Posted by viridis on December 31, 2002, at 0:19:21
In reply to Re: anti-convulsants for panic? » viridis, posted by worrier on December 30, 2002, at 23:14:28
Hi Worrier,
If Xanax helps but you don't like the ups and downs, I'd definitely recommend that you try Klonopin. For me at least, it's very smooth, and a small dose lasts all day. I can't believe the difference it's made. There is the concern about depression, but for me it reduced my depression greatly (because most of my depression stems from worry and anxiety). People also noticed how much sharper and more enthusiastic I was soon after I started taking it, and it definitely allows me to think more clearly.
I do best when I take K in the morning -- some doctors will suggest you take it before bed, but I found that the effects wore off by about noon the next day and I had to take Xanax to compensate. When I switched to dosing in the day, my need for Xanax almost disappeared. As I mentioned before, K did have some mild side effects in the beginning (e.g., be extra careful when driving), but these completely disappeared in a couple of weeks.
I've been on the same dose (1 mg/day) for a year and a half, and have had no need so far to increase it; my psychiatrist has offered to if necessary, but I'm quite happy with this dose. I'd certainly give K a try before moving to barbiturates. Also, as I mentioned in my other post, I augment the K with a small dose (0.25 - 0.5 mg) of Xanax occasionally, and this works very well for "breakthrough" anxiety.
All the best,
Viridis
poster:viridis
thread:133773
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/133883.html