Klonopin

[songbird7]

First the disclaimer. I am not a medical profession and speak from my own experience not giving advice. I was given the generic version of Klonopin to take in small doses, am and pm. I have generalized anxiety which this is given for and discovered a great for me, other effect. It relaxes my bladder and helps with IC. Unfortunately it is addicting but I am monitored by a doctor very careful. I have never abused this medicine or taken even a fraction more than prescribed. My dose is considered a low one.:angel:

[Briza]

I also got much relief for IC, PFD, and VV symptoms with low dose Valium....similar to Klonopin. I am very happy you have found something that works for you! I had no issues with taking low dose valium as needed, sometimes up to three times a day for a month, but then when symptoms subsided I was able to stop taking it without any habituation or dependence issues, thankfully.

I do believe how high (or low) the effective dose is does play a big role in dependence issues...I was taking just 2mg tabs. That may not be the equivalent to a 2mg dose of Klonopin, but for valium 2mg is considered very low dose.

I hope you continue to find relief! This class of meds can be very helpful for IC and other related conditions....if used at a low dose sparingly and with caution hopefully and usually no habituation issues it seems, but still there is always the chance so drs do need to monitor patients regularly to make sure the benefits (which can be very great) outweigh any risks of habituation. Good luck to you...wish you continued relief :flower:

[songbird7]

Thank you for answering my post here. I need to take it daily (said my psychiatrist and doctor, and doctor at pain center). So, fortunate in it controlling IC somewhat, I still can flare etc. There is a big diffference than before. I was advised of the possibility of "addition" before doctors set this into motion. So I can't take it every once in awhile. Doctors have confidence in me to continue usage as I stay within the same level of dose. I am 66 years old, have medical insurance and decline Medicare because Medicare does not cover this medication.
Thank God for this IC community here. I appreciate all of you.
:smile tee

[jane2]

I have fibromyalgia and have been taking the generic form of klopin for 4 years. I use it mostly at night or in morning if I have a really bad flare with fibro. I also use neurontin. I started klopin because of body jerks that I had at night that would wake me up. Since I've been taking it for years haven't seen a big difference with my badder problems. I would think it would work. It's a great drug and cheap.

southern hugs & blessings,
jane2

[judy45]

I just started klonopin about a week ago. I found it a great help for anxiety and my constant bladder pain (since september 08) is almost completely gone. I take .5 - 1mg per night, my only side effects have been horrible diarehea and a burning in my bladder in the early morning starting around 5am, and gone by 7am when I get up - has anyone else had similar experiences?

[Mrs. Peel]

My psychiatrist gave me a prescription for Klonopin when we were in a family crisis, to take only when I feel overwhelmed by anxiety.

Since my first priority is keeping major depression at bay, he's more concerned with Klonopin's slight depressive effects than the dependency issues.

Klonopin has been around long enough that the generics are effective and inexpensive, and Medicare D covers it in Florida.

For me, it's good stuff.

[reesper]

Just FYI even if you strictly follow your doctor's guidelines you can still develop a physical dependence to benzos (klonopin, xanax, etc.). If you are taking it daily, even at .5-1mg doses, you will start to develop a dependence after a few months. I know of people who have taken 1mg daily for years and then stopped cold turkey and ended up in the ER due to withdrawal. Benzo withdrawal is no joke: unlike withdrawal from narcotics it actually has a good chance of being fatal. NEVER GO OFF BENZOS COLD TURKEY IF YOU'RE USING THEM FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. When you want to stop taking the klonopins, make sure that your doctor gives you a gradual taper.