no cravings with Klonopine??????
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: long island,ny
Posts: 190
no cravings with Klonopine??????
good morning all....i have been back and forth with the alcohol for many years now...I'd get sober for a few good months,only to find myself in a liquor store,telling myself,"I've been good for so long....I just want a glass or two"....We all know where THAT ends up...
It was once my secret....noone knew what i would do everynight after work,and that was part of the deception....and i thought i was so smart,getting away with it...so sneaky...
over the past year or so,more people are aware of my,"problem with alcohol"....It gets tiring having to lie and pretend after awhile...and the depression that comes with alcoholism got so bad that i couldn't hide it anymore.
at my daughter's insistance,i got a new doctor,and i was totally honest with him.He was so understnading and non-judgemental...He increased my Effexor,and added Klonopine....I have to tell you that after a few days,my cravings for alcohol all but stopped....I found myself walking past my usual liquor store,without any inclination to stop in....has to be the klonopine,cause i have been on Effexor for years.
it's been over two weeks sober now for me....still taking it day by day,not getting too confident or too coky,but i am hopeful now that maybe i can beat this thing this time......
anyone else had this experience with Klonopine?
thanks for listening......and for any and all input.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,243
I am alcoholic and I did have a Doc prescribe Klon at one point. It did reduce the craving for alcohol short term but the alcohol came back big time even while taking Klon. I was lucky that I did not get addicted to Klon and knew enough to stop taking it while drinking. I see people in detox with similar double addictions frequently. The detox is not very pleasant to say the least.
The deal with Klon was that I was not supposed to drink with it. Being an alcoholic of course I never told the Doc the truth about the extent of my drinking.
Ultimately Klon did much more harm than good for me even though it did reduce short term cravings for alcohol.
The deal with Klon was that I was not supposed to drink with it. Being an alcoholic of course I never told the Doc the truth about the extent of my drinking.
Ultimately Klon did much more harm than good for me even though it did reduce short term cravings for alcohol.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 796
I take Klonopin, and it doesn't reduce my cravings. It is also VERY addictive. In fact, I am now addicted to it.
It's a benzodiazapam and shouldn't even been taken while drinking, but there I find myself washing one down with a beer.
I hope it continues to decrease your cravings. Hey, whatever works, right. It just doesn't do that for me.
It's a benzodiazapam and shouldn't even been taken while drinking, but there I find myself washing one down with a beer.
I hope it continues to decrease your cravings. Hey, whatever works, right. It just doesn't do that for me.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Good to see you again.....
I have no experience with either of the drugs you mentioned.
However..I can absolutely tell you that my cravings for alcohol
deminished both in severity and frequency rather quickly
after I started AA
I know you have struggled for a long time
hope this will be the time you quit forever.
I have no experience with either of the drugs you mentioned.
However..I can absolutely tell you that my cravings for alcohol
deminished both in severity and frequency rather quickly
after I started AA
I know you have struggled for a long time
hope this will be the time you quit forever.
Life the gift of recovery!
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Home is where the heart is
Posts: 7,061
I am an alcoholic who also suffers from bipolar type II and PTSD. I have had a prescription for Klonpin for over 4 years now. I also take anti-depressants and mood stabilizers. Both PTSD and Bipolar are conditions that affect the brain chemistry causing overages and shortages of certain essential brain chemicals. That is why I take the medications. I don't take them to get high in fact none of them even come close to what alcohol did for me when it still worked. When these types of medications are used properly they only stabilize and return ones brain chemicals to a normal level there is no high involved. I have been sober 8 years. I realize that there are those who have the opinion that anyone taking a benzo is not truly sober. To those I would suggest you review AA's stand on medications and sobriety
http://www.aa.org/pdf/products/p-11_...ersMedDrug.pdf.
Here is my experience. I work the program of AA to deal with my alcoholism. I work with my psych doc to deal with my mental health issues. I take responsibility for my health which includes making sure that when I take any medication I take it as prescribed which includes what it was prescribed for. I started Klonopin after being sober for 4 years so I would not know whether it has had any effect on my alcohol cravings since my obsession with alcohol has been resolved using AA. I am not going to debate the use of benzo's, mood stabilizers, or anti-depressants in this thread as that would be highjacking it. All I can say is that for me Klonopin has not taken the place of alcohol for me. I drank alcohol daily, I take Klonopin less than two times a month on average. Klonopin helps me through the days when my PTSD does not allow me to leave my house or when I feel overwhelmed because of a flashback and am frozen in the middle of a public place and can not function. The level of anxiety that comes with PTSD and bipolar is much more severe and not even comparable to the anxiety that comes when one quits alcohol. I did not require a medication to help me through that anxiety only AA and the 12 Steps. That is my experience nothing more nothing less. I hope it helps someone
http://www.aa.org/pdf/products/p-11_...ersMedDrug.pdf.
Here is my experience. I work the program of AA to deal with my alcoholism. I work with my psych doc to deal with my mental health issues. I take responsibility for my health which includes making sure that when I take any medication I take it as prescribed which includes what it was prescribed for. I started Klonopin after being sober for 4 years so I would not know whether it has had any effect on my alcohol cravings since my obsession with alcohol has been resolved using AA. I am not going to debate the use of benzo's, mood stabilizers, or anti-depressants in this thread as that would be highjacking it. All I can say is that for me Klonopin has not taken the place of alcohol for me. I drank alcohol daily, I take Klonopin less than two times a month on average. Klonopin helps me through the days when my PTSD does not allow me to leave my house or when I feel overwhelmed because of a flashback and am frozen in the middle of a public place and can not function. The level of anxiety that comes with PTSD and bipolar is much more severe and not even comparable to the anxiety that comes when one quits alcohol. I did not require a medication to help me through that anxiety only AA and the 12 Steps. That is my experience nothing more nothing less. I hope it helps someone
Silly Rabbit
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 956
nandm, i agree with you.
i don't think the original poster is having quite the same experience.
but i can imagine that it is tough to hear so many opinions on something that is so vital to you.
i don't think the original poster is having quite the same experience.
but i can imagine that it is tough to hear so many opinions on something that is so vital to you.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: long island,ny
Posts: 190
thanks to all who shared their experiences/comments on Klonopine.....I also suffer from depression and anxiety,and i self medicate with alcohol.....or,at least,i DID two weeks ago......I only take one at bedtime....to help me sleep.the doc said it would also lower my BP.It is so nice to be able to get a full eight hours of uninterrupted sleep,and wake up feeling rested.(and NOT hungover!)I don't like relying on meds for anything,but,if they help me function during the day and help me sleep at night,i am Ok with it.thanks to all,and let's all have a good day today.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 27
I've heard a lot of people complain of alcohol craving on effexor, I was on it for a couple of years, and drank normally.
After a couple of years off, then back on it, it interacted really badly with some of my benders. So bad, that when in acute withdrawal (every morning for about six months) I would sometimes be sure I was about to die.
No doctor will say it's safe to drink while on effexor, in fact the most liberal advice I got was from a pharmacist that said "two drinks should be OK, not near the dose". In fact it can knock you around seriously.
As you probably know, alcohol's a depressant, and effexor's an anti-depressant. The two can not only cancel each other out, they can interact in some pretty wild ways. Just try withdrawing from it for instance!!!!! A psychiatrist once told me taking effexor while drinking is like stepping on the gas while yanking on the handbrake...... What a dude!
After a couple of years off, then back on it, it interacted really badly with some of my benders. So bad, that when in acute withdrawal (every morning for about six months) I would sometimes be sure I was about to die.
No doctor will say it's safe to drink while on effexor, in fact the most liberal advice I got was from a pharmacist that said "two drinks should be OK, not near the dose". In fact it can knock you around seriously.
As you probably know, alcohol's a depressant, and effexor's an anti-depressant. The two can not only cancel each other out, they can interact in some pretty wild ways. Just try withdrawing from it for instance!!!!! A psychiatrist once told me taking effexor while drinking is like stepping on the gas while yanking on the handbrake...... What a dude!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LA - Lower Alabama
Posts: 5,068
Klonopin for alcohol? You are trading addictions. Klonopin in a benzo for crying out loud. In fact if you get pulled over under the influence of klonopin - even with a Dr.'s prescription - you STILL get a DUI.
There are some legitimate non addictive drugs naltrexone and campral for alcohol cravings. Talk to your Dr. about these.
In fact I think you should consider a new Dr., preferably an addiction specialist.
Just my opinion based on experience, not meant to be medical advise.
There are some legitimate non addictive drugs naltrexone and campral for alcohol cravings. Talk to your Dr. about these.
In fact I think you should consider a new Dr., preferably an addiction specialist.
Just my opinion based on experience, not meant to be medical advise.
At last, time to give it up...
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2
I also have been on Effexor for years; 11+ and counting. Before Effexor and throughout, I've consumed copious amounts of alcohol. The earlier description of the combination (stepping on gas while yanking on handbrake) was eye-opening. Quite a visual picture.
I have to say that when I first began Efx; it truly was like the fog lifted and I enjoyed--simply living. I'm still on Efx.and drinking more than ever and for the past 7+ years have added Focalin (a stimulant for ADHD) as well as HBP meds (no surprise there).
I've FINALLY, admitted to myself that,at 50, this daily high/low has to stop. I've always known the combo was bad but Efx made me so sleepy during the day I didn't care about knowing the danger of adding a stimulant; I've always loved speed--thank goodness crack wasn't around in my 'drug days'.
I'm SO glad to have found this site as an avenue to figure out how to go about getting off alcohol and probably Focalin.
Had I not stumbled on this site I would've tried quitting drinking without any medical help and ended up in a very bad way. Any input about getting off the 3 substances slowly killing me will be appreciated.
I have to say that when I first began Efx; it truly was like the fog lifted and I enjoyed--simply living. I'm still on Efx.and drinking more than ever and for the past 7+ years have added Focalin (a stimulant for ADHD) as well as HBP meds (no surprise there).
I've FINALLY, admitted to myself that,at 50, this daily high/low has to stop. I've always known the combo was bad but Efx made me so sleepy during the day I didn't care about knowing the danger of adding a stimulant; I've always loved speed--thank goodness crack wasn't around in my 'drug days'.
I'm SO glad to have found this site as an avenue to figure out how to go about getting off alcohol and probably Focalin.
Had I not stumbled on this site I would've tried quitting drinking without any medical help and ended up in a very bad way. Any input about getting off the 3 substances slowly killing me will be appreciated.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: long island,ny
Posts: 190
alchohol and Rx drugs.....BAD combination
hi renny...i have been on effexor for a few years now myself,and i was drinking with it,as well.my therapist told me that drinking and effexor cancelled each other out,and she was right.....
i went through a major depression this winter,and it was only three weeks ago when i quit drinking every night,to self medicate my depression/anxiety..I felt alot better immediately....the doc increased my effexor and gave me the Klonidine,and warned me not to drink while i am taking it.
The Klonodine helped me alot during the first weeks of sobriety...i let me get a full night's sleep and I swear it took away my cravings for alcohol....
the doc told me a few days ago to stop taking the klonopine everyday,just take it when i feel i need it.....and i was scared,because i was starting to rely on it.....But, i am ok without it,still sober.....and no cravings..yet.
I am going to be 50 next week,and I,too, am sick and tired of the roller coaster ride......sick and tired of feeling sick and tired....If you are drinking and taking psychiatric drugs.....it's a BAD combination.....quit the drinking,and let the drugs do their job......you WILL feel alot better,trust me.And,keep coming to SR...I've been back and forth so many times,but SR is always here for me when i need them.
good luck with things.....keep intouch.
i went through a major depression this winter,and it was only three weeks ago when i quit drinking every night,to self medicate my depression/anxiety..I felt alot better immediately....the doc increased my effexor and gave me the Klonidine,and warned me not to drink while i am taking it.
The Klonodine helped me alot during the first weeks of sobriety...i let me get a full night's sleep and I swear it took away my cravings for alcohol....
the doc told me a few days ago to stop taking the klonopine everyday,just take it when i feel i need it.....and i was scared,because i was starting to rely on it.....But, i am ok without it,still sober.....and no cravings..yet.
I am going to be 50 next week,and I,too, am sick and tired of the roller coaster ride......sick and tired of feeling sick and tired....If you are drinking and taking psychiatric drugs.....it's a BAD combination.....quit the drinking,and let the drugs do their job......you WILL feel alot better,trust me.And,keep coming to SR...I've been back and forth so many times,but SR is always here for me when i need them.
good luck with things.....keep intouch.
To Life!
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 9,293
Karrottop,
The klonopin helps with anxiety. As you stated, you had anxiety issues. So, by taking the meds, you were dealing with the underlying issue that triggered your drinking.
The meds don't so much stop your cravings for a drink,
As they stop the anxiety that trigger your cravings.
Taking care of the anxiety ends the trigger, thus, ends the cravings.
The craving for alcohol, a depressant, was to help end the anxiety.
That's precisely why those with dual diagnoses need treatment for both ailments.
And why AA has a stand on meds, (it's between a doctor and a patient),
And why those without medical degrees should really stick to their ESH on message boards. Too many people have been harmed due to the *advice* of people without knowledge.
I like what Carol and Nandm pointed out too. It's not an either/or proposition. Both have thier places in recovery.
Shalom!
The klonopin helps with anxiety. As you stated, you had anxiety issues. So, by taking the meds, you were dealing with the underlying issue that triggered your drinking.
The meds don't so much stop your cravings for a drink,
As they stop the anxiety that trigger your cravings.
Taking care of the anxiety ends the trigger, thus, ends the cravings.
The craving for alcohol, a depressant, was to help end the anxiety.
That's precisely why those with dual diagnoses need treatment for both ailments.
And why AA has a stand on meds, (it's between a doctor and a patient),
And why those without medical degrees should really stick to their ESH on message boards. Too many people have been harmed due to the *advice* of people without knowledge.
I like what Carol and Nandm pointed out too. It's not an either/or proposition. Both have thier places in recovery.
Shalom!
At last, time to give it up...
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2
Happy 50th early, Karrotop! It's a BIG birthday, I was surprised how big. Maybe we can both use the event to straighten out our lives (or in your case continue on the right track). Can you believe you're 50? 
Celebrate Big; and sober.... Good Luck.
Celebrate Big; and sober.... Good Luck.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: long island,ny
Posts: 190
50 can be our new beginning....
hi renny.....yes, it is a BIG one.....and I am honestly not looking froward to it...I never thought i would be 50...that sounds SO old....I have to stop looking backwards,at the mistakes and at all the,"lost time".....and focus on what may be ahead of me....I've raised two normal,well-adjusted children,who are on their own now,so I guess it's my turn now....I don't want to waste any more time.
I don't know about withdrawal from any drug,except alcohol..all i can tell you is that you will feel so much better without it....it's only been three weeks for me,this time.....but i am thinking so much more clearly these days,and i feel so much better,physically....I take one day at a time now.I don't worry about tomorrow or fret over yesterday....
Please get whatever help you need.....let's not waste any more time,ok?I see a therapist every week,which has been my life line...and I am working with my doc on the meds....and coming here now every morning for more insight and support.
keep intouch,ok?Love,KT
Adjusting my Sails
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,021
Klonopine like any benzo is alcohol in pill form. That is why it works so well and that is why they both work so well for anxiety at first. It works on the same part of the brain so my first doctor told me. You have to be careful about taking both at the same time because the combo will stop your heart and kill you. I know you don't plan on it but neither did I and you asked if anyone had experience with it. At one point I had a rash start up one leg and then the other from my feet to my hips. I went to the doc and he took a couple samples off and sent them to the lab for byopsy. They came back as benzo and alcohol. My liver and kidneys were not removing them from my body fast enough so the stuff was coming out the pours in my legs. I was taking more then prescribed of course but I was out way out there at the time and no longer really knew what I was doing. I wasn't even wasting my time with getting them from doctors anymore. This was just the progression of it for me. And yes the detox off of both is brutal. I thought they were trying to kill me.
That is my experience with it and I know it sounds extreme and I really should be dead but I'm not.
That is my experience with it and I know it sounds extreme and I really should be dead but I'm not.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Colorado Prairie
Posts: 1,417
Are we confusing "Craving" with "Mental Obsession"?
Alcohol triggers "cravings" in Alcoholics. A semi healthy liver should filter all alcohol out of your system in 3 days. Therefore the "Physical Cravings" should be gone.
Just my two cents.
Alcohol triggers "cravings" in Alcoholics. A semi healthy liver should filter all alcohol out of your system in 3 days. Therefore the "Physical Cravings" should be gone.
Just my two cents.
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