Social Anxiety Support

micha · 11-18-2008, 03:48 PM

I saw my dr this morning and he recommended to increase lexapro from 10 mg to 15 mg for a while then to 20mg depending how I feel ... and he said to remain on klonopin while doing the transition to avoid excess axiety .... so hopefully this will work....

KurtG85 · 11-18-2008, 07:06 PM

Source(s)?

DMBfan · 11-18-2008, 07:28 PM

Let me guess, that info came from one of the anti-benzo sites? It has Heather Aston written all over it (doesn't she claim to have had the only benzodiazepine clinic?) Some of the info is true, namely exacerbation of underlying symptoms during tapering . But most of that info is pure rubbish. Benzos causing agoraphobia, IBS and panic attacks? Uhm, it's the other way around, they are used to treat those symptoms.

This paragraph alone is utter nonsense (unless they're talking about recreational users which is a moot point when discussing therapeutic use of these medications.)

Chronic long term use of benzodiazepines is associated with an increased risk of impulsive, aggressive and violent behaviour. A study showed that 53% of long term benzodiazepine users showed violent characteristics where as only 5.3% of patients receiving psychotherapy developed violent or aggressive behavioural patterns.[70] Studies have shown that long term use of benzodiazepines is associated with causing depression as well as a markedly raised suicide risk as well as an overall increased mortality risk.[71][72] Daily users of benzodiazepines are also at a higher risk of experiencing psychotic symptomatology such as delusions and hallucinations.[73]

DMBfan · 11-18-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoconutHolder

In humans tolerance to the anticonvulsant effects of clonazepam occurs frequently. Chronic use of benzodiazepines leads to the development of tolerance with a decrease of benzodiazepine binding sites. Many studies have found that tolerance develops to the anticonvulsant properties of clonazepam with chronic use, which limits its long term effectiveness as an anticonvulsant."

OK, if this were an epileptic message board that quote may have some merit (if it's even true.) But we are taking these drugs for their anxiolytic qualities. And BTW, tolerance is not common with long term benzo use when used to treat anxiety (as several studies have shown.)

Noca · 11-18-2008, 07:43 PM

POSSIBLE side effects or withdrawal effects dont scare me. This is because they only happen in such few individuals and the ones who actually get those side effects, they only get like 1-2 from the list if that.

Benzos help FAR too much for me to just give it up knowing ill never go through withdrawal anyways since i use it prn.

micha · 11-18-2008, 07:52 PM

My sister has been on klonopin .5 mg for years too and never had to increase the dosage....she is doing great and leading a normal and happy life....probably will be on it for the rest of her life.....anxiety runs in my family....unfortunately....

micha · 11-18-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noca

POSSIBLE side effects or withdrawal effects dont scare me. This is because they only happen in such few individuals and the ones who actually get those side effects, they only get like 1-2 from the list if that.

Benzos help FAR too much for me to just give it up knowing ill never go through withdrawal since i use it prn.

I had some mild withdrawals when I discontinued klonopin when I was using it PRN,no more than 3 pills a week back in December....but they did not last a long time....nausea,increase anxiety,fear,feeling that the ground is moving under my feets....loss of appetite....but what helped me is lexapro..the dr had me back on it to ease the withdrawals.....but it was';nt that bad,really ,and did'nt last long....maybe a week to 10 days and then I was fine...... few months later I got back on it PRN and now daily....

CoconutHolder · 11-19-2008, 10:35 AM

Sorry if I made anyone upsest or mad. That wasn't my intention.

I was in a weird mood last night because I have been trying to wean myself back off of klonopin and its been tough. I built up a tolerance when I had to take it daily for a few weeks. I ended up having to up my dose which my doc did without a problem.

Now I'm in the position where I need to wean back off so I can go back to taking it PRN at the lower dose. Every time I try to lower the dose, within a day or two, I get depressed, irritability, anxiety, agressiveness, etc. So it is something I just have to work through.

Not everone develops tolerance or side effects or withdrawal or anything like that.

Sorry about that.

Ignore me.

UltraShy · 11-19-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noca

klonopin only causes depression in 15% or less of users

I thought the number was even lower than that, but it is a documented side effect found in clinical trials done by Roche, and they certainly had every incentive to not find bad stuff since it was their drug (now generic for quite some time).

Xanax allegedly may have some mild antidepressant effect though I've never seen any studies or had a personal experience to support that allegation.

micha · 11-19-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoconutHolder

Sorry if I made anyone upsest or mad. That wasn't my intention.

I was in a weird mood last night because I have been trying to wean myself back off of klonopin and its been tough. I built up a tolerance when I had to take it daily for a few weeks. I ended up having to up my dose which my doc did without a problem.

Now I'm in the position where I need to wean back off so I can go back to taking it PRN at the lower dose. Every time I try to lower the dose, within a day or two, I get depressed, irritability, anxiety, agressiveness, etc. So it is something I just have to work through.

Not everone develops tolerance or side effects or withdrawal or anything like that.

Sorry about that.

Ignore me.

How long have you been on klonopin? and what dose are you on? how about titrating from liquid klonopin? compound pharmacy can do that for you...I guess.....right?

KurtG85 · 11-19-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoconutHolder

Sorry if I made anyone upsest or mad. That wasn't my intention.

I was in a weird mood last night because I have been trying to wean myself back off of klonopin and its been tough. I built up a tolerance when I had to take it daily for a few weeks. I ended up having to up my dose which my doc did without a problem.

Now I'm in the position where I need to wean back off so I can go back to taking it PRN at the lower dose. Every time I try to lower the dose, within a day or two, I get depressed, irritability, anxiety, agressiveness, etc. So it is something I just have to work through.

Not everone develops tolerance or side effects or withdrawal or anything like that.

Sorry about that.

Ignore me.

Don't be discouraged from posting such research Coconut. Just post a link so its no so space consuming and so people can decide if the source is reputable.

DMBfan · 11-19-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoconutHolder

Sorry if I made anyone upsest or mad. That wasn't my intention.

I was in a weird mood last night because I have been trying to wean myself back off of klonopin and its been tough. I built up a tolerance when I had to take it daily for a few weeks. I ended up having to up my dose which my doc did without a problem.

Now I'm in the position where I need to wean back off so I can go back to taking it PRN at the lower dose. Every time I try to lower the dose, within a day or two, I get depressed, irritability, anxiety, agressiveness, etc. So it is something I just have to work through.

Not everone develops tolerance or side effects or withdrawal or anything like that.

Sorry about that.

Ignore me.

You don't need to apologize for having an opinion, but if you're in an "anti-benzo" mood that doesn't mean you should go posting a bunch of negative benzo info. Like was said, post to sources so we can evaluate if they have any merit. There are entire groups out there that think that benzos are the spawn of the devil and are responsible for all of their life problems.

As far as your taper, are you doing a slow, gradual taper like 10% a week? Klonopin can be tricky to taper off of due to the .5mg pills being the smallest widely available dose.

micha · 11-20-2008, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMBfan

You don't need to apologize for having an opinion, but if you're in an "anti-benzo" mood that doesn't mean you should go posting a bunch of negative benzo info. Like was said, post to sources so we can evaluate if they have any merit. There are entire groups out there that think that benzos are the spawn of the devil and are responsible for all of their life problems.

As far as your taper, are you doing a slow, gradual taper like 10% a week? Klonopin can be tricky to taper off of due to the .5mg pills being the smallest widely available dose.

I agree with you a 100% !!!!!!!!

CoconutHolder · 11-20-2008, 07:06 AM

I know.

My bad.

micha · 11-20-2008, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoconutHolder

I know.

My bad.

It's fine...don't feel bad!!!! realy!!!!!

CoconutHolder · 11-20-2008, 07:14 AM

Okay!

Noca · 11-20-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micha

It's fine...don't feel bad!!!! realy!!!!!

ditto (((((hugs))))) CH

micha · 11-21-2008, 06:35 AM

Hi guys.....I just want to let you know that I am already feeling better since I increased lexapro...it's been 4 days since I increased it .....and still taking klonopin...is that possible after only 4 days and feeling better? wow...I don't want to jinx myself....defenitevely an improvement....

micha · 11-24-2008, 07:37 AM

Update on me.....doing much much better now since I increased my lexapro...so I guess that was the problem..not enough serotonin...and i'm still on klonopin....

UltraShy · 11-24-2008, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMBfan

It has Heather Aston written all over it...

Britain's Prof. C. Heather Ashton is a lunatic. I remember once reading her site -- it would be hilarious if she weren't serious. The old bag blames benzos for literally everything. She even blamed benzos for a case of blindness.

Should I tell you how you blind yourself with benzos or just leave you eternally stumped trying to figure out that mystery? Well, you crush some benzos and make it into a solution. You then put that solution into a dirty syringe and shoot it into the corner of your eye, get an infection from the dirty needle and end up blind.

Would you blame benzos for that, or would you blame a man who is in the running for world's ultimate moron for administering benzos in such a fashion? Ashton would blame benzos. I'd blame the moron.

I can't speak for others, but I've never felt any desire to shoot benzos into my eyes, so I think I'm safe in that area.

11-18-2008, 07:06 PM	#22 (permalink)
KurtG85 Status: SAS Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Missouri Gender: Male Age: 24 Posts: 472	Source(s)? __________________ Rule #1 for people new to psych meds: http://www.depressionforums.org/foru...hp?act=SR&f=55 Meds I have experience with: Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Desipramine, Nortriptyline, Imipramine, Remeron, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, Pristiq, Effexor, Trazodone, Risperdal, Geodon, Abilify, Buspar, Dexedrine, Focalin, Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Ativan, Klonopin, Neurontin, Guanfacine, Lamictal, Lithium, Provigil, Strattera, Most all the herbal stuff.

11-19-2008, 10:35 AM	#28 (permalink)
CoconutHolder Status: Andromeda Galaxy Travelor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North/East U.S. Gender: Female Age: 29 Posts: 6,857	Sorry if I made anyone upsest or mad. That wasn't my intention. I was in a weird mood last night because I have been trying to wean myself back off of klonopin and its been tough. I built up a tolerance when I had to take it daily for a few weeks. I ended up having to up my dose which my doc did without a problem. Now I'm in the position where I need to wean back off so I can go back to taking it PRN at the lower dose. Every time I try to lower the dose, within a day or two, I get depressed, irritability, anxiety, agressiveness, etc. So it is something I just have to work through. Not everone develops tolerance or side effects or withdrawal or anything like that. Sorry about that. Ignore me. __________________ “The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.” ~Tom B.~

11-20-2008, 07:06 AM	#34 (permalink)
CoconutHolder Status: Andromeda Galaxy Travelor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North/East U.S. Gender: Female Age: 29 Posts: 6,857	I know. My bad. __________________ “The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.” ~Tom B.~

11-20-2008, 07:14 AM	#36 (permalink)
CoconutHolder Status: Andromeda Galaxy Travelor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North/East U.S. Gender: Female Age: 29 Posts: 6,857	Okay! __________________ “The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.” ~Tom B.~

11-18-2008, 03:48 PM	#21 (permalink)
micha Status: SAS Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 40	I saw my dr this morning and he recommended to increase lexapro from 10 mg to 15 mg for a while then to 20mg depending how I feel ... and he said to remain on klonopin while doing the transition to avoid excess axiety .... so hopefully this will work....

11-18-2008, 07:28 PM	#23 (permalink)
DMBfan Status: SAS Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 175	Let me guess, that info came from one of the anti-benzo sites? It has Heather Aston written all over it (doesn't she claim to have had the only benzodiazepine clinic?) Some of the info is true, namely exacerbation of underlying symptoms during tapering . But most of that info is pure rubbish. Benzos causing agoraphobia, IBS and panic attacks? Uhm, it's the other way around, they are used to treat those symptoms. This paragraph alone is utter nonsense (unless they're talking about recreational users which is a moot point when discussing therapeutic use of these medications.) Chronic long term use of benzodiazepines is associated with an increased risk of impulsive, aggressive and violent behaviour. A study showed that 53% of long term benzodiazepine users showed violent characteristics where as only 5.3% of patients receiving psychotherapy developed violent or aggressive behavioural patterns.[70] Studies have shown that long term use of benzodiazepines is associated with causing depression as well as a markedly raised suicide risk as well as an overall increased mortality risk.[71][72] Daily users of benzodiazepines are also at a higher risk of experiencing psychotic symptomatology such as delusions and hallucinations.[73]

11-18-2008, 07:43 PM	#25 (permalink)
Noca Status: Permanently Banned Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ontario Gender: Male Age: 23 Posts: 14,079	POSSIBLE side effects or withdrawal effects dont scare me. This is because they only happen in such few individuals and the ones who actually get those side effects, they only get like 1-2 from the list if that. Benzos help FAR too much for me to just give it up knowing ill never go through withdrawal anyways since i use it prn.

11-18-2008, 07:52 PM	#26 (permalink)
micha Status: SAS Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 40	My sister has been on klonopin .5 mg for years too and never had to increase the dosage....she is doing great and leading a normal and happy life....probably will be on it for the rest of her life.....anxiety runs in my family....unfortunately....

11-21-2008, 06:35 AM	#38 (permalink)
micha Status: SAS Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 40	Hi guys.....I just want to let you know that I am already feeling better since I increased lexapro...it's been 4 days since I increased it .....and still taking klonopin...is that possible after only 4 days and feeling better? wow...I don't want to jinx myself....defenitevely an improvement....

11-24-2008, 07:37 AM	#39 (permalink)
micha Status: SAS Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 40	Update on me.....doing much much better now since I increased my lexapro...so I guess that was the problem..not enough serotonin...and i'm still on klonopin....