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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 43 to 67 of 251. Go back in thread:
Posted by Klonogirl on July 23, 1999, at 22:09:50
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Jen on July 22, 1999, at 19:56:51
> Well! Fhew- I just read all of these entry's and I am amazed at all of the drugs out there that my doc never mentioned I could try. I am currently on a HIGH dose of Depakote and Welbutrine and I can't stand the weight struggles any longer. All of those bi-polar people out there know that sometimes when you get on that high manic part you think you don't need the med's anymore. I just can't decide what might work better...staying on my med's like I have for 6 years, or to get off of them and loose the weight and maybe that will take most of the depression away. Some of the responses were really helpful and I would appreciate anyone who could let me know if they have had a positive responce to an anti-depressant such as weight loss. I really hate the feeling when I stop taking my meds but I am at wits end here!
>
> Looking for a response, Jen ; )
Jen .....
i have been off my klono for about 6 months.I have not lost any weight at all. I wonder if this just screws up your metabolism for life. Also....having some life stress was disappoited that I had to take a KLONOPIN to get throughit.felt that old feeling of "PANIC" coming on.......I hate this!
Posted by Jen on July 23, 1999, at 23:05:57
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 23, 1999, at 22:09:50
Klonogirl,
Thanks for the info. I deceided that I would write down all the possible medications I could be taking and make an appointment with my doctor and see if any are a possibility to switch. So is it hard for you being off your med's and did you or your doctor decide when you should come off of them? Sorry for the personal questions, I just don't know if this disease is with me for the next couple years or for the rest of my life. Some people out there said that they got thier mood-swings undercontrol with med's and were able to eventually come off of them and live a DRUG FREE life. Wouldn't that be nice? You don't have to respond to those questions if they are too personal... thanks for the info again...
Jen : )
Posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 0:07:05
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Jen on July 23, 1999, at 23:05:57
> Klonogirl,
> Thanks for the info. I deceided that I would write down all the possible medications I could be taking and make an appointment with my doctor and see if any are a possibility to switch. So is it hard for you being off your med's and did you or your doctor decide when you should come off of them? Sorry for the personal questions, I just don't know if this disease is with me for the next couple years or for the rest of my life. Some people out there said that they got thier mood-swings undercontrol with med's and were able to eventually come off of them and live a DRUG FREE life. Wouldn't that be nice? You don't have to respond to those questions if they are too personal... thanks for the info again...
> Jen : )Well Jen .....I think he would have kept me on it for life. It was a quick $150 and a prescription. This Doc is one of :- ) the best in Chicago. I was on this for four (4!) years. At the time I needed this i was a mess.one panic attack after the next......very debilitating.I did not want to leave the house!
Butthe time i went off..my memory was so screwed up. I deceide that i wanted to go off and it took me about 6 months or more to do it! very slow process. Stress makes me get into a straglehold.and i reach for comfort.....KLONOPIN
I really have had only two bouts with taking some and have been able to keep myself on track most of the time. I dunno Jen......I am a fairly normal person i think. But i see other members of my family have similar or the same problems. Actually all three girls in our family. My mom....my neice...my adult son. It is strange. Good luck :)
Posted by Chrissy on July 24, 1999, at 6:38:15
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 0:07:05
Klonogirl:
I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
Posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:32:12
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Chrissy on July 24, 1999, at 6:38:15
> Klonogirl:
> I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. ChrissyChrissy.......
Neurotin was never offered to me. I have no idea how it works. I sure would NOT go on Klonopin. Yes it is addictive and yes it does work.....but the side effects are pretty major.
Check it out with your Doctor.
Good Luck....Klonogirl
Posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:38:26
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:32:12
> > Klonogirl:
> > I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
>
> Chrissy.......
> Neurotin was never offered to me. I have no idea how it works. I sure would NOT go on Klonopin. Yes it is addictive and yes it does work.....but the side effects are pretty major.
> Check it out with your Doctor.
> Good Luck....KlonogirlBTW Chrissy....
You can also have seizures from Klonopin.However you just have to go off this very slowly. That is what I did ..took over six months to get off of it. I was on this for four years! My doctor would have done this faster..but the idea of a seizure scare the .....of out me and I did it very sloowwwly.
Klonogirl
Posted by thewife on July 24, 1999, at 21:33:43
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:32:12
I am trying to help my husband because I understand psychopharm rather well.
He's a mood disorder nos/ADHD kind of guy, which means lots of irritability and no frustration tolerance, as well as energy levels that come and go, like gearing up when just sitting and talking. No off the wall mania. He's not a real garden variety bipolar I, I am suspecting a mixed state bipolar. Also history of grand mal seizures in high school, none for 30 years.
Depakote, Prozac, desiprimine, remeron and wellbutrin haven't done much, some of the ADHD responds to Dexedrine.
Next move is a better mood stabilizer. Doc wants to try Neurontin, but I am leaning toward Lamactil because of the antidepressant effects. Doc is scared of the rash phenomena. I like the anti-depressant effects.
Please forward any advice you might have. He took one of my son's risperdals this week in an effort to calm himself, a dumb move since it made him very tired and he fell asleep in a parking lot, fortunately after calling me.... and he lost a realllllllly good job last year.
While we're at it, any anecdotal advice yet on Topamax or tiagibine? The doc says Topamax makes you stupid, whatever that means.....Thanks.....
Klonogirl:
> > I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
>
> Chrissy.......
> Neurotin was never offered to me. I have no idea how it works. I sure would NOT go on Klonopin. Yes it is addictive and yes it does work.....but the side effects are pretty major.
> Check it out with your Doctor.
> Good Luck....Klonogirl
Posted by Craig on July 25, 1999, at 1:32:21
In reply to Re: mood disorders and the new anticonvulsants, posted by thewife on July 24, 1999, at 21:33:43
For what it's worth, I am Bipolar II and have some experience with Lamictal and Topamax. Although there is a small risk of the dreaded rash with Lamictal, the key to avoiding that is to gradually increase the dosage by only twelve and a half to 25 mg per week. (Invest in a razor blade because you'll be cutting those tabs in half sometimes.) My psychopharmacologist told me that he has several hundred patients (he's a busy guy) on Lamictal and only one developed a rash. That person stopped taking Lamictal and the rash disappeared without requiring any further treatment. So, your doc may be exaggerating the risk factor.
As to the antidepressant effect of Lamictal, my doctor reports a lot of success with his other patients, but it doesn't seem to be doing much for me. I'm only up to 200 mg (300 mg is when it usually begins to take affect) and have recently added 200 mg of Wellbutrin to the mix. The Wellbutrin gave me insomnia, so I'm also taking .5 mg of Klonopin and 5 mg of Zyprexa at bedtime. (If you like sleeping 10 hrs a night, try this combo.)
My experience with Topamax was rather disappointing. I agreed to take it along with Depakote because Topamax supposedly caused weight loss. After gaining 30 pounds on Depakote in only a couple of months, I was willing to try just about anything that would help me lose that weight. Well, the Topamax didn't have any effect on me so I ended up discontinuing the Depakote and switching to Gabitril. (When that didn't work, I began taking Lamictal.) Your doc's comment about Topamax "making you stupid" is something that more likely occurs at high doses. My doctor mentioned something about this side effect, but I've since forgotten at what dosage this might occur. It doesn't really make you stupid, but I remember him saying something along the line of some trouble with certain skills at high doses.
I hope your husband finds a combo that works. I think that's what everyone on this board is looking for.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Depakote, Prozac, desiprimine, remeron and wellbutrin haven't done much, some of the ADHD responds to Dexedrine.
>
> Next move is a better mood stabilizer. Doc wants to try Neurontin, but I am leaning toward Lamactil because of the antidepressant effects. Doc is scared of the rash phenomena. I like the anti-depressant effects.
>
> Please forward any advice you might have. He took one of my son's risperdals this week in an effort to calm himself, a dumb move since it made him very tired and he fell asleep in a parking lot, fortunately after calling me.... and he lost a realllllllly good job last year.
>
> While we're at it, any anecdotal advice yet on Topamax or tiagibine? The doc says Topamax makes you stupid, whatever that means.....
>
> Thanks.....
Posted by Ellen on August 8, 1999, at 6:12:30
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 24, 1999, at 9:38:26
> > CHrissy, I have beenn on Neurontin for a while now. I am now up to 3000mg, which is pretty high. I am no ecpert,but I can tell you from my own experience along with extensive research that I have had no luck with Neurton alone. I wAS REALLY hesitant about taking the Klonopin on a regular basis, but it works for me. and that's the bottome line. I take 2mg a day, spread out over the course of the day. Two of which are taken at night to help me sleep. I too suffer from sever anxiety along with our bipolar. The Neurontin has help in alot of ways, with anger and agitation, I am much calmer now. Talk to you doc and do as much of your homework as you can on your own. There is tons of onfo out there. NIH is a great place to start. Trust you own body and try not to go by what works for eveybody else. This is a tough sight in that we all want to know what everyone else experiences on dugs but yet I feel it kind of plants seeds in the minds of those just starting new drugs. Good luck to you! ELlen
Posted by Ellen on August 8, 1999, at 6:34:35
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Debbie on August 7, 1999, at 13:48:33
> > > To all that venture through this sight. We all struggle not only with our illnesses but with finding the right meds and wondering what on earth they will do to us only to find out that they do nothing or make the situation worse. I have been in this boat. I am bipolar with generalized anxiety disorder. What I take now is unimportant. What is important is that you do your own homework. So much info is available. Ask your docs all the right questions, write them down as you think of them. Keep a log to track how your are feeling and what you side effects are as you go so that you doc has enough infor to help you. If you are not satisfied get A SECOND OPINION. Don't be afraid to do this. I can only tell you from my experience that the key to heading towards a path that helps us feel better to take as much of the situation undercontrol as possible. I know it's tough when you feel like shit, but there are some doc's that will just dole out meds like it's candy. I had a doc like this. Bottom line this is your life, if your not satisfied find better help. I have a team of docs that I know work with. The all consult with each other. This took work and perserverance to put this together,but I spent ten days in a psych institue determined not to go back. Everyone of us even though we don't feel it at out worst has the strenght to get the help needed. Do It! It is out there. Also don't be swayed by other side effects on different drugs, everyone is indivual. Klonopin works great for me in low doses, where others it can be lethal. Good Luck to ALl!Ellen
Posted by Debbie on August 9, 1999, at 9:22:11
In reply to just advice, posted by Ellen on August 8, 1999, at 6:34:35
> > > > To all that venture through this sight. We all struggle not only with our illnesses but with finding the right meds and wondering what on earth they will do to us only to find out that they do nothing or make the situation worse. I have been in this boat. I am bipolar with generalized anxiety disorder. What I take now is unimportant. What is important is that you do your own homework. So much info is available. Ask your docs all the right questions, write them down as you think of them. Keep a log to track how your are feeling and what you side effects are as you go so that you doc has enough infor to help you. If you are not satisfied get A SECOND OPINION. Don't be afraid to do this. I can only tell you from my experience that the key to heading towards a path that helps us feel better to take as much of the situation undercontrol as possible. I know it's tough when you feel like shit, but there are some doc's that will just dole out meds like it's candy. I had a doc like this. Bottom line this is your life, if your not satisfied find better help. I have a team of docs that I know work with. The all consult with each other. This took work and perserverance to put this together,but I spent ten days in a psych institue determined not to go back. Everyone of us even though we don't feel it at out worst has the strenght to get the help needed. Do It! It is out there. Also don't be swayed by other side effects on different drugs, everyone is indivual. Klonopin works great for me in low doses, where others it can be lethal. Good Luck to ALl!Ellen
>What Ellen wrote is so right! I love to come here and read what others have written and it makes me feel that I'm not struggling alone, but we must all remind ourselves that no two beings are going to react the same way to anything. For example, I had absolutely no problem coming off klonopin when I needed to when for others it's been a real nightmare. Some of you have already found a good doctor while for the rest of us the search continues. All I'm trying to say is that there are no absolutes. I hate, and I do mean HATE, being on Neurontin, Depakote, and Topamax. The weight gain, the tiredness, the cost, the ticks. But I have learned to function with them--or should I say in spite of them--whereas before I wasn't functioning at all. No it ain't fair. So have your cry. Take those damned meds. And get on with the hand you've been dealt. Debbie
Posted by Ellen on August 11, 1999, at 17:00:07
In reply to Re: listen to YOUR body, posted by Debbie on August 9, 1999, at 9:22:11
> > > > >Hi Debbie, I read your response and if nothing else this sight provides all of us the opportunity to share our experiences. As long as we use what we read in the proper context. I am curious about something, I am on 3000mg of Neurontin. I am curious about why you are on three anti-convulsants. I have read that Neurontin alone does not conquer all with bipolar. ALso, are you still gaining weight on the Depakote. When I was on Topomax I lost a fair bit of weight. Did your Doc put you topomax to help with the weight gain. I hope that you are doing okay and wish you lots of luck. Your not alone in this. Ellen
Posted by Patty on August 12, 1999, at 20:54:59
In reply to Re: listen to YOUR body, posted by Debbie on August 9, 1999, at 9:22:11
> I started having seizures 2 yrs ago in September. I had brain surgery in October and continue to have uncontrolled seizures with anxiety, severe mood swings, tremors, etc. My Neurologist gave me Topomax today to see if we will have better results with it along with Phenobarbital. I would like to hear from others that are taking Topomax to see what your opinion of this medication is!
Posted by Julia on August 13, 1999, at 2:54:08
In reply to mood disorders Neurontin and Klonopin, posted by Ellen on August 8, 1999, at 6:12:30
I've been on Neurontin for about 2 -3 months now, with the dosages being steadily increased. Compared to many of the other posts I've read, it seems like I'm still on the way up, as I've just been increased to 400mg, a far cry from 3000….(is that where everyone ends up?) Prior efforts with Prozac, Zoloft and, particularly, depakote, were disastrous. I think, more or less, that the neurontin is working at stabilizing me, with the exception of severe sleep problems, i.e. I can’t ever ever make it through the night.
Yet, after having a particularly crummy regular shrink (Ph.D.) session, leaving me about as sobbing as I never want to be in public (my spousal unit was there for this session and is not known as Mr. Compassion...).
Anyway (a rambling bi-polar am I) I next saw the MD (for the meds, obviously)and asked if neurontin caused hair loss, as it seems to be clumping out as it did back in the depakote days. I also mentioned that the ambien didn’t seem to work unless I slugged back a couple glasses of wine with it before bedtime. He claims that the alcohol was causing the hair loss and that it also would end up lowering my estrogen (female hormones) causing me to take on more testosterone-ish traits, i.e. hair loss, flat chest, facial hair, thick waist etc. Well, as a bi-polar (ex-anorexic) in a down swing, to hear I was about to be transformed into a Neanderthal because I drank wine at night (admittedly sometimes a little too much, but not daily, and not guzzling away all day or anything) it sort of blew me over the top.
Its been not the best of days.....
So, does anyone have any prior experience with being told this sort of thing? Meaning, your bi-polar meds won’t work if you drink ANYTHING ALCOHOLIC, and he said anything, ever, at all, no social dinner stuff, zip, nada, never or I will age more quickly, get ugly and fat and turn into a man!
He doubled the neurontin dosage, doubled the ambien and prescribed Serax to help with
“alcohol withdrawal” This freaks me out, as I hadn’t thought that I drank enough to qualify as someone who needed detoxing.....I don’t know, I’m just feeling sort of broadsided by all of this…..any input would be nice…..
As always, thanks you guys, in advance,
Julia
Posted by Ellen on August 13, 1999, at 6:20:06
In reply to Re: mood disorders and Neurontin , posted by Julia on August 13, 1999, at 2:54:08
>Hi Julia, I don't like giving advice becasue I don't feel qualified to do so. What I can give you are some thoughts. First it sounds like you need to seek a doctor that you have a little more confidence in. It can be a tough search but it can be done. I have not experienced hair loss with the neurontin,, but again everyone is individual. As far as the drinking. I stopped completely. Not because of the advice of my doc, ( although she did reccomend against it) however alcohol instensifies the effects of all the meds. If you feel that your drinking is not a problem than stop. Why add insult to injury. Alcohol is also a depressant and could make you feel worse. I started with ambien also years ago to help me sleep but as time went on it did nothing for me. I take Klonopin now. One thing I always suggest when I write in this site is do your own research. There is alot of info on the net and lots of good books. i have learned through exprience to trust my instincts and I question everything. NIH is a great resource. There is also a publication called Bipolar network news. I gives you all the lates clinical trials on all the new drugs as well as the old drugs. If you are interested in doing your own reseach you can e-mail me and I can guide you through this. I know that this is a horrible disease and it creates great frustrations and downs. But if you can get yourself to look beyond your disease and see that we are still real people it helps. It took me a long time to get to this point. I spend time researching all the latest great info I can find. It makes me feel in control of my life and of my disease. Also try to find yourself a support network. One or two friends that you can count on when you need them. This is a great comfort and and gift you can give yourself. I hate to say this but the meds alone don't cut it. We all have to draw from our strenghts to get through this mess. And you can. I have had good response to the Neurontin. If you question other side effects you need to get the right help. Don't be afraid to question your doc or even change. I wish you luck and I know that you will find the right path. Ellen
Posted by Bert on August 13, 1999, at 12:05:01
In reply to mood disorders Neurontin and Klonopin, posted by Ellen on August 8, 1999, at 6:12:30
Question for folks who have been on Klonopin for a while. I take lithium (1000mg a day) for my anxiety disorder and it is very effective. I have to supplement that lithium with .125 mg of Klonopin in the am. The reason is the lithium does not settle the slightly jumbled and racey thoughts. The low dose of klonopin is great for that. Can I continue with the very low dose of Klonopin with little risk of withdrawl or side affect issues in years to come. I only take the Klonopin during the week when I have to focus and concentrate at work.
Posted by Carmen on August 17, 1999, at 13:11:58
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Chrissy on July 24, 1999, at 6:38:15
> Klonogirl:
> I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. ChrissyI'm new to this site so please bear along. I have been battling w/mental problems for a long time. Yesterday was put on neurontin for social anxiety. How have others faired w/this drug which was just ok'ed for this purpose. Was on Depakote before. Felt bad on it. Lost all desire to do anything - completely blunted. Any one else have this happen? Carmen
Posted by thewife on August 18, 1999, at 6:56:39
In reply to Re: mood disorders and the new anticonvulsants, posted by thewife on July 24, 1999, at 21:33:43
We have hit bottom.
I posted on here that my husband needed help. This week I found out about a "secret life" I knew nothing about. An affair, and a real obsession with pornography.
I recognize this as a variant of mania, since this behavior is ssoooooo untypical.I need to get over the anger, because he never confided in me or his half dozen mental health professionals over the past few years.
What can I do now? I have kicked him out of the house, and got him into partial hospitalization, but I don't know how much to help, since it's obvious that all my well-intentioned "helping" have caused him to not face things. He still acts like Bill Clinton when I talk about the affair and internet porno adventures.
Can anyone give me some advice? How much do I blame him, how much do I blame the disease? He was on 1000 mgs of depakote at the time, as well as Dexedrine and Prozac.
--ginny
I am trying to help my husband because I understand psychopharm rather well.
>
> He's a mood disorder nos/ADHD kind of guy, which means lots of irritability and no frustration tolerance, as well as energy levels that come and go, like gearing up when just sitting and talking. No off the wall mania. He's not a real garden variety bipolar I, I am suspecting a mixed state bipolar. Also history of grand mal seizures in high school, none for 30 years.
>
> Depakote, Prozac, desiprimine, remeron and wellbutrin haven't done much, some of the ADHD responds to Dexedrine.
>
> Next move is a better mood stabilizer. Doc wants to try Neurontin, but I am leaning toward Lamactil because of the antidepressant effects. Doc is scared of the rash phenomena. I like the anti-depressant effects.
>
> Please forward any advice you might have. He took one of my son's risperdals this week in an effort to calm himself, a dumb move since it made him very tired and he fell asleep in a parking lot, fortunately after calling me.... and he lost a realllllllly good job last year.
>
>
> While we're at it, any anecdotal advice yet on Topamax or tiagibine? The doc says Topamax makes you stupid, whatever that means.....
>
> Thanks.....
>
> Klonogirl:
> > > I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
> >
> > Chrissy.......
> > Neurotin was never offered to me. I have no idea how it works. I sure would NOT go on Klonopin. Yes it is addictive and yes it does work.....but the side effects are pretty major.
> > Check it out with your Doctor.
> > Good Luck....Klonogirl
Posted by kurt fondriest on August 21, 1999, at 18:03:33
In reply to Re: mood disorders Neurontin and Klonopin, posted by Bert on August 13, 1999, at 12:05:01
> Question for folks who have been on Klonopin for a while. I take lithium (1000mg a day) for my anxiety disorder and it is very effective. I have to supplement that lithium with .125 mg of Klonopin in the am. The reason is the lithium does not settle the slightly jumbled and racey thoughts. The low dose of klonopin is great for that. Can I continue with the very low dose of Klonopin with little risk of withdrawl or side affect issues in years to come. I only take the Klonopin during the week when I have to focus and concentrate at work.
I use klonopin for fibromyalgia and it helps so much. I take 3 mg a day . fibromyalgia is a chronic muscle pain disease. Klonopin also helps with anxiety/mood /and depression. so far ok to the big k.
Posted by Ellen on August 22, 1999, at 7:38:10
In reply to Re: mood disorders and the new anticonvulsants, posted by thewife on August 18, 1999, at 6:56:39
>.First I want to let you know that I think that you persistance to help your husband is touching. Alot of women would not but up with what you are going through and I think that you need to give yourself some credit for that. I to have manic depression and being on the other end from where you are I know how difficult iit is for you to live with this. I watch my own husbands frustrations. One thought for you, remember to take care of you through all this also. You can not take care of your husband unless you take care of you. It is had to deal with the kind of anger that you are feeling alone. I would suggest that you try to get come counseling yourself. It will make you better abled to make decsions about your marriage and help you to see through all this in a clearer light. . ANger is a very poweful emotion. Don't let it get the best of you. Now to answer your drug questions. All drugs effect people differntly. I was on Topomax and I had definite cognitive dulling, slurred speach etc. I am know on 3000mg of Neurontin and 2,5 mg of Klonopin. I still go up and down but my anger is far more undercontrol, and my depression is much better. I do alot to take care of myself. Your husband as to want to get better. I have found through years of fighting this illnes drugs alone don't cut it. Will and determination. If your husband is waiting for a cure all with the drugs it is not going to happen. The drugs for me just put me in a place where I can help my self to deal with my illness, accept my illnes and do what I need to help my recovery. It is a life long effort. But he needs to do some to. You can't fix him. FIx you first. And then you will be better prepared to help him. Good luck! Ellen
Posted by Kurt on August 22, 1999, at 10:27:13
In reply to Re: mood disorders Neurontin and Klonopin, posted by kurt fondriest on August 21, 1999, at 18:03:33
> > Question for folks who have been on Klonopin for a while. I take lithium (1000mg a day) for my anxiety disorder and it is very effective. I have to supplement that lithium with .125 mg of Klonopin in the am. The reason is the lithium does not settle the slightly jumbled and racey thoughts. The low dose of klonopin is great for that. Can I continue with the very low dose of Klonopin with little risk of withdrawl or side affect issues in years to come. I only take the Klonopin during the week when I have to focus and concentrate at work.
> I use klonopin for fibromyalgia and it helps so much. I take 3 mg a day . fibromyalgia is a chronic muscle pain disease. Klonopin also helps with anxiety/mood /and depression. so far ok to the big k. It seems to me Klonopin as with any drug effects each person differently however has helpd me
Posted by Donna on August 22, 1999, at 17:10:15
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Carmen on August 17, 1999, at 13:11:58
I am bipolar and hve been on neurontin for about 1 year. I really like it. I am not as angry and my anxiety has been lowered greatly. I take 400mg. 3x a day.(I also take 200 mg, of wellbutrin, but the wellbutrin won't do it alone). I sleep much better too. Before I could hardly get out of bed and face the world. Neurontim really helped. I was on Depakote before and I also lost the desire to do anything. I felt numb and almost suicidal. I also wanted to eat everything in sight. And I did. I gained about 25 pounds. That's when they changed me to neuronin. I don't want to eat as much. As a matter of fact, I don't eat much at all but I haven'[t lost any weight. I heard it lowers your metabolism. Does anyone have this problem with neurontin? Is there another drug that could with bipolar but could also help with losing weight? I exercise daily and eat very little. Without the neurontin, I would have lose 20 pounds by now. Help. the weight gain is depressing. isk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
>
> I'm new to this site so please bear along. I have been battling w/mental problems for a long time. Yesterday was put on neurontin for social anxiety. How have others faired w/this drug which was just ok'ed for this purpose. Was on Depakote before. Felt bad on it. Lost all desire to do anything - completely blunted. Any one else have this happen? Carmen
Posted by thewife on August 27, 1999, at 17:13:50
In reply to Response for the wife, posted by Ellen on August 22, 1999, at 7:38:10
>Thank you for your thoughtful response.
I am moving from the anger to understanding and a bit of forgiveness, while taking care of myself. Yes, I am in therapy, and it's helpful to make me realize when to help, and when to not become his therapist.
I can't believe his doc, who just told me this was all a midlife crisis. But I've figured out that that was the doc's own issue with missing the diagnosis and not assessing risk properly.
I hope this was "hitting bottom" enough for him to make honest efforts in therapy along with the meds. I know they can't do the whole job. He had issues before I met him that have nothing to do with me, but everything to do with his self-love and coping style.
Do you have any suggestions on what is helpful from a spouse versus not?
Thanks again, Ellen. Glad to hear about someone who has faced their own demons, even if it needs to be a day at a time. You give me hope!
Ginny
>.First I want to let you know that I think that you persistance to help your husband is touching. Alot of women would not but up with what you are going through and I think that you need to give yourself some credit for that. I to have manic depression and being on the other end from where you are I know how difficult iit is for you to live with this. I watch my own husbands frustrations. One thought for you, remember to take care of you through all this also. You can not take care of your husband unless you take care of you. It is had to deal with the kind of anger that you are feeling alone. I would suggest that you try to get come counseling yourself. It will make you better abled to make decsions about your marriage and help you to see through all this in a clearer light. . ANger is a very poweful emotion. Don't let it get the best of you. Now to answer your drug questions. All drugs effect people differntly. I was on Topomax and I had definite cognitive dulling, slurred speach etc. I am know on 3000mg of Neurontin and 2,5 mg of Klonopin. I still go up and down but my anger is far more undercontrol, and my depression is much better. I do alot to take care of myself. Your husband as to want to get better. I have found through years of fighting this illnes drugs alone don't cut it. Will and determination. If your husband is waiting for a cure all with the drugs it is not going to happen. The drugs for me just put me in a place where I can help my self to deal with my illness, accept my illnes and do what I need to help my recovery. It is a life long effort. But he needs to do some to. You can't fix him. FIx you first. And then you will be better prepared to help him. Good luck! Ellen
Posted by Ellen on August 28, 1999, at 6:49:08
In reply to Thanks Ellen!, posted by thewife on August 27, 1999, at 17:13:50
> >It sounds to me like you love your husband very much which is the first most helpful response to give. Let him know this although I know at time he probably does not believe it because it sounds like he does not feel he deserves love from you or anyone, and the disease can amplify this feeling for him. From my own experience coming from someone who suffers from this illness, I too have issues such as lack of self love and confidence, although through therapy they have improved significantly. When I am down or angy the worst feeling for me is the loneliness. Sometimes my husband will just sit with me. No conversation, or if I feel like talking he will talk to me. But.... sometimes you just have to walk away. This soinds cruel but that is what my husband has to do. He is only human as are you. Living with someone with the illnes long enough you start to know there triggers, and when to be there and when not. Certainly if he is abusive seek help for both of you. Don't leave him if you feel his safety is at risk. At least don't leave the house, or leave him anywhere where you feel he can hurt himself. Hopefully the fact that you are standing with him through all this he will come to realize his self worth and that will guide him through his recovery. Remember, there is but so much you can fo for him. When he is having good day encourage him to do things that set him up to achieve, to feel positive about himself and your relationship. Your road ahead is going to be hard, just as his, so again nuture you innself. Find releases for you so that in time of need your coping skills are stronger. Don't set yourself up for failure. Don't feel that you have failed as a wife or a person. This diesease is nothing personal, it's just that, a disease. Be strong, find time to give yourself what you need and this will help you find the path to both of you need.. My thoughts are with you. Ellen
Posted by Dilbert on December 10, 1999, at 2:15:02
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Kathy on December 9, 1999, at 23:36:16
I have never heard of this before (in regard's to Paul's situation). First of all, I thought that Klonopin was an antianxiety drug, not an antiepileptic. Second, Klonopin may produce seizures if you stop taking it completely without tapering down. This is a withdrawal symptom, and the likelihood of seizure is greater if you have epilepsy. But I have never heard of Klonopin CAUSING epilepsy.
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