lugnut, I hate to tell you but it is probably the pills that are making you have panic attacks. people normally have panic attacks from a trigger. if you are getting them out of the blue, it is probably because your body is so dependent on the K, that when your body starts to run low of it, it goes into withdrawal, and triggers a panic attack.
I was on klonopin for ten years...every year they upped my dose, my body kept getting used to it and i would have to take more and more to feel better....i started when i was 15 and was 25 when i quit. I don't get panic attacks any longer. yes, it was VERY hard to get off them, the hardest thing i ever did, but it was also the single most important thing i have ever done in my life. Klonopin is meant for short term use, not for nine years. and it aggravates me that these doctors continue to just give them out to people like it is candy.
pleaes check out
Welcome to benzo.org.uk
that site save/changed my life. they have a forum too, just like this.
and no, you cannot turn into a schitzo...panic is nothing but a feeling, it can't hurt you.