Clonazapam

[jbevis]

I took a Clonazapam last night and it really helped. However when I woke up this morning my heart was racing and I was panicky right away. Thought? Did the med cause it? Did coming off the med cause it? This was my first time taking this type of benzo.

[alankay]

With it's long half life this might have happened if the dose was very small and once the med dropped to a sub therapeutic level, you had some anxiety/anxious thoughts(as many do in the AM) and it took off from there. Clonazepam has a 1/2 life or approx 30-35 hours so if the dose was very low it may have helped for the overnight period only. Sometimes when first taking a benzo you don't always get the full effect on the first dose but you do get much of it. If this was not you first dose maybe the dose was low and it just helped for that shorter period. For the majority that's a good med. Alankay

[jbevis]

It was my first dose and I took .25mg. I just took .5mg of lorazapam to fight this panic because I'm afraid to take the Clonazapam again now. I'm so messed up, I just want to be normal again ...

[alankay]

I understand. These 2 meds a very similar. Ativan is a touch stronger because it fits it's effects in a shorter period of time.
Still if you're that anxious and have tried to find what's causing it and coming up empty you need to break the cycle of anxiety. Work with the doc and/or therapist.
In the mean time minimize caffiene and alcohol, eat a sensible diet, try to get light exercise and do some progressive relaxation practices.
Alankay

[jbevis]

Yeah. I've been trying to go for a walk every day, and I have my first therapy appointment on Friday. My doc has put me on Effexor (today is my third day). I'm still anxious after taking the lorazapam and I don't know what to do now. I don't want to get addicted to the benzos but I'm absolutely miserable right now trying to decide if I should try the Clonazapam again. Thanks for listening and responding to me. I really appreciate the input.

[alankay]

Well hold off if you can but if you feeling that anxious try the clonazepam again seeing as you're going to talk to a therapist in less than a week. You're absolutely doing the right thing by talking over all your going through with a trained therapist. Sometimes starting a med like effexor can cause a bump in anxiety and often a med like clonazepam will help through that part. Instead of the effexor at the same time of day you could take 1/2 AM and then 1/2 in the PM(if tablets) for a week or two which may lower the side effect of a bump in anxiety. This temp increase in anxiety should pass soon. PM me anytime. Alankay

[jbevis]

Thanks so much alankay. It's so nice to know that there are people out there that are familiar with my situation and can offer support. I can't split up the dose because its a capsule and not a tablet (I think it might be XR). I've always had problems with anxiety and have been on many different AD's but never had to take benzo's until now, so thats why its adding to my anxiety. At the same time that I am starting the Effexor I am coming off of Celexa so I think that may have a lot to do with my current state of mind as well. I just hope that once I get through the next few weeks the Effexor will work for me and I can get back to my life. I am so dreading work tomorrow.

[alankay]

Yeah I always get anticipatory anxiety when I get a spike in anxiety. Dread the start of the week on those occasions but have learned I always get through them. I hope the effexor works and might be a good bet if you've never been on an snri as it also works on norepinephrine as well but only at higher doses, Acts on serotonin only at the lower doses.
The nice thing about the benzos is they work quickly and well so you can just take it only when really needed. As long as one doesn't get too liberal with them you should be fine. Don't buy into the fear mongering on benzos. Just use the minimum when really needed. The longer acting ones like klonopin as a bit safer as far as the habit forming side goes.
I have a hunch the change in AD's is as much as what's going on as anything else. Plus other life events can cause anxiety to raise and fall abit so don't forget that. When life gets too busy or stressful or there is something going on in the family I get more anxious and when things are calm much less so.
Well with the capsules never mind splitting then. :)
Try to have faith that in time, all will work out OK. Calm after the storm you know.:)
PM me anytime. Alankay

[blondieqtpie]

Clonazapam has been my most effective med. maybe your panic/ anxiety lasted through its effects? I don't know

[jbevis]

Clonazapam has been my most effective med. maybe your panic/ anxiety lasted through its effects? I don't know

My doc switched me back to lorazapam and that helps much more for me.