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Brand names :: Rivotril, Klonopin I was prescribed this drug for severe anxiety. I was experiencing excessive anxiety and worry. I feel apprehensive all the time. I had "nervous legs" and they jumped up and down all day. The shaking was so severe I could not sit on the same bench seat as anyone else or too close in single seats because I moved so much I disturbed the other people. If my legs couldn't "jump" I rocked in my seat. I could not stay still. My anxiety was very uncomfortable and caused me a lot of distress. I hated being around other people because I felt so upset and anxious. It over took my mind and became all I could think of. The Clonazepam relieved most of this but not entirely. As it is with drugs in this class, I became very addicted to this drug and had to be weaned off gradually in order to stop it. I have replaced it with Nozinan and feel much better. The addiction to this drug was quite horrible. It is no different than an addiction to heroine. I slowly began to crave higher doses because I didn't feel the benefits I got from it initially. If I missed a dose I felt physical symptoms of increased anxiety and fluctuations in body temperature within hours. I also got a good case of the "zaps". I felt under pressure all the time until I got more medication into me. I was lucky and noticed my addiction early. With a doctors help, I weaned off the drug slowly. I got a full months prescrption and every two weeks I cut the dose in half until there was no more left. I was successful and have had no long lasting effects (but the "zaps" and I am not sure which drug caused those to begin). Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine derivative. It is a highly potent anticonvulsant, amnestic, and anxiolytic. Like other benzodiazepines, clonazepam acts on benzodiazepine receptors which enhance the binding of GABA to the GABAA receptor which results in inhibitory effects on the central nervous system. Clonazepam appears to also have a secondary effect on the neurotransmitter serotonin. The precise mechanism by which clonazepam exerts its anti-seizure and anti-panic effects is unknown, although it is believed to be related to its ability to enhance the activity of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Introduced in 1981 this drug was tested and still is tested on animals. Rodents, apes, baboons to name a few. This Drug belongs to the drug group Benzodiazepines. These help to relieve epileptic convulsions, nervousness and tension and to encourage sleep. Clonazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Prescribed primarily for epilepsy. Also with long term use abrupt or over-rapid withdrawal from clonazepam can precipitate withdrawal related seizures if tolerance and physical dependence has developed. In Psychiatry, Clonazepam is commonly prescribed for: Anxiety disorders. Due to the often chronic nature of some anxiety disorders, long term therapy may be advocated. Panic attacks Initial treatment of mania, together with firstline-drugs such as lithium, haloperidol or risperidone Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine receptor agonist. Long-term use (more than 2-4 weeks) can lead to a number of problems, including muscle weakness and fatigue, tolerance, physical dependence and withdrawal syndromes upon discontinuation. The benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome which may appear during reduction or withdrawal of clonazepam treatment can be reduced in intensity with gradual reduction of dosage. Information for users: Frequency and timing of doses - 3 x's a day. Adult dosage range - 1.5 - 20 mg daily. Maintenance dosage must be individualized for each patient depending upon response. Maximum recommended daily dose is 20 mg. Onset of effect - 30 minutes. Duration of action - up to 30 hours. Diet advice - None Drug Group - Benzodiazepines Overdose danger - Medium Dependence rating - Medium Withdrawal Symptoms: are similar in character to those noted with barbiturates and alcohol (eg, convulsions, psychosis, hallucinations, behavioral disorder, tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps) have occurred following abrupt discontinuance of clonazepam. The more severe withdrawal symptoms have usually been limited to those patients who received excessive doses over an extended period of time. Consequently, after extended therapy, abrupt discontinuation should generally be avoided and a gradual dosage tapering schedule followed Prescription needed - Yes Storage: - keep in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light. Missed dose: - No cause for concern but take when you remember. If your next dose is in two hours, take a single dose now and forget the next. Stopping the drug: - If only taken for a short period you can stop immediately, but if you have been taking this drug for an extended period of time then you need to taper off according to doctor's instructions. Adverse Effects
Rare: Rage Excitement Irritability Impulsivity Some users report hangover-like symptoms of being drowsy, having a headache, being sluggish, and irritable after waking up if the medication is taken before sleep. This is likely the result of the medication's long half-life which continues to affect the user after they wake up as well as its disruption of the REM cycle. Withdrawal-related: Anxiety, irritability, insomnia Panic attacks, tremor Seizures similar to delirium tremens (With long-term use of excessive doses) 10%-15% of individuals treated with clonazepam on a long-term basis (in excess of 30 days of continuous use) develop a protracted withdrawal syndrome. Protracted withdrawal lasts for months, years, or a lifetime after clonazepam is discontinued. Protracted withdrawal results from structural brain damage, which is often irreversible [12] Common protracted withdrawal symptoms include: Anxiety Insomnia Depression Tinnitus Tingling and numbness in limbs Muscle pain and tension Weakness Cramps Tremors Irritable bowel Cognitive dysfunction Call your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Klonopin should not be used in patients with a history of sensitivity to benzodiazepines, nor in patients with clinical or biochemical evidence of significant liver disease. It may be used in patients with open angle glaucoma who are receiving appropriate therapy but is contraindicated in acute narrow angle glaucoma. WARNINGS: Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance: Since Klonopin produces CNS depression, patients receiving this drug should be cautioned against engaging in hazardous occupations requiring mental alertness, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. They should also be warned about the concomitant use of alcohol or other CNS-depressant drugs during Klonopin therapy Interactions: Psychiatric: Confusion, depression, amnesia, hallucinations, hysteria, increased libido, insomnia, psychosis, suicide ideation, suicidal attempt (the behavior effects are more likely to occur in patients with a history of psychiatric disturbances). The following paradoxical reactions have been observed: excitability, irritability, aggressive behavior, agitation, nervousness, hostility, anxiety, sleep disturbances, excessive nightmares and vivid dreams, organic disinhibition, depersonalization, appetite increased, reactions decreased, apathy, excitement, hunger abnormal, illusion, sleep disorder, yawning Sedatives - Alcohol: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking Klonopin - increase the sedative properties of clonazolam. Such drugs are alcohol, sleeping drugs, antihistamines, antidepressants, narcotic analgesics and antipsychotics. References: Medlineplus Benzo.org.uk |