My doc told me to quit klonopin

[Jules1963]

Hi There,
I just had an appointment with my pdoc and he wants me to stop taking the klonopin by next week. I really only take a very small dose, 0.25mg a day, 0.6 in the am and 0.6 in the pm. I've only been on it for a couple of weeks for panic disorder/anxiety. He started me on Remeron last week at 30mg at night.  I still get the jitters and feel tense and restless, so the klonopin has been helping that until the Remeron kicks in.  I don't really like or trust this doctor so am waiting for an appointment with one who I saw 4 years ago for the same thing.
I'm going to give it a go as I don't like being on a benzo, however small a dose!!  Any ideas on how to cope with the jitters?? I don't know if its from the klonopin or start up side effects from the Remeron. Just very confused right now

[insights]

I just had an appointment with my pdoc and he wants me to stop taking the klonopin by next week. I really Any ideas on how to cope with the jitters?? I don't know if its from the klonopin or start up side effects from the Remeron.

The jitters are from the Remeron, not helped by being started at a very high dose, two thirds the maximum (therapeutic range 15-45mg). The normal start dose is 15mg and for someone with anxiety, 7.5mg would have been better.

As you've only been on a tiny Klonopin dose for 2 weeks withdrawal is not going to be a problem. Just stop taking it.

FWIW,  I think you are wise to look for another psychiatrist given the large starting Remeron dose this one prescribed.

Ian

[Jules1963]

Thanks Ian maybe I'll cut down to 15 mg at least until I see my new doctor. This doc said you need to start at 30 mg to get the anti anxiety effect , at the lower dose he said you just get sedated. I guess I will see how it goes

[insights]

This doc said you need to start at 30 mg to get the anti anxiety effect , at the lower dose he said you just get sedated.

Technically this is true, but it doesn't consider patient comfort. The body needs time to adjust to the drug and the best way to limit startup side-effects is by beginning on a lower dose and increasing it by the same amount every 7-10 days until the target dose is reached.

Ian

[Jules1963]

Yes, I wish he would have done that. I feel he doesn't listen to me and spends more time filling out paperwork!!   I tried cutting down to 20mg of remeron last night and could NOT fall asleep, just tossing and turning. Then I got the jitters and was so tense so I ended up taking another 0.125mg of klonopin. Finally went to sleep but groggy today.  I really just want to feel better