Daily dose of Benzos-how much do you take?

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mshalto
mshalto Member Posts: 70
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

Hi--

I was dx Sept. 08, early-stage IDC, lumpectomy/rads. Tamox. since Jan. 09, Zoladex since Aug.

I've struggled with depression/mood issues for most of my life. Obviously, bc sent anxiety levels sky-high, so I take small doses of Xanax or Klonopin as needed. 

I'm now awaiting results from a biopsy for a 3 cm bunch of swollen lymph nodes on my groin.Over the last 3 weeks, I've taken something every day. I have prescriptions for 0.5 Klonopin and 0.25 Xanax, and mix 'em up a bit depending on how bad the panic is on any given day.And WOW, the panic gets pretty bad sometimes--even worse than waiting for bc biopsy results!

What's the maximum safe daily dose? How much do you guys take, either daily or as needed?

I'm also on Lexapro and Lamictal (for mild bipolar).

Thanks, everyone!

Miriam

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  • pabbie
    pabbie Member Posts: 370
    edited November 2009

    Hi-I take a daily dose of clonazepam at night to sleep and  for anxiety. I take a 0.5 pill plus 0.125 dizzolving equaling 0.625. This is not even 1mg. And you are taking 0.5 + 0.25 equals 0.75. This is not even 1mg.

    In my benzo experience, I think the zanax is short acting and the clonazepam is long-lasting. I prefer the clonazepam (klonopin) because it is long-lasting. I tried valium but it was short acting.

    I had to go through my notes I have from my psychiatry visits and I have written 2mg per day of clonazapem was ok. But if she could be considering my height 5'9", and weight 200 lbs plus.

    My BEST advice to you would be to ask your dr. Because I really think they tailor-make these med. combos to fit the individual.

    BTW, how do you like the Lamictal? Take care of yourself.Wink

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited November 2009

    Pabbie is right - they individualize  the dose. 

    Under OTHER circumstances - where they are giving benzos to an alcoholic withdrawing from alcohol  in the hospital- I will never forget my pharmacy school teacher's reply as to the maximum dose - "They give benzodiazepines until they are calm."  (in other words, under these circumstances, there is no maximum - they titrate to effect.)  (People can die from alcohol withdrawal  - usually this is seizures -  if they aren't medicated.)

    Do avoid alcohol while on benzos. 

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  • redskies
    redskies Member Posts: 99
    edited November 2009

    1mg xanax to 1.5mg as needed the last couple months

    2mg when extremely anxious and want to sleep

     rx is for up to 3mg/day

    0.25 mg xanax does nothing for me, 0.5 has minimal effect 

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  • mshalto
    mshalto Member Posts: 70
    edited November 2009

    Thank you, all. I just received some very bad news about a new cancer in my groin lymph node.

    They don't yet know where the primary is. More details on the Waiting For Test Results thread.

    I think I'll be upping my doses for a while! :)

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  • pennylane
    pennylane Member Posts: 177
    edited November 2009

    Gosh I am so sorry this is happening to you..after all you have been through this is terribly unfair...Like you, I increased my consumption of anxiety meds during dx and treatment...Four years ago I relied on klonopin and, I believe about 5mg of vailum 3-times daily (kind of a lot, but I needed it)...I then added Lexapro to get rid of annoying weepiness.  I have read a few of your posts...I can so relate to you and I really appreciate your honesty...You sound like a solid human being...this latest thing is just unbelievable....Your last dx was early stage...perhaps what you have now will involve a very doable treatment and another excellent prognosis...I will sure be thinking about you dear bc sister......

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