Klonopin (clonazepam): To Swallow Or Dissolve?

[Volta]

While I've been taking klonopin (clonazepam) for many years, I'm still undecided as to the best method of ingestion for particular situations. I understand that the directions on the bottle state to swallow, but dissolving seems to kick in faster for me (absorption into the veins beneath the tongue is my understanding). If I swallow on an empty stomach, it takes about 40 minutes, almost to the second, to kick in, versus the nearly instant results of dissolving. I've noticed, however, differences in length of effect depending on the method of ingestion.

The question, I suppose, is: Does dissolving beneath the tongue shorten the effects of the pill?

Additionally, I've taken these pills with food before and it seems the pill is digested with absolutely no effect on me at all; I've since avoided doing this.

I've also began breaking the pill in half before swallowing or dissolving, which seems to help in both cases. Though this could all be a placebo effect of some kind.

What are your opinions based on your experience?

 

[ISupportHer]

Generally, if a pill or tablet is scored, has a line down it, then it can be cut in half, etc. If it soes not, then there is some sort of coating or design of the tablet that would be circumvented if you do that.

Usually, if you are prescribed a pill, say every 8 hors, it is because the medication is designed to last that long. Information about things like duration, half-life, etc would be on the product insert.

So, if you are chewing or disolving the klonopin and feeling it kick in, you probably are getting too much too fast and yes, you'll be shorting yourself by getting a less that therapeutic level towards the end of the dose period, hence feeling you need more before it is time.

ISH

Edited to say that this is for the States but I assume applies in other countries.

 

[Volta]

Thanks for the reply. What you say makes sense, but I'm still getting mixed results with swallowing.

I'm surprised more people didn't chime in. I'm a little disappointed.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

My guess is not many people are responding because not many of us are doctors. I am sure it's nothing personal Volta. Just maybe they do not feel comfortable responding.

Why not ask your doctor?

 

[Volta]

I will ask my doctor at my next appointment, for sure, but my doctor doesn't take these pills -- few do. I was looking for responses based on experience. Thanks for the reply, both of you. :)

 

[timid_flower]

I take klonopin, but didn't even know anything about the dissolving method until I read your post. Sorry can't be much help Volta.

 

[Volta]

The dissolving method was something my doctor actually told me about, for more immediate needs. It definitely seems to kick in sooner, but as you can read above, has its flaws as well. Thanks for the reply.

Have you noticed a fluctuation in effectiveness based on food in your stomach?

 

[timid_flower]

I think I may try the dissolving method. I always break the pill since I only take half during the day. Otherwise I get very drowsy.. Maybe breaking it does help.

I've never taken it with food, so I'm not very sure about that. I'll start paying more attention and report back. :)

 

[Deleted member 12723]

It seems to go faster when you dissolve it and so you make the call and use the two different ways of ingesting the pill. When you need it for a crises you dissolve it and when you need it for long term you swallow it. Common sense. I wish you the best with this.

I have done this with my Xanex, when I need them to kick in faster I chew them. But it is true, they do not last as long. Amazing the things we can think up to do.

 

[Graven Idol]

Pretty much what gizmo said above me. But really, I would just swallow it, myself. I'm actually on the same med and I usually just drink water with it and wait for it to kick in, which doesn't take long for me, at least.

 

[ISupportHer]

The dissolving method was something my doctor actually told me about, for more immediate needs.

I do agree that there may be a time and place to take it this way. Like a post further down, like using for an acute anxiety situation.

I only wanted to make the point, and I'm sure most are aware of this, that this does not apply to most medications. I'd use a non-psychiatric drug as an example. Something like Dilantin for seizures is given at specific intervals to keep the blood level at a fairly constant point. Chewing it would release a potentially high peak and then the level would drop potentially low before the next dose is due.

The other thing I'd be concerned with is frequency. Like someone having a drink in response to stress. Probably OK to have a glass of wine or something occasionally in response to stress. The problem arises when that becomes the norm. So, I'd be concerned if someone was chewing their anxiety medication either regularly or on an increasing frequency.

Bottom line, of course, is that I want everyone to be safe. I am glad there are medications that help. Just be safe please. Even though these are all faceless responses and "advice", we all DO care about you, otherwise we wouldn't even be here.

 

[abaci]

I've had the same experience as you regarding benzos taken sublingually having a shorter but more intense effect. When I take one, I tend to hold it under my tongue until it starts to take the edge off and then swallow the rest. Best of both worlds.