Klenoptin saved me!!!!!!!!!!!! - Panic Disorders Message Board

Kevin D · 04-20-2003, 09:10 PM

I never had panic attacks. But one day I was super stresed about midterms and had a panic attack with some ephedra in my system. For the next 3 weeks I had non-stop anxiey and panic attacks. 24/7 nervousness. I went to the ER three times and was given a script for Paxil. I researched Paxil and decided not to take it after I heard about the side effects. Besides, I wasnt depressed.

The other day I couldnt fall asleep because every time I fell asleep Id have a panic attack. So I was up for 49 hours with no sleep.I was so scared and I went to the ER. They tested my urine for cocaine and other drugs. My EKG was normal my blood pressur was normal and my heart rate was 81 (in the previous weeks it was between 90 and 110). The doc's then sent me to the "mental health" section of the hospital which is similar to jail. The checked me for weapons, took my shoes and belt, and so forth.

after hours of questioning I was given a drug called Klonipin. I left the hospital, filled the perscription, and took 1.5mg. I slept for 15 hours! I havent had a panic attack since. I felt like I was getting a bit nervous this morning and I popped 1mg and I was fine. After 3 weeks of hell Im normal again!

anyone have anything bad to say about klonopin????

BryanL · 04-21-2003, 01:22 AM

Klonoponin like the other benzo drugs can be very addictive. The withdrawal can be hell. If your anxiety continues you should consider switching to a SSRI like Pazil, Zoloft, Celex. Although they are indicated for depression they work for anxiety as well.

hry33 · 04-21-2003, 05:50 PM

very few anxiety or panic attack sufferers ever become addicted to klonapin, its a very useful med and is best taken only as needed, it acts quickly and a few tablets should be carried with you when out, its very effective if taken at the start of a panic attack, it calms the body and mind

panic attacks can be mistaken for street drug withdrawl symptoms, seems they did this with you

Janik · 04-21-2003, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by hry33:
very few anxiety or panic attack sufferers ever become addicted to klonapin...

A woman I know has been trying to quit 0.5 mg of Klonopin. It was prescribed for chronic fatigue, and her withdrawal experience has nothing to do with panic attacks. She basically complains about headaches, lack of sleep and tremors. She has tapered before, but she cannot get below 0.5 mg.

carretera · 04-22-2003, 06:06 AM

Klonopin, aka clonazepam (generic name), did wonders for me as well. I took 1.0 gram/day for six months to deal with panic attacks. It did a great job keeping me under control until we got the dosage right on the Prozac (the newer SSRIs seemed to make me worse).

Stopping the Klonopin took a couple of months for me. I tried a couple times and got down to 0.5 gram/day but that was it. I finally decided to stop listening to my doctor tell me how fast I should reduce the dosage and decided to let my body/mind dictate how fast to quit. I ended up dropping 0.125 gram/day (1/4 or a 0.5 gram pill) every 10 days or so. I found I did (and still do) have an increased level of anxiety but have not had any new panic attacks.

Hopefully I am done with panic attacks and Klonopin, but I still keep the Klonopin around - just in case.

Good luck.