Posted by Ritch on June 21, 2003, at 17:57:12
In reply to My med appointment-not alot of options, posted by chloe on June 19, 2003, at 17:37:58
> Hi
> The appointment went ok. My pdoc agreed that a trial of clonazapam would be good. She said there are lots of studies proving Klonopin useful for anxiety, mixed states, rage, but little with Valium (probably because it can be so abused). So it was hard for her to truly know which works better. But she said if I were try a benzo for the first time now, Klonopin would probably the first choice. So I am trying 1 mgs clonaz. in place of my 5 of valium tonight, then after a week switch my am dose of V to clonaz, etc. She said a goal of 2-3 mgs seemed reasonable.
> I am glad she was willing to make a change.
>
> She did NOT want to change my 5mcgs T3 until I see the endo she has lined up for me. Though she has not been able to get me an appointment for over 2 months, and my pdoc is the chief of psych. in the hospital. I don't see why I can't see someone else...But apparently this endo is very good with thyroid and female hormone issue (which maybe alot of my problem. I have amazing irregular and difficult period cycles). So I have to stick it out with the T3, but I do have a lab slip to get Li, TSH, T3 and T4 checked, yeah! So at least we won't be in the dark where I stand physically.
>
> My pdoc didn't really have any other ideas of how to calm my cycling. Though she does hope TMS will be FDA approved, and will be available soon. She says since ECT was so useful for me, TMS maybe something helpful to me. It's worth investing, I guess... So, I have to just keep taking the lithium, and specks of doxepin and T3 and hope that the clonazapam has a more powerful effect of agitation and irritability without making me too depressed! Any thoughts Mitch?
> Well, I guess that is it in a nut shell
> ChloeWhoa! I missed your post entirely! I just now saw it-sorry. I am hopeful that you will find the clonazepam more helpful to settle your irritability. It works better than any other BZD I've tried for that particular problem. So, the equivalence (per your pdoc) is 5mg diazepam=1.0mg clonazepam? When I was on valium I was taking 2.5-5.0mg once-twice daily. As far as the depressogenic aspects go I found valium far more depressing than clonazepam. I think your next best bright spot will be when you get in to see your endo. and get that thyroid hassle all straightened out, IMO. TMS sounds interesting. I think that vagal nerve stimulator (they use for epilepsy) might be valuable for some people. Hang in there while you wait on your endo!--Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:233756
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030619/msgs/235916.html