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What Causes Severe Anger And Teary-eyed Sadness While On Klonopin?
Question: I have a lot of anxiety and occasional panic attacks (this has been going on for over 25 years). It has been kept under control by taking 40 mg fluoxetine in the evening and 1 tablet twice a day (0.5mg) of alprazalom. I have a new primary care doctor who thinks that I should try to come off of the alprazalom and switch to a more long lasting clonazepam. I am taking 1/2 of .05 dose once a day to see if this can help me not take the alprazalom. While I do feel a bit more level during the day I also seem to be getting more outspoken. I have always felt that in my job there is a certain favoritism (sp) and I just go about my work and try to ignore it but now when I feel something coming in my direction I get very angry and unfortunately when I get angry I get weepy (sort of defeats the purpose). I'm just feeling very sad now and wonder if it's the combination of the new drug with the old drugs? (it's been a month with the new drug).
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question to HCM.
Your doctor's strategy is a good one -- generally Xanax can cause ups and downs and is more addictive than a longer-acting benzo such as Klonopin. So the switch is a good idea. It may be that you have come off the Xanax too quickly, or that your dose of Klonopin is too low, resulting in a mild withdrawal, leading to your irritability.
This is my best guess. I would suggest to your doctor raising your Klonopin in the short term, and seeing how you do with it.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question to HCM.
Your doctor's strategy is a good one -- generally Xanax can cause ups and downs and is more addictive than a longer-acting benzo such as Klonopin. So the switch is a good idea. It may be that you have come off the Xanax too quickly, or that your dose of Klonopin is too low, resulting in a mild withdrawal, leading to your irritability.
This is my best guess. I would suggest to your doctor raising your Klonopin in the short term, and seeing how you do with it.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you Dr. Sheppe,
My primary did say she intended to increase the klonopin slowly to see how I handle it. I also have been taking 5 mg in the evening to help me sleep. She is hoping that the klonopin will eventually replace this drug as well.
I just wish I had more control over my feelings when being in a confrontational situation. I get along so well with so many people but when I just cannot handle confrontations without crying. It defeats the purpose of what i'm trying to say.
My primary did say she intended to increase the klonopin slowly to see how I handle it. I also have been taking 5 mg in the evening to help me sleep. She is hoping that the klonopin will eventually replace this drug as well.
I just wish I had more control over my feelings when being in a confrontational situation. I get along so well with so many people but when I just cannot handle confrontations without crying. It defeats the purpose of what i'm trying to say.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Have you considered therapy in addition to medication? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a great treatment for anxiety and may help you manage your frustration.
I do offer text-based CBT on this site via my private link below. We can talk more there if you're interested.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Have you considered therapy in addition to medication? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a great treatment for anxiety and may help you manage your frustration.
I do offer text-based CBT on this site via my private link below. We can talk more there if you're interested.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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