Posted by Ilene on May 21, 2004, at 22:26:07
In reply to Re: Dear diary May 18 » Ilene, posted by Angel Girl on May 21, 2004, at 10:54:00
> Why do you say that Klonopin and Xanax are basically the same. I take Klonopin for Restless Leg Syndrome, 3X daily and I take Xanax as required for panic attacks. Klonopin doesn't do anything for me in that regard.
>Xanax and Klonopin are both benzodiazepine drugs. Like ADs of the same type they have similar (not identical) effects, and can be substituted for each other to treat certain conditions. I use Klonopin for anxiety. Xanax should work about as well, but is supposed to be less sedating, so I could use more of it.
> What is Cytomel?
It's a type of thyroid hormone, also known as T3. It's sometimes used to augment ADs.
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> What is your diagnosis and what meds are you currently taking and what are they supposed to do for you?I have "major depressive disorder"--probably unipolar depression, but possibly well-disguised bipolar disorder, since ADs don't do it for me anymore. I also have GAD.
My psychiatric meds are Marplan, a MAOI AD; Risperdal, an antipsychotic that helps with "rumination", irritability, and anxiety; Neurontin, which helps me sleep and supposedly helps the anxiety; Klonopin, for anxiety; and Cytomel, to boost the AD.
I have chronic fatigue syndrome, which is triggered by a condition called neurally mediated hypotension. This is caused by a dysfunction in my autonomic nervous system and makes my blood pressure drop. It's complicated and not very well understood. I take a drug called Florinef, which helps me retain water so my blood pressure stays up. I also drink coffee, because I like it and because it raises my blood pressure. I drink a repulsive potion called E-lyte that contains physiologically-active minerals called electrolytes (sodium, calcium, magnesium, etc.) Like table salt, these help hold fluid in my body.
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> My pdoc is contemplating adding more meds. I'm BPII and some of the ones you are taking, I'm already taking or she is considering, although I don't understand why. I'd like to hear about yours if you don't mind, like what you're taking and why.
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The best place to get those questions answered in on the meds board (just plain Psychobabble).I.
poster:Ilene
thread:325511
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040517/msgs/349430.html