Question:
hey anyone have info on being addicted to klonopin? anyone with such experiences. i think i might be addicted. i went from taking one to two a day to popping them at a rate of about one an hour. taking 8-10. my therapist said that might be why i am hurting myself more because my inhibitions are whatever it is. just that i am so calm ad stuff i just hurt myself worse without noticing, only knowing by the after effects. i am worried because friday my dr is raising my zoloft from 150 to 200 and cutting back on the klonopin. i am running low on it (it was a months supply at 2 a day) and am worried she won’t give me much of a refill. i am wondering if i would have withdrawal symptoms.i also feel i rely on it. i have become really talkative in class and calm and this has been a really nice change for me. but i know continuing taking more and more k will only hurt me. any ideas anyone or info or links or anything. thanks. les.
Response:
Hi, I take Klonopin and have been on a pretty small dose (1.5 mg -2mg max per day) for about 7 years. i went from taking one to two a day to popping them at a rate of about one an hour. taking 8-10.
Were you taking more of them to stop anxiety or out of some other reason? When I first started them the relaxation was profound and I thought I was cured of the anxiety for life. This feeling lasted for about 3 months. I went about regular life but with less physical symptoms and somewhat less worries. Anyway, from what I experienced, the initial 2mgs a day should have relaxed you quite a bit and you would not want for more Klonopin until 3 months later(or somewhere around there). You might think that you need more and then realize you are a little better and stick with a maintenance dose. It is true that Klonopin becomes less effective after time and you need to take more but it takes time to build up tolerance… Also, like I said, I believe there is a point at which you can level off and just stay with that dose. This is the impression I have always been given. Was it the case that you were just impatient and took more expecting everything to go away? That sounds like what happened to me from what I can tell. Anyway, the point is that 8-10 mgs is a lot for someone with anxiety. That’s about the amount they give to epileptics… I am not an expert but here’s what I would do: #1 – I would tell your doctor about this and just follow a plan to cut back. It sounds to me like you didn’t actually develop a tolerance to 8-10 mgs a day yet. How long has it been??? It takes time to build up a tolerance so it may very well be that you could just drop to 2mgs a day. *Don’t* take that as truth! What I’m saying is that *from this message only as I don’t know you too well* it sounds like you just took the 8-10 over a short period of time… If that’s the case I *think* that you could cut back to a regular size dose in a short time because you aren’t truly adjusted to this dosage yet. #2 …later…. my therapist said that might be why i am hurting myself more because my inhibitions are whatever it is.
Klonopin would do that, especially in higher doses. But you still have a lot of control. It doesn’t control you but it can lower inhibitions from my experience. just that i am so calm ad stuff i just hurt myself worse without noticing, only knowing by the after effects.
I didn’t mention it yet and I’m not trying to lecture, but you really shouldn’t even think about cutting yourself ever. The reason is basically that it could kill you to bleed to death and the more you cut the more you put yourself at risk of that. I suppose you could say it is a cultural thing or a personal thing, but it’s kind of universal that cutting yourself is a high risk activity, even more dangerous than something like skydiving or swimming with sharks. I read that it is hard for you to stop and that other people tell you to stop perhaps and you feel somehow compelled to do it. Is that right? I wish I knew what to tell you. In my opinion, it’s just a really bad idea and you should stop immediately. If you cannot the only thing that crossed my mind is if you could use a smaller instrument??? Perhaps you could taper off the cutting by using a needle and just cutting on your hand in very small cuts maybe??? I’m not trying to be funny at all… I seriously thought that…. I had a friend in college who did the same thing as you but his cuts were just little abrasions like if you etched into yourself with a needle. He just would have scratches on him. We didn’t think it was cool and were worried about him, but these cuts were never deep enough to hurt him seriously. So, if you must continue have you ever thought of tapering off by using smaller instruments and on safer areas to cut? I would say just quit but this might help and is all I can offer. I’m sorry that I can’t be of better help and I hope all my advice is taken just like advice and not what you *should* do. i am worried because friday my dr is raising my zoloft from 150 to 200 and cutting back on the klonopin.
has the Zoloft been helping you at all from your experience? I am not saying it is, but have you ever felt the Zoloft might be causing you to change your behavior? I don’t think the drugs are horrible or anything but it’s always possible. i am wondering if i would have withdrawal symptoms.
I personally would tell her and adjust accordingly. i also feel i rely on it. i have become really talkative in class and calm and this has been a really nice change for me.
Sorry that this message has been all over the place… One of the central ideas I was trying to get across is that you are probably feeling the good feelings just because you are on Klonopin at all. You would feel relatively the same at 2mgs in my opinion. Surely the 8-10mgs is more sedating but you are probably feeling pretty good as far as anxiety from the initial 2mgs and the rest is overkill. I suspect this is the case although I am not sure. The reason I believe it is basically that when I started on Klonopin I felt "stoned" for a day or two. It was a relaxing feeling and I thought all my anxiety was gone. I did start being a little more social too I believe. It sounds very similar to what you’re talking about. Sounds to me like that extra 6mgs is just making you a *little* more calm than you already were on the regular dosage. but i know continuing taking more and more k will only hurt me.
I feel pretty awkward because I’m not a therapist and don’t want to give you the wrong advice. I would *definitely* not continue at such a high dosage of Klonopin. I used to think that taking that many would just knock me out. I never even thought of taking that many as that just seems to me to be way too many. Don’t go off it abruptly though. Talk to someone first. I would call your doctor and try to start tapering right now…. I take only 2mgs max like I said and it still helps even long term. any ideas anyone or info or links or anything. thanks. les.
Overall, like I said: #1- the 8-10 mgs of Klonopin is almost certainly more than necessary #2 – The doc will understand your situation and help you cut back. If the doc doesn’t want to help, find another doc. Don’t cut back cold turkey unless the doctor says it is possbile to shift down to the initial dose. #3- I personally believe you would fare almost the same on 2mgs of Klonopin and that the 6 mgs excess is being wasted. Surely it does give you more relaxation but not much more than the initial 2mgs *if* you have just started taking it recently. When you first start taking Klonopin it should give you enough relaxation that you wouldn’t want to up the dose. *the key question* How many days/how long have you been at the higher dose? This would definitely impact how much or how fast you can cut back. For example: If you just took the 8-10 mgs on *one* day you would not be addicted to it and could just stay with your normal dose. #4 – I suggest that somehow you try to stop cutting yourself. There are two methods I can think of that could help you: a) weaning of it by cutting with a smaller instrument and less "at risk" areas like the hands and just cutting the surface NOTE: just an idea and I do NOT advocate the cutting at all. b) substitute the cutting with some other activity that is not as dangerous. examples: video games? smashing cardboard boxes? something else… I assumed there that anger fueled your desire to cut. I would find something that would fulfill the same feeling. Have you ever thought of these options? I don’t think the cutting is good at all, but mean to suggest methods of getting off of it. You said your doc thinks it’s to get attention? I would suggest doing something else… You can really get attention many, many ways. The only cutting I ever heard of being acceptable is the kind of cutting Africans do to make the marks on their face… however, that isn’t a persistent thing and is more like a Tatoo. You could try body art or Tatoos? Anyway, I hope this was helpful. later AM
Response:
hey anyone have info on being addicted to klonopin? anyone with such experiences. i think i might be addicted. i went from taking one to two a day to popping them at a rate of about one an hour. taking 8-10. my therapist said that might be why i am hurting myself more because my inhibitions are whatever it is. just that i am so calm ad stuff i just hurt myself worse without noticing, only knowing by the after effects. i am worried because friday my dr is raising my zoloft from 150 to 200 and cutting back on the klonopin. i am running low on it (it was a months supply at 2 a day) and am worried she won’t give me much of a refill. i am wondering if i would have withdrawal symptoms.i also feel i rely on it. i have become really talkative in class and calm and this has been a really nice change for me. but i know continuing taking more and more k will only hurt me. any ideas anyone or info or links or anything. thanks. les.
Dear Les, You need to talk to the doctor that prescribes the Klonopin and tell him what has been going on. Didn`t your therapist give you any advice about this when you told her you were taking so much Klonopin? Please talk to your doctor about this, you aren`t going to find help by reading links. You need intervention now…… Jackie
Response:
hey anyone have info on being addicted to klonopin? anyone with such experiences. i think i might be addicted. i went from taking one to two a day to popping them at a rate of about one an hour. taking 8-10. my
What is your total daily dose of Klonopin (in mg per day)? For example, I take 2 mg/day. Chip therapist said that might be why i am hurting myself more because my inhibitions are whatever it is. just that i am so calm ad stuff i just hurt myself worse without noticing, only knowing by the after effects. i am worried because friday my dr is raising my zoloft from 150 to 200 and cutting back on the klonopin. i am running low on it (it was a months supply at 2 a day) and am worried she won’t give me much of a refill. i am wondering if i would have withdrawal symptoms.i also feel i rely on it. i have become really talkative in class and calm and this has been a really nice change for me. but i know continuing taking more and more k will only hurt me. any ideas anyone or info or links or anything. thanks. les.
Response:
Hey Chip- I’[m supposed to be on .5-1 a day, but i’ve been on 3-5 a day (mg) les ps and i keep raising it
dose of Klonopin (in mg per day)? For example, I – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – take 2 mg/day. Chip
Response:
Hey Chip- I’[m supposed to be on .5-1 a day, but i’ve been on 3-5 a day (mg) les ps and i keep raising it
Hi Les, A good dose for PTSD is in the range of 1 to 2 mg/day. Why are you taking so much? Why do you keep raizing the dose? Chip dose of Klonopin (in mg per day)? For example, I take 2 mg/day. Chip
Response:
Hey Chip- I’[m supposed to be on .5-1 a day, but i’ve been on 3-5 a day (mg) les ps and i keep raising it
Les, please talk to your doctor about this. You are not using Klonopin the right way if you keep increasing the dose. Another med might be more suitable for you. In this way the Klonopin will do you more harm than good in the end. Philip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – dose of Klonopin (in mg per day)? For example, I take 2 mg/day. Chip
Response:
i can’t go to class without taking at least one at first, but now it’s three. long days i need three and then another two or so. then at night when things are always worse for me i take like one every couple of hours. i think it is losing some of it’s effect, but also making me loose enough i can really hurt myself. les.. A good dose for PTSD is in the range of 1 to 2 mg/day. Why are you taking so much? Why do you keep raizing the dose? Chip
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Response:
yes, i have told her she wants me to raise my zoloft i will see what else. i responded to your other post more. i don’t want to take the k like i am and i agree with my therapist it probably is why the cutting’s been worse les
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Chip- I’[m supposed to be on .5-1 a day, but i’ve been on 3-5 a day (mg) les ps and i keep raising it Les, please talk to your doctor about this. You are not using Klonopin the right way if you keep increasing the dose. Another med might be more suitable for you. In this way the Klonopin will do you more harm than good in the end. Philip daily dose of Klonopin (in mg per day)? For example, I take 2 mg/day. Chip
Response:
Les, I think you might be getting the Placebo Effect with Klonopin. You are probably associating taking a Klonopin pill with relaxing and you have been under stress lately and in big time need to relax so your thoughts are probably telling you to take a Klonopin and you will feel better. I’ve been taking Klonopin for close to 5 years now and I have been stable on 2 mgs per day. Be careful what you say on this newsgroup. Klonopin is not addictive. I never reached a tolerance level of Klonopin and had to increase my dosage to get the same effect. Cocaine is addictive in that respect. Klonopin should be used to manage your anxiety. It should not be abused and used as a psychological crutch. You are not addicted to Klonopin. You are abusing Klonopin and you are getting a Placebo Effect from it. You should try walking to burn off stress and anxiety. If you don’t like going outside, maybe get a stationary bike to use indoors. You sound like you are all wound up because life has treated you well lately and your reaching for pills or your knife to make you feel better. I hope you can find a way to relax Les. Just Relax Les : ) Les Is More : ) Tony — — "Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans" ….. John Lennon
| i can’t go to class without taking at least one at first, but now it’s | three. long days i need three and then another two or so. then at night when | things are always worse for me i take like one every couple of hours. i | think it is losing some of it’s effect, but also making me loose enough i | can really hurt myself. | les..
| | A good dose for PTSD is in the range of 1 to 2 mg/day. | | Why are you taking so much? Why do you keep raizing the dose? | | Chip | .com/ | | |
Response:
i didn’t mean to offend anyone but i don’t think i said anything here i shouldn’t have i was asking a question, i was not provoking an anti-med thing i had only good intentions where else can i bounce off the wall ideas about my meds? i am not anti-any meds. not any more i think i am using it as a crutch and that is bad plus taking meds not as perscribed is always bad i think i;m addicted to it just like i’m addicted to the cutting i dunno but i am not one of those anti-benzos i thank god for meds and i do believe in them les. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been taking Klonopin for close to 5 years now and I have been stable on 2 mgs per day. Be careful what you say on this newsgroup. Klonopin is not addictive. I never reached a tolerance level of Klonopin and had to increase my dosage to get the same effect.
Response:
hey anyone have info on being addicted to klonopin? anyone with such experiences. i think i might be addicted. i went from taking one to two a day to popping them at a rate of about one an hour. taking 8-10. my therapist said that might be why i am hurting myself more because my inhibitions are whatever it is. just that i am so calm ad stuff i just hurt myself worse without noticing, only knowing by the after effects. i am worried because friday my dr is raising my zoloft from 150 to 200 and cutting back on the klonopin. i am running low on it (it was a months supply at 2 a day) and am worried she won’t give me much of a refill. i am wondering if i would have withdrawal symptoms.i also feel i rely on it. i have become really talkative in class and calm and this has been a really nice change for me. but i know continuing taking more and more k will only hurt me. any ideas anyone or info or links or anything. thanks. les.
Dear les, You need to talk with your Dr immediately. This dosage of K is way too much for you (and I do know you). I cannot even imagine taking that much K. I would be fast asleep. Addiction and dependency are two different things les. Please discuss this with your Dr.I will be gone this weekend but if you read this today IM me if you need to talk. Hugs, Steph 
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