![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jesus on February 16, 2003, at 2:33:59
Im taking 10 mg of Lex for depression/anxiety/panic/muscle-tension along w/ 30 mg of adderall XR daily. I've been on Lex since xmas, and it really hasn't done too much. After much research I came to the conclusion that the only thing that would probably work for me is a benzo...I'm thinking Klonopin could work wonders but I'm afraid that asking my pdoc about it will make him suspicious of me, and I don't want to 'beat around the bush' b/c I'm afraid he may think these symptoms are from the adderall. So, if anybody reading this is on Klonopin, were you prescribed it after various failed meds? what kind of symptoms did you complain of before you were put on it? I want to make sure I'm not 'overstepping my bounds' in suggesting a benzo to my doctor.
Posted by jodie on February 16, 2003, at 3:04:59
In reply to Klonopin out of the question?, posted by jesus on February 16, 2003, at 2:33:59
When I was first prescribed Klonopin, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. They first prescribed Depakote, and an AD. During my next visit, I told my pdoc I had severe aggitation. I would get it for no reason, mostly in the evenings. I would get mad, and didn't need a cause. I felt like pulling my hair out. I would just pace the floors. Thats when I started Klonopin.
I am being told now that I have ADD. I still take Klonopin. I take 2 mg's a day. I believe I have both disorders.
Just go in to your pdoc and tell them your prolems, don't ask for anything specific. I think thats when they get suspicious. After he gives you his opinion, if he doesn't mention a benzo, then ask about Klonopin. Tell him you heard it was longer acting than some other benzos, and less addictive.
No matter what, you have the right to get the meds you need. At least to be able to give it a try. I know that a lot of pdocs can shy away from prescribing anything that might be addictive. Sorry, thats there job, to help the patient. If he doesn't want to comply, is there another pdoc you can try? Maybe your pdoc will have other suggestions that might work, who knows. The biggest thing is, like I said, it's best not to go in and ask for something by name. My fiancee's pdoc actually asked him what benzo he wanted, that seems unusual. He asked for Klonopin. His pdoc put him on that, and also prescribed Xanax, just in case he needs something to act a little quicker. He has a pretty understanding pdoc.
Anyway, hope you can get the help you need form your pdoc.
Sorry if this post is hard to understand, I am suffering from good old insomnia. My brain isn't functioning properly. It's going after 4 in the morning, I haven't been to sleep yet. I woke up this morning, well yesterday morning at 9 am, after going to sleep only 3 hours before that. I've been like this for quite a while now. So if I am just babbling on & on...sorry :-)
Jodie
Posted by viridis on February 16, 2003, at 4:35:03
In reply to Klonopin out of the question?, posted by jesus on February 16, 2003, at 2:33:59
I agree with Jodie's post, except that I wish people wouldn't equate benzos with "addictive" -- they simply aren't addictive for most people who need them. Yes, they can induce dependency (meaning that they shouldn't be discontinued suddenly, just like SSRIs etc.). But addiction in a medical sense entails escalating dosages, continued use despite negative consequences, and so on. Benzos are unlikely to cause this response in anxiety sufferers, so the label of "addictive" doesn't apply to the vast majority of people who benefit from these meds.
A reasonable doctor should be willing to try Klonopin. Xanax is more difficult to get (although it's an excellent med for many); it has too much of a reputation for being a euphoriant, and its short half-life supposedly increases the chance of dependence.
I take Klonopin regularly and Xanax occasionally, and this works well. I'd approach your doctor cautiously about Klonopin (clonazepam) and see how he or she reacts. Klonopin can be extremely effective, and is definitely worth a try. As Jodie suggested, you could share your concerns about the possibility of dependency and ask whether your doctor would consider clonazepam. If not, I'd consult a psychiatrist if possible.
I was prescribed Klonopin primarily for anxiety and panic attacks, and from a practical point of view, I'd emphasize the panic side of things, since Klonopin is highly regarded as a treatment for panic disorder. In my experience, it works extremely well. I'd be straightforward with your doctor, and as I've said, if he or she refuses to prescribe benzos, then I'd seek a second opinion.
Good luck!
Posted by jodie on February 16, 2003, at 14:18:33
In reply to Re: Klonopin out of the question?, posted by viridis on February 16, 2003, at 4:35:03
When I used the word "addictive", I was speaking of what healthcare workers (pdocs), and pharmacists like to refer benzo's as. I do know people that abuse them, and become addicted, they usually are the ones that use them for the wrong reasons.
In all honesty, anything that works good for anyone, or anything that someone does over again that benefits them is actually addictive, in a positive way. People think that the word addictive always means something bad, most people being your healthcare workers. I am addicted to bubble baths because I like them, they relax me. I am addicted to Klonopin, because It helps control seizures that I have. My body needs it. Addiction doesn't have to be a bad thing. Now if my bubble baths were harming me in some way, and I was addicted to them, yes thats bad. If I was abusing my Klonopin, that is bad (or at least not good for my body).
Anything that anyone does, and does over again because they like it, or benefit from it, are addicted, good or bad. Many Dr.'s take the word addictive and relate it in all the wrong way. Abuse on the other hand, I can understand. Just my opinion.
Posted by viridis on February 16, 2003, at 18:30:22
In reply to Re: Klonopin out of the question? » viridis, posted by jodie on February 16, 2003, at 14:18:33
Hi Jodie,
I know you understand the difference between use and abuse; I just get frustrated by the way the word "addictive" becomes attached to certain meds, reinforcing the idea that they're somehow bad or dangerous.
If you look at the medical definition of addiction, it involves negative consequences, drug-seeking behavior that interferes with one's normal life, escalation of doses, etc. So, in the strict medical sense of the word, "addiction" is inherently a negative thing, even though I agree that in everyday language people often use the term to describe something they like and therefore do often.
So, I'm guessing that you're not really "addicted" to bubble baths (for example, do you find yourself driving across town in the middle of the night to score some Mr. Bubble, missing important meetings because of excessive bathing, and so on?). I know I'm being kind of silly, but my point is just that when we say this or that med is "addictive", it reinforces a misperception and may scare people (and their doctors) away from something that could be very helpful.
Anyway, I certainly don't want to give you a hard time or be over-picky; I'm just sensitive to anything that (even unintentionally) reinforces benzophobia, since these are such useful meds or me and many others.
Posted by wingedcat on February 16, 2003, at 19:13:39
In reply to Klonopin out of the question?, posted by jesus on February 16, 2003, at 2:33:59
> Im taking 10 mg of Lex for depression/anxiety/panic/muscle-tension along w/ 30 mg of adderall XR daily. I've been on Lex since xmas, and it really hasn't done too much. After much research I came to the conclusion that the only thing that would probably work for me is a benzo...I'm thinking Klonopin could work wonders but I'm afraid that asking my pdoc about it will make him suspicious of me, and I don't want to 'beat around the bush' b/c I'm afraid he may think these symptoms are from the adderall. So, if anybody reading this is on Klonopin, were you prescribed it after various failed meds? what kind of symptoms did you complain of before you were put on it? I want to make sure I'm not 'overstepping my bounds' in suggesting a benzo to my doctor.
I want to get on a benzo too. I've been afraid to ask for an anti anxiety med because I dread the thought of them turning me away and calling me a drug addict. The last time I saw my primary doc (about thyroid problems) I actually was having a panic attack in his office. He asked me if I had ever tried something like Xanax or Valium and I said that I was afraid it would make me too sleepy. I was afraid that if I came right out and said PLEASE!!!! that he would automatically stamp on his chart REJECTED and I wouldn't get them. So he wrote me a script for beta blockers instead. They help a little but I don't want to take them every day. I have an appointment with a psychiatrist on tuesday and I am so scared. I know what I want but asking for it directly tends to make doctors feel like you said, overstepping bounds. :(
I just wanted to say I totally understand your hesitation and worry about him being suspicious of you. I have been on many failed meds too and SSRI's (like Lexapro) don't work for me either. I hope you are able to get what you want... and I hope I am too.
Seeing as they trust you enough to be on Adderall, they probably will trust you with a benzo.
Posted by jodie on February 16, 2003, at 23:12:35
In reply to Re: Klonopin out of the question? » jodie, posted by viridis on February 16, 2003, at 18:30:22
I am sorry if you think I am reinforcing benzophobia. That was not my intention.
Yes, I am addicted to bubble baths, and yes I would drive across town in the middle of the night for Mr. Bubbles (I've done it before). Why not, I am usually awake all night anyway (insomnia).
But, I was stating to jesus that some pdocs (and others) like to use the word "addictive" with benzo's. So I told him not to ask for it by name. I did not say "do not take clonazepam, you will become addicted and abuse it". If one needs a medication, they have the right to have it. In my opinion, if a pdoc is phobic with medications, I am out the door. I don't need a pdoc to neglect me, and any treatment I need, obviously jesus doesn't either.
I understand you are not trying to give me a "hard time". But once again I am sorry if you think I am reinforcing benzophobia, even unintentionally. I do not believe that I am. Benzo's are useful for me, and many others, including you. I have read the medical definition of addiction. In my opinion its silly for me to be able to say that I am addicted to bubble baths, and someone take it the wrong way. Oh, and by the way, I am addicted to chocolate too. I just drove in over a foot of blowing and drifting snow to get some. We are under a state of emergency, not supposed to go anywhere.
Anyway, I'm done with the conversation. I was just giving jesus a few pointers, and not trying to upset anyone. I haven't the strength (mentally) to discuss whether or not I'm reinforcing benzophobia when I am not.
Jodie
Posted by jodie on February 17, 2003, at 1:51:22
In reply to My addictions...and not reinforcing benzophobia » viridis, posted by jodie on February 16, 2003, at 23:12:35
Sorry, didn't mean for the post to sound rude. I've been suffering from insomnia, and have been really moody!!!
jodie
Posted by viridis on February 17, 2003, at 2:43:46
In reply to Re: My addictions...and not reinforcing benzophobi, posted by jodie on February 17, 2003, at 1:51:22
Hi Jodie,
No problem -- no offense taken, and I think we're basically on the same page. (I didn't mean to accuse you of reinforcing benzophobia). And hey, if you are going to be hooked on something, bubble baths are a pretty sane choice.
I hope that you can get some sleep (maybe a bubble bath would help?).
All the best,
Viridis
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.