Posted by Daveman on March 6, 2001, at 0:15:04
In reply to History of Panic, posted by AmyM on March 5, 2001, at 21:57:06
Amy,
Below is the link to Klonopin prescribing information by Roche USA, the manufacturer of non-generic Klonopin:
http://www.rocheusa.com/products/klonopin/pi.html
I suggest you read the section under "Warnings" for some significant risks of taking Klonopin while pregnant. Also, you might want to review the section under "Drug Abuse and Dependence" for risks of long-term use. Basically, you will inevitably become physiologically dependent upon Klonopin if you use it long term. Whether that is a risk worth exchanging for the relief the drug provides from your panic attacks is a question for you and your doc to decide.
Good luck, Daveman
> I have been suffering from Panic Attacks and a constant level of anxiety for as long as I can remeber. I began seeing a Psychiatrist about 5 years ago and I refused to take any medication. Dugs scare me. My panic and anxiety were so debilitating, that I could not function like a normal person. I even developed agoraphobia. Finally in the summer of 1998, I decided to take Xanax (.25mg 3x/day at first then up to .5mg). The Xanax didn't work that well for me, I still had a constant level of anxiety & the effects did not last that long, but I feard increasing the dosage. I then fell into a deep depression about a year ago, and my therapist put me on Paxil. 20mg to start then down to 10mg. I responded very well to the combination. My depressing went away and my Panic/Anxiety was almost non existant.
>
> About a month ago, I discussed with my Therapist about going off the Paxil, seeing as my mental state had dramatically improved. After I stopped taking the Paxil my depression didn't return, by my Panic/Anxiety came back in spades. Again I could not function. We discussed many options, and ultimately he put me on Klonopin (1.5mg/day). I feel much better now.
>
> I'm a bit concerened about the withdrawl symptoms that I have been reading about regarding Klonopin and I am unaware of the effects of long term (life time) use. Also, what are the risks of taking this script while pregnant? In my opinion, the effects that Panic/Anxiety have on my body are much more detrimental (the stress on my heart) than the drug itself. Am I right to feel this way?
>
> I trust my Therapist, but I would like some feedback from people who suffer from Panic.
>
> I would really like to hear from anyone who has information that my help me.
>
> I'm new to this site, so I may not be able to locate responses.
>
> Thanx.
poster:Daveman
thread:55657
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55667.html