I am a college student whom started to get anxiety as a senior in highschool(racing heart, thoughts,shortness of breath, etc). My doc prescribed lorazepam to take as needed and it seemed to help. A couple of months ago my anxiety returned and I was put on paxil. It seems to help for the most part, however, I feel "dull." I have tried klonopin before and it seemed to help me. It was especially helpful when I was ready to go to bed(I have trouble sleeping). Has any body had a positive transition from an SSRI to a benzo such as this. If so, how do I address my doctor in switching me over? In addition to my general anxiety I think I might have a bit of a social phobia as well. I tend to "self-medicate" quite generously with alcohol in large social settings with people that I don't know, even with the paxil being in my system. Any thoughts? Thanks
Answers (3)
pledge30 Jan 2012
Hello jkmz30. Simply be honest and up front and ask your doctor tp prescribe you the Klonopin. Its a long acting Benzodiazepine, (as you already know) and will certainly help you better in regards to the Paxil. Klonopin is a more powerfull drug most all of the SSRI(s) From crossing over from the one to the other, I don't see it as a being a concern. Not knowing your dose of Paxil, guessing perhaps 20 to 30mg, you might do a slow taper while taking the Klonopin. The major hurdle will be sedation. If you were to be planning any real activity, especially involving your motor sklls, automobile etc, best to take a taxi. Try not to drink the alchol. Not a good idea to mix Benzodiazepines along with Alcohol. Good health and wishes to you,pledge
babyr042330 Jan 2012
Dear jkimz30,
I agree with Pledge, just be honest with your doctor and let him know you need the Klonopin. I take it and it helps me tremendously. As far as the baseball question, and will it have to much of a calming effect. Only you will know that until you take it and see how it effects you. You can always not take it too close to game time, if thats an issue. I hope I've helped a little. Good luck to you and best wishes. Ruth
jkimz30
31 Jan 2012
Thank you for your input..is klonopin something you take everyday? Also, do you experience any side effects(including sexual ones)?
babyr0423
31 Jan 2012
I take it everyday, but I have to due to severe anxiety. You may experience some side effects at first like sleepiness, maybe blurred vision, dizziness, light headed, ect. but they would go away with time. Or you may just feel a calming effect and not feel any of those. I can't tell you what you're going to feel. I would look it up, if I were you, and see the possibe, and I repeat possible side effects. There going to list everything under the sun. I would just take it and be optimistic about it, and tell myself it's going to work great for me. If you don't like it for some reason, you can always change. Right? Most importantly... you need to get to feeling better... period. And you won't know unless you try it. It's been a lifesaver for me. I'm here if you need to talk. I know how tough it can be. You hate to need something... but sometimes we do need a little help in life to get us through. And theres nothing wrong with that. Good luck, and take care. Ruth
5 Feb 2012
i am a 44 yr old female who was institutionalized in82/83 for drug abuse(self-medicating) they didnt diagnose bipolar in people under 30 then... did great through my 20's and then BLAM at 29 during a divorce,death of loved one, moving to new home, and loss of job, it triggered the Mother of all psychotic breaks... after several serious suicide attempts, assorted psychiatrist and psychologists..then 3 to 4 years of every combination of medications known to modern medicine, i was blessed with the right doctor, therapist and med combination ... Paxil 40 mg daily... klonopin 1 mg 3 times a day..and a small dose of trileptal... i was very drug sensitive... after a few months of seroquel i found myself in the ER with uncontrollable face and tongue movements..it is called tardive something or other..but i was one of the lucky few to experience it..my advice to you is keep it as simple as possible...
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Thank you for your input.Are you suggesting that I slowly get off the paxil while starting on the klonopin(if i get a script) and then stick to the klonopin?I play baseball as well... I experience anxiety when performing as well but will the klonopin have too much of a calming effect on my performance?
Thats exactly what I'm suggesting. Take the Klonopin while weening of from the Paxil, best wishes,pledge