin during the day and it REALLY helped me deal with things and be a lot more calm- including the fact that I felt a lot like my old self, up-beat and laughter, and outgoing. But Im on a 1mg dose (practically a childs dose), and technically I am only suppose to take it before bed. But I was wondering if anybody else is on this medication during the daytime, and if it is a med that is prescribed over long or short periods of time. Im thinking of asking my Dr. to up the dose (so it doesnt wear off after 2 hours, like it has been), or if there is another medication with similar positive effects that can be taken long term.
She also only gave me 10 pills, and then told me to see her in 2 weeks. (Also, I have been taking 2 pills a day, after looking at the online rec. dosage, the max for an adult is 3.5mg) (Im only on 1 mg a day.)

Answer 1

As a former Pharmacy Technician and person with Bipolar I affective disorder for 14 years, I have a problem with people whose immediate reaction/answer regarding benzodiazepam medications is "highly addictive". The first priority is to treat your symptoms, and if your doctor prescribed Klonopin and Zoloft, he's not starting an addiction, he's giving you proper meds. It's a low dose due to your first use of it. And I agree that 1mg at bedtime only may not be enough to calm your anxieties during the day. Klonopin can be taken during the day; I do. But I also found that Ativan (lorazepam is the generic name), which is a benzodiazepam like Klonopin, works better due to how it lasts longer, whereas the Klonopin works for about 4 hours max. Ativan for me covers my symptoms for almost 8 hours. It does take longer to kick in, though. Word of wisdom and advice: Everyone (professionals and just common folk) will always tell you that these types of medications are strictly for short term use and highly addictive. There are people who like them to get high on recreationally and of course, they'll get addicted. But when you have a valid, medical problem and reason for taking them, and benefit from relieving your symptoms, they are beneficial. I have had to take medications for 14 years to help stabilize my bipolar disorder, and Ativan and Klonopin have always been available to me, and whether I've used them daily for a long period of time or didn't have the need to has never been a problem for me. I don't have horrible withdrawal like everyone seems to believe will happen to anyone, or crave it like a maniac. There's nothing wrong with asking your doctor about using a higher milligram tablet and taking it during the day. Anyway, only 10 pills with a followup visit in 14 days seems rather callous when someone needs help enough to go see a doctor. And remember, YOU know best how you are feeling, and getting second opinions and checking out other physicians is important. If I had not done so, I'd never have found the excellent psychiatrist/neurologist that I have now. Take care and keep doing what you already started: Ask Questions!!

Answer 2

Klonopin like all benzodiazepines has a potential for addiction whereas zoloft does not. It should only be used in acute limited situations unless there are more extreme circumstances. Also you may find with time the zoloft will kick in more as it usually takes a couple of weeks to get going and you won't need the klonopin as much or at all.

Answer 3

Klonopin can potentially be addictive - highly so, actually. Don't let the 1mg fool you - that dose has nothing to do with children. Many, Many adults take 0.25mg or 0.5mg and the increased, upped dose is then 1mg. The only patients we have who take the full 3.5mg dose, are extremely ill and in the hospital for long term inpatient treatment.

You should NOT up the dose without first consulting the physician who prescribed it for you.

Answer 4

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 5

I was on Klonopin once myself. It is very addicting and generally used only short term. You should never increase or decrease your mental health meds without talking to the doctor first.

Answer 6

Hello - I have a lot of diagnosis throughout the years. Have been on many medications (keep track and side effects). Chemical imbalance is very serious.
immunity to medication is very common.
If medication is causing side effects worse then the problem then it's time to change.
You may have to go through many changes of medication until the right one and amount is found.
Also foods, situations, etc. can effect your ups and downs.

Answer 7

Like the others said, always see a doctor about dosage and the time taken. Do not make changes on your own. You can always contact the office and let them know.

Answer 8

No