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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Denise528 on October 5, 2002, at 10:37:51
What's it like coming off Klonopin, does it compare to coming off SSRIs? and do you get more anxious on it as you develop a tolerance to it?
Denise
Posted by MJC on October 5, 2002, at 11:18:37
In reply to Klonopin withdrawal., posted by Denise528 on October 5, 2002, at 10:37:51
Well, if you were to quit taking Klonopin cold turkey, it would be easier than quitting an SSRI cold turkey. It would probably be best to ease off of it gradually and while there will be some side effects of the withdrawal it won't be as severe as any of the SSRIs. In fact I found Klonopin to be one of the easiest drugs to wean off of (I've done the same with Celexa and Paxil so that's what I can compare it to).When I took it for 2 years I was pretty much using it just to knock me the F out at night before bed. When I used it that way I had to continually increase the dosage from .5mg to 1mg to 2mg eventually to 2.5mg. I find the best way to use it is to just use it as you would an aspirin. When you find that you're feeling even a tad anxious, just take either half of or a full tablet. It should help you out for at least 5-6 hours before you have to take another one. That way I find it's easiest if you always carry a little bit with you. Try not to go over your recommended dose per day though.
Posted by hiba on October 5, 2002, at 23:28:30
In reply to Klonopin withdrawal., posted by Denise528 on October 5, 2002, at 10:37:51
Dear Denise,
Klonopin is the easiest benzo to get off, as it has very long half life. Comparing to the SSRI withdrawal, still I will emphasize on klonopin's easiness though many will probably disagree with me. SSRI withdrawal makes a nasty hollow feeling, which I consider is the most horrible and difficult to manage. Each and every patient is different, and not everyone should necessarily experience this kind of hollow feeling. But if you are unlucky to experience it as a withdrawal symptom, you will feel it hellish. Benzo withdrawal symptoms are more physiological and I think at least they can be tolerated if can't be managed. But a psychological withdrawal symptom is more difficult to tolerate and that's why most patients go back to their SSRI medication to ease the psychological pain.
Tolerance rarely or never develop to the anxiolytic effects of benzos, but a tolerance to the sedative hypnotic effect is very much likely. So if you are using them for anxiolysis, a tolerance is not likely to develop. And there is no matter of concern.
HIBA
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