Posted by Greif on February 7, 2006, at 22:04:13
In reply to Re: UPDATE II -- Diagnosed bipolar II » Greif, posted by 4WD on February 7, 2006, at 20:27:33
Hi Marsha,
The chronology of my med use is pages long. My present daily dose is 2mg of Klon a 5mg of Lex. Lex or any SSRI will make me crazy by themselves. My thoughts will race, insomnia,anxiety are but a few of the side effects. Nuerontin, Depakote, Lithium etc make me a bit too lethargic. Lamictal is great for depression but to get to 200 mg is impossible for me. No rash but have vivid violent nightmares. Takes care of the depression though. Very up.
So If I take the Lex in the AM with .5 K and another .5 k later I can tolerate the lex. It took 6 months of 2.5 then 5 of lex every other day alternate. Now I dont even feel it. Img of Klon at night provides 6-7 hrs sleep. So presently I never get depressed nor anxious. I have taken 10 mg of lex recently but its to much. If Nuerontin works for you give Lyrica a try. My doc claims he is getting great results from it though it is not yet FDA approved for BP or anxiety so might have insurance hassle.
The good thing about Klon is that I (like most)dont build up a tolerance like other benzos. Its effects are more benign but who cares. Benzo withdrawl is no picnic but I have done it twice by subbing valium and doing a slow taper. I never plan on quiting Klon as long as I maintain the present levels of stability.
The anecdotal advise and sharing on this board is invaluable. I wish I had found this place 10 years ago when I was in crisis. If you havent already, try to remove caffiene and alchohol from your life. I have 2 German Shepherd dogs that I spend hours with daily...best therapy available.
poster:Greif
thread:594786
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060205/msgs/607367.html