Panic Attacks Support Group

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...

6,157 Members
6,394 Posts
0 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Panic Attacks Support Group

Klonopin and Panic Attacks

dancingwriter
dancingwriter
Hello,

I'm new to the forums and have a few questions related to Klonopin. I was prescribed 0.5 mg for panic attacks that have worsened since I've entered menopause. My main triggers are driving in bad traffic, being over-scheduled, work stress, and rushing. I've noticed my anxiety is worse during the week and less of a problem when I'm relaxing on the weekend.

I took the medication as prescribed for about 3 weeks with good improvement of the panic symptoms. However, in the past few days, I have felt depressed and exhausted in the mornings. I always take my medicine at night, about 30 minutes before bedtime. I called my doctor and told her about the depression and "zombie-like" exhaustion.

She has cut my dose down to 0.25 mg and I've been on that for the past few days. So far, so good other than a little more anxiety when driving to work. I also had a lot of diarrhea and have no idea if that's related to changing my dose. I just wondered if anyone else had similar problems with Klonopin making them feel depressed or exhausted all of the time. I've been coming home from work and falling asleep for two hours when I get home. When my doctor heard this, she reduced my dosage to 0.25 mg.

Thanks for listening,
dancingwriter
annieheart
annieheart
I did not want to take Xanax because of things I saw. My doctor put me on Klonopin. At first I was ok but than my anxiety grew and grew so bad. I went off it and on the Xanax and did a lot better.
maria1794
maria1794
I was placed on Klonopin for a very brief time, .5 mg twice a day but it did nothing to help my anxiety or panic attacks. I would say that if you are concerned still, talk to your doctor again. Finding the right medication is almost like an experiment of sorts. There are many trial and errors but eventually you will find what works for you.

Also, I'm not sure if this will help but sometimes when I feel an attack coming on I find something to count. I know it sounds silly and may not completely stop your attack but I find that sometimes it helps alleviate it. I'll look for a certain color and try to count as many of them as possible.

Good luck,

Maria
willye
willye
I have been on klonopin for 20 years since i was 17 im now 37 1mg 3 times a day i have atleast taken 1 a day for 20 years and i usually take 2 a day i still get extreme panic attacks and anxiety just not as much for example my work drive dealing with bridges i still get it but with the klonopon i wont get it in situations that are just regualar if that makes any sense
becca7167
becca7167
I take klonipin, but at times my panic attacks are so bad that doesn't cut it. I take xanax as needed and that helps.
KCH
KCH
I suffer from panic attacks, have had them since I was 34 yo, lived with them for many many years not knowing what they were, thought I was crazy and didn't want any one to know. I had trouble with depression after a divorce but was put on Zoloft for that and later found out that Zoloft was good for panic attacks and have continued to take them for they do make the attacks less then they were before. I also take Klonopin for the times the Zoloft doesn't quite take care of it, I twice a day as needed. I try first to talk myself out of it but some situations bring them on and all that works is the medication.
salvatop
salvatop
You need to be very careful with Xanax or Klonopin. They are in the class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These days doctors are more reluctant to prescribe benzos because of possible addiction and withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop taking them. Google benzodiazepine withdrawal, it's pretty scary.
BrightAngel1.1
BrightAngel1.1
Have you or your doctor ever considered LorazePam? It can become addictive if one solely rely on it. I also want to mention, I was diagnosed with GAD and Panic Disorder. I had 4-5 panic Attacks a day five daystar a week for approximately a year. I wanted to gain control of my life, so I developed coping skills to help me. I want to encourage you to take Klonapin only when nothing other methods such as deep breathing or relaxing, or other methods are not helping.
MelB
MelB
I have taken 3 mg of Klonopin for over 20 years. I can't tell it does anything except I rarely have the terrible panic attacks I used to have!!! I guess the longer you take it the better it works. At first it made me sleepy but after a few months I felt no effect. I don't see it as addicting psychology but physiologically it IS! Do not try to just stop taking it or you will have withdrawal symptoms.
Kristal
Kristal
I've been on both Xanax and klonopin and though they are both benzos, they are two different "animals ". Ie Xanax has extreme addictive tendencies and withdrawal is incredibly painful. Klonopin is not addictive and when you don't need it any longer, you can comfortably titrate off of it within 2 weeks. Reading information on the Internet isn't a good idea. Talking with a pharmacist is best. I looked at symptoms I was having after taking more aleve than I meant to take, and the Internet information scared me to the point of treating myself to an ER visit. The doctors explained that the Internet gives worse case scenario and they have many unnecessary patients because of it. I was one of them, costing $2500.00 for that trip triggered by fear from the all knowing and always true Internet information. Talk with your doctor and get the best information from your pharmacist. Leave the net for a resource, but not direction.
Kristal
Kristal
Stopping any medication you've taken for an extended time abruptly is dangerous! I was told not to quit them cold, but never told why. I found out a year ago when I stopped because I was not getting better. It threw my brain into a hellish embalance and cognitive thoughts weren't forming. After two weeks of physical pain and mental confusion, not to mention Dr jekyll and Mr Hyde mood swings, my husband forced me to go to my doctor accompanied by him, and "then" I was told why not to quit meds cold. .... Stroke. Cardiac arrest. Delusions. Suicide attempts. Respiratory arrest during sleep. Hallucinations. Irrational behavior. Etc. My husband asked why we weren't informed of those things before, and the doctor said, "I expect my patients to follow my directions because they are here for my help. I assume they trust what I say without my having to be condescending and explain why". My husband said "I won't be condescending to you then by not explaining why you are no longer my wife's doctor". I ended up in the hospital on a 72 hour watch while they reintroduced my meds. NOW... I know.
egan
egan
For me kolonopin was the worst of the medications I've been described (and I've gone through MANY) I came very close to suicide on Kolonopin. If the feeling persists I'd recommend asking for your meds to be switched. Buspirone had worked some what well for me if that helps. Stay strong.
Posts You May Be Interested In