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Suggest Alternative Medication To Klonopin
Question: I have been on 1mg.clonopin every single night for sleep for eight years. Won't go without it. Lately
for about a couple of months I wake up after only 2 hours of sleep at which time I'll take 1 mg of zanax to get back to sleep. I have the zanax left over from when my doctor prescribed it in November because I had trouble sleeping due to having total knee replacement November 5th. That added to the clonopin, Am I building a tolerance to the clonopin. I am scared because I don't know where to go from here, Didn't tell my psychiatrist yet, I will call him. He really doesn't seem to want to be bothered though. He does n't really care for his job and I am not the only one who is of this opinion. I may have taken the extra zanax only about 7 different times depending on how early I do wake up. Things are pretty stressful at home because I have my 92 year aunt living with me for almost 5 years and my boyfriend also for 8 years. I am financially responsible for mostly everything right now. Could I just be having more anxiety? Sorry for the lengthy question. What other options are there for sleep that aren't as dangerous as clonopin?
for about a couple of months I wake up after only 2 hours of sleep at which time I'll take 1 mg of zanax to get back to sleep. I have the zanax left over from when my doctor prescribed it in November because I had trouble sleeping due to having total knee replacement November 5th. That added to the clonopin, Am I building a tolerance to the clonopin. I am scared because I don't know where to go from here, Didn't tell my psychiatrist yet, I will call him. He really doesn't seem to want to be bothered though. He does n't really care for his job and I am not the only one who is of this opinion. I may have taken the extra zanax only about 7 different times depending on how early I do wake up. Things are pretty stressful at home because I have my 92 year aunt living with me for almost 5 years and my boyfriend also for 8 years. I am financially responsible for mostly everything right now. Could I just be having more anxiety? Sorry for the lengthy question. What other options are there for sleep that aren't as dangerous as clonopin?
Brief Answer:
Shifting to Z drugs is better option
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremaggic.
I read your query and understand your concern about upcoming dependence with benzodiazepines.
First of all i like to inform you that talking to your psychiatrist is essential as he is having authority to change and prescribe your medications. Without his support it will be difficult to procure medicines which are required for your sleep.
Secondly regarding treatment options I like to emphasize that klonopin is better in short term but over a time dependence and tolerance strikes most of the persons. In addition there are better options available in compare to benzodiazepines.
If you have only sleep issue shifting to Z drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone, eszopiclone) is recommended as they are not habit forming and do not impair your activity during day time.
In case you have anxiety issues along with sleep problem shifting to SSRI group of medicine is advisable. SSRIs treat the anxiety and over time you are able to have better life as well as sleep.
I hope this helps you.
Wish you best of health.
Thanks and regards
Shifting to Z drugs is better option
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremaggic.
I read your query and understand your concern about upcoming dependence with benzodiazepines.
First of all i like to inform you that talking to your psychiatrist is essential as he is having authority to change and prescribe your medications. Without his support it will be difficult to procure medicines which are required for your sleep.
Secondly regarding treatment options I like to emphasize that klonopin is better in short term but over a time dependence and tolerance strikes most of the persons. In addition there are better options available in compare to benzodiazepines.
If you have only sleep issue shifting to Z drugs (zolpidem, zopiclone, eszopiclone) is recommended as they are not habit forming and do not impair your activity during day time.
In case you have anxiety issues along with sleep problem shifting to SSRI group of medicine is advisable. SSRIs treat the anxiety and over time you are able to have better life as well as sleep.
I hope this helps you.
Wish you best of health.
Thanks and regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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