What happens when you stop taking Klonopin suddenly?

[zanne]

I'm a little nervous about this weekend. I didn't call in for my refill with the required 48 hour advance notice, so my counseling center didn't call it in. (I only gave them 24 hrs.) I called my internist yesterday, but he said he'd have to have my pdoc's permission to prescribe it and his office couldn't get ahold of him at the center. So here I am, Saturday morning, with three days of no Klonopin before me. (0.5 mg., twice a day). Do you think I'll wind up in the ER? (I'm kinda scared; if anybody has experience with this, HELP!)

[ThingsGottaChange]

1. That is crazy!

Why couldn't your internist call in a scrip for 3 days worth? Why does he need permission from your pdoc to do this? Does he know you will be without for 3 days? I would call him again and try to get just a couple to tide you over. Also, if you've been going to the same pharmacy for a while, they may let you get a couple tabs.

I haven't gone "without" so, I'm afraid I can't help you there. But, I would certainly start making phone calls.

Cripes! If you weren't halfway across the country, I'd bring you a couple!

Good luck to you! :hug:

[zanne]

2. Nobody's open on Saturday...

I guess if it gets bad enough, I'll have to call my internist's answering service. I didn't know that this could happen, but I'm finding out alot about the health care system these days.

[mopinko]

3. the pharmacist should be able to give you a few

nag that pharmacist. if that does not work, nag the pharmacist's boss. there is no reason why they cannot give you a few pills. none.

[Pharaoh]

4. your head will explode

and you will start eating your feet! Get help fast!

Just kidding, I would ask my pharmacist what would happen if, not a message board, so try that first!

[zanne]

5. UPDATE

My GP wound up giving me one prescription with no refill. First, I argued with his nurse, then I made an appointment and argued with him. He said he just doesn't prescribe anything like that. I asked him what would happen if I had a bout of neuralgia again (a very painful condition). He said that a neurologist would see me for that, not him. I'm officially fed up and intend to change doctors. Thanks to all of those who gave me advice.

[ThingsGottaChange]

6. Glad things worked out OK

I would definitely change docs, too. ASAP! To not even consider the withdrawal or pain you might have from not having the drug for days is total B.S. Hope you find yourself a good one this time! :hug:

[zanne]

7. A question on "finding" a good doctor.

How did you find your doctor? For that matter, how does anyone find a good doctor? I know I can't ask another doctor, because they'll just say "Go to so-and-so; he's a good doctor". I found my last doctor by being referred to him by a doctor. I hate to have to go to the Yellow Pages again and just throw the dice. As far as asking people I know, they all have their own reasons for liking/disliking their doctors. Most people rate their doctors on their bedside manner. I don't care about bedside manner as long as the doctor can help me. I called a local hospital's referral service the last time but they wouldn't answer questions like "What is his/her specialty"? In other words, with all the paperwork and time it takes to get that first appointment, how does anybody know how to choose a doctor?

[mopinko]

8. pick a good hospital, first.

that is the way it works these days. doctors belong to hospitals, and the best ones buy the best docs. i had a doc that i thought was really good, and i liked her personally. then she took the offer of a practice with a crappy hospital that was in the process of going from a humble non-profit to a big money for profit organization. she started pushing the latest pills, (and going to places like belize and costa rica, can you say junket?) and treating my medical records like they were not mine. sad shit.
one of the perks of living in a big city is that there are a lot of choices. everyone in my family now has a doc in the northwestern university system. if there is a med school near you, and it has a good reputation, i would try that. we have had nothing but four star care, from pa's and lab techs to surgeons.
good luck. it sucks to be sick.

[EFerrari]

9. It depends on how much you're taking.

The physical withdrawal from this drug takes about 10 days.

I only take a little bit (.5 mg 1X a day) so if I have to go off of it, I'm just uncomfortable for a few hours in the morning. Someone who takes more will have more severe symptoms but the time frame remains the same.

I'm glad you worked it out. People can be incredibly stupid when it comes to these drugs.