Klonopin

[ruby red]

My doctor prescribed Klonopin. Have any of you taken it? How addictive is it. I'm not sure I want to take it.

Thanks,
Ruby

[meli2005]

It is a benzodiazepine. IT works on the same part of the brain as alcohol. If you have an addiction to alcohol, I would be careful with this drug. Yes, it is addictive. Are you using it for anxiety relief?

[historyteach]

Ruby;
Please discuss this concern with your physician.
None of us here on SR are medical experts. We come and share our experience, strength and hope. That's a positive benefit for others, but, that's all we do.
Giving medical advice without a degree in medicine is dangerous. It can cost someone their life.
That being said, I have taken klonipin in the past. I would not take it again. I was stoned out of my mind. However, I was on a bunch of other stuff at the same time. I took myself off all but the anti depression and began to get better almost immediately. My doctor now has klonipin on a list of meds that I am "allegic" to; He know's I will never take it again.
Speak with your doctor. I did, and I'm glad.

Shalom!

[BSPGirl]

I'm not a dr, but I can quote from the ever so useful Wikipedia site:

Special Caution Needed

* Children and adolescents (less than 18 years of age) - Treatment usually not indicated, except treatment of epilepsy, and pre-/postoperative treatment; extended clinical data for this age group is currently lacking.
* I.V. or I.M. injections in hypotensive individuals or those in shock should be administered carefully and vital signs should be monitored.

Patients at a High Risk for Abuse and Dependence

At a particularly high risk for misuse, abuse, and dependence are:

* Patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse or dependence
* Emotionally unstable patients
* Patients with severe personality disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder
* Patients with chronic pain or other physical disorders

Patients from the aforementioned group should be monitored very closely during therapy for signs of abuse and development of dependence. Discontinue therapy if any of these signs are noted. Long-term therapy in these patients is not recommended.

Long-term treatment with clonazepam should never be discontinued abruptly. It should be withdrawn gradually over a period of weeks or months.

[ruby red]

Thank you each for your wise words.

Ruby

[meli2005]

I need to add also, my AH took it for a while, he was fearful he was becoming dependent on it and stopped with the help of his doctor. He was very agitated while on it. I did not like the person he was on that drug.

[Barto]

This is a hot topic in another SR section.

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...ad.php?t=85556 (XANAX, ATIVAN, KLONOPIN, VALIUM, great info here)

[angelgirl]

Hi,,

I took Klonopin,, I never had a problem with it. BUT, I know plenty of people that have,.

I believe using short term, at a very low dose, it is a safe med. But as I said, I knw plenty of people that have been addicted to it, and it is not easy to come off, when you do have a problem with it..

Teach is right, discussing any concerns you may have with you doctor would be the best thing you could do for yourself.. I also look everything up myyself.

Prayers,
Becky

[Barto]

Becky, regarding Klonopin (and other benzos), I prefer your second suggestion, looking it up myself. My doctor’s are the ones that were most misinformed about these medicines, and especially about getting off them. Sounds like Teach got lucky with a good doctor who took him off it.

Ruby, I STRONGLY advise reading the thread I posted the link to. There are some arguments on both sides of the issue there, and some experiences of others who have taken these meds. There are also links to very informative websites posted in that thread.

I am signing off this one now, because I don’t want to enter into a debate about this.