[Guest]

Dr.,

Thanks for the info. on the eight weeks, although I see so much conflicting information regarding these drugs.

Anyway, after so many weeks of substantial improvements (almost 9 weeks now), yesterday was worse than usual for no real reason, which lead to a nerve-wracking and sleepless night worrying about relapse and what to do, so of course I have a new question.

I have only needed 3 of my Klonopin over the past 4 months, but I used to need them more often and I didn't always experience the "quick relief" I had always heard about. It seemed that if I waited too long to take it (like suffering for a few days and then giving in eventually and taking one), it took several doses over the course of a day or two before I really began to feel much better, until then they removed the most acute and disabling anxiety but I still suffered to a degree. My therapist (not an MD) says they should offer basically complete relief within the first dose, which is why they can be used as needed. My GP says not really, it can take a few days of use to really feel the benefits and allow yourself to calm down after a rough period. I have also read conflicting information from the APA and other respected sources of info. APA says "some reduction in first week...up to several for full (response)" Others say first day or two most of the time. What is the most accurate timeline?

One other question - how is relapse determined in GAD? PD is more obvious, but Dr. and therapist feel my PD is pretty much gone, my residual anxiety is looking more and more like GAD remnants than remaining panic symptoms. Therapist always tells me to expect some bad days where I need my extra medication (Klonopin), it is not a sign of relapse just to need them once a month or so.

Thanks as always.

[Guest]

In most individuals,an acute dose of Klonopin is taken into the neuron after 1/2 to 1 hour. It has a long half life maybe even 24 hrs (or even longer depending on the source you read). It peaks about 2 or 3 hours after ingestion. If you keep taking the medication, the levels of Klonopin accumulate and rise in your system until they plateau after about a week. I hope this explanation helps in terms or what your care givers are telling you.
[quote] Dr. ,

Thanks for the info... [/quote]