![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 113 to 137 of 251. Go back in thread:
Posted by maribeth on November 17, 2000, at 8:02:04
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by panicchic on November 16, 2000, at 0:38:10
> > > > Hi, I have been on klonopin 1.5 mg a day for approx 3 months now. It has definitely helped to stop my panic attacks. I am worried, however, of it's possible long-term effects. After being on Klonopin for a months, my Doc prescribed Effexor XR for depression and it is supposed to help a little w/anxiety, too. I really like the Effexor XR...It has improved my mood, I feel more motivated and I have lost weight while being on it. If you read this and have any questions / comments about Effexor XR or advice about Klonopin, please email me.
> > > My question isn't how to go off Klonopin, I need something to help my anxiety attacks that have gotten worse. My Dr suggested going up on my klonopin. I don't want to if I am going to get bad effects. I don't want to gain weight or have an increase of appetite. I binge already, I am always hungry, but I really am not, just think I need to eat. My Dr. also suggested neurontin, but I also have questions about side effects on that drug too. I wondered about Paxil also. I just want to get rid of these anxiety attacks and live my life again. HELP!!!!
> >
> > If you check my previous e-mail, I spoke about the issues of eating with Neurontin. I am also a compulsive overeater (amember of OA) and the Neurontin had no eating side effects. In fact, if anything, it relieved it and I started to lose weight gradually while I was on it. There is almost no reported weight gain side effect on Neurontin. The incidence in which it occurs is absolutely miniscule. Because I have eating issues I was very concerned about this. If there was ever a chance of weight gain on a drug no matter how small, I gained the weight. I did NOT on Neurontin. So give it a try. I also was put on klonopin because it was supposed to be not addictive as valium. ANd in fact it was. And the longer you are on it the more addicted you become. I could not even tolerate a reduction of my medication of klonopin of less than 5% . The effects on my physiologically were horrendous, extreme irratability and so forth, with in a matter of days. I have known several people who have tried to get off Klonopin after being on it for years. One woman has nearly succeedded after slowly reducing her dosage over a two year period. Another woman suffered permanent hearing damage. During one of my efforts to get off with the slightest reduction in the drug caused permnent hearing loss in me and I will now probably have to get a hearing aid. Klonopin is only supposed to be prescribed for extremely short term use. Unfortunately, many doctors are not informed of that and therefore misinform their patients. The short term use is precisely becaus of its increeasing addictive qualities over time, that can in fact induce epilepsy if one tries to get off it.Hi Y'all-
I am a psychiatric nurse on a "dual diagnosis unit' in a small private psychiatric hospital. I am an ex+drinker and ex pill+popper myself.
All of that isn't worth a rats ass, but anyway. In the fourteen years that I have worked there we have had only the occasional doc, maybe even a pdoc
or two,who wanted to order a benzodiazapine for a client. It's usually a newbe, a moonlighter, or a doc from another
unit but this is rare. These folks quickly learn one part of our head Guru's philosophy: IF ITS A BENZODIAZAPINE
THEN IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME ADDICTING. Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin were all touted
that way when they first came on the market. I know I sound like the "Benzo-Nazi", but my dear
please talk with your pdoc or whoever is prescribing for you. I am not saying that
you are addicted, but please just see if there arnt some alternatives. A friend of mine's
daughter recently started on Topomax "for binge eating" Vistaril is sometimes helpful
for sleep. Good luck -- I shall pray for you--Maribeth
PS Our Head pdoc is not totally inflexable -- if one sits down an gives GOOD sound reasoning he has been know to concede points.
Posted by maribeth on November 17, 2000, at 8:52:40
In reply to alprazolam? Re: Klonopin » panicchic, posted by Maniz on November 16, 2000, at 12:58:48
> Do you have any information about alprazolam (Xanax, ect) causing the same problems as klonopin (which I think is clonazepam) ?.
>
> Which is the safest benzodiazepine for long term use ?.
>
> Thanks
>
> >Klonopin is only supposed to be prescribed for extremely short term use. Unfortunately, many doctors are not informed of that and therefore misinform their patients. The short term use is precisely becaus of its increeasing addictive qualities over time, that can in fact induce epilepsy if one tries to get off it.Panicchic-- I am terribly sorry! I just read over my previous post;
You wanted help and I gave you my "stock lesson 110". My answer to your
About "long term use' Klonopin - And some really good quality time with
with a really good, quality therapist. Work out the issues that may
well be at the core of what is causing you to need
the Klonopin. Make that a a goal of therapy. (Therapists LOVE clients who have good
well thought out-goals
quality time
Posted by stjames on November 20, 2000, at 2:10:10
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by maribeth on November 17, 2000, at 8:02:04
IF ITS A BENZODIAZAPINE THEN IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME ADDICTING.
James here....
It is important to remember than addiction to many substances
carries no negative health problems, other than the addiction itself.
The benzos are very safe. As conditions like bipolar and significant panic disorder,
where someone will be on meds for life, the issue of addiction seems unimportant.
I have deen on Atavin for 15 yrs at a consistant dose and had not problems with it.james
Posted by maribeth on November 20, 2000, at 13:41:26
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by stjames on November 20, 2000, at 2:10:10
> IF ITS A BENZODIAZAPINE THEN IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME ADDICTING.
>
> James here....
>
> It is important to remember than addiction to many substances
> carries no negative health problems, other than the addiction itself.
> The benzos are very safe. As conditions like bipolar and significant panic disorder,
> where someone will be on meds for life, the issue of addiction seems unimportant.
> I have deen on Atavin for 15 yrs at a consistant dose and had not problems with it.
>James
Thank you for your wonderful entry and sense of balance. I sometimes need to be reminded that
the rest of the planet is NOT populated by seriously mentally ill folk who, given the opportunity,
will attempt to abuse just about ANY substance from cough drops to Flintstone vitamins!
I guess what I really need to say is know yourself (medication/drug history) and be open and honest
with your prescriber.
James, you have something that when we see it on our unit we go ahhhhhh!!!! INSIGHT!!!
Thanks, Maribeth
> james
Posted by PMSgirl on December 31, 2000, at 1:27:17
In reply to Re: Paxil, Klonopin, Wellbutrin, posted by CraigF on August 25, 2000, at 14:57:19
> DEFINITELY get a new doctor, by all means!
> I've never heard of anyone taking WB for anxiety problems. I had to stop taking it because it generated frustration and anxiety. The chills, etc., are from withdrawl. I had the same experience (horrible) after missing several consecutive doses of Serzone. The advice given in the above posts sounds sound. The first order of business, however, is to fire that doctor.Hi anyone out there:
I'm currently taking 300 mgs of wellbutrin because I stopped taking effexor due to side effects and then of course became severly depressed. It's been 5 weeks now on the wellbutrin with no noticible improvement or side effects and I tried clonazepam for my nerves (very Bad - my nerves and the drug) so now I am taking ativan (better) but I think my doc might want me to try paxil. I don't know if I should quit wellbutrin or try them together. does anyone out there have any input for me. I'm really frustrated and alone.
Posted by deadlysiren911-pennsylvania on December 31, 2000, at 13:55:21
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc, posted by Klonogirl on December 29, 1998, at 21:07:06
Dear everyone,
ive been taking depakote since i was diagnosed in jan 98 i am on it as a moodstabilizer for bi-polar disorder axis 2(i think) aka. manic depression i went from 155 lbs to 180 in 2 monthes and then somehow got up to 225 lbs because i was in residential placement and on 3 medicines(trazadone,(sleeping ) depakote,(mood stabalizer) and deprovera(birth control)
3 weeks ago i gradually started substituting serezone for the depakote. i have only been completely off the depakote almost a week and already without trying have lost 4 lbs. my appeitite has decreased by alot.
having a mood disorder is bad enough for a 16 year old with out having a bad weight problem too.
if u would like to talk about anything, info on serezone, my experiences, or someone to talk to,anything email me at deadlysiren16@aol.com or deadlysiren911_pa@yahoo.com my aol names are deadlysiren911 and deadlysiren16
Posted by SoftTones on January 10, 2001, at 19:50:49
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc, posted by Kate on November 30, 1998, at 18:33:31
I suffer from depression/severe anxiety. I've been taking imipramine 150/mg a day for a couple of years now with no side effects...but...it doesn't help with the severe anxiety. I tried buspar for a year and it didn't help..then I tried ativan. Ativan helped when I used it for very brief periods..maybe a couple of days but I couldn't take it long term because it was worsening my depression and making me feel extremely ill. So, my doctor weaned me off ativan and we both knew that I absolutely needed something to help my anxiety. I can't take any of the SSRI's so it was decided to try me on klonopin.This started on Dec19th and I have only been taking 0.5 mg at night when I go to bed. The first morning I woke up with a splitting headache ..I continued to take it and since that time I've had recurring headaches, lethargy, deepening depression and starting to feel very weird as if my whole thought process is screwed up...there are times through the day when I feel almost insane. Has anyone else had any bizarre reactions to klonopin? Even the bad reaction I had from taking ativan for longer than a couple of days was nothing compared to this!! I'm completely lost as to what to do..I know I need something to help with the anxiety but have no idea what I could take.
Posted by Dena C. on January 10, 2001, at 20:21:19
In reply to Re: Paxil, Klonopin, Wellbutrin, posted by PMSgirl on December 31, 2000, at 1:27:17
Hi everyone, I posted a few months ago about the terrible paxil withdrawl. Well heres the update, since then I have fired my p-doc and found a new one that I really like. I am now taking wellbutrin 150 mg 2x a day and prozac 20mg 2x a day and restoril for insomnia. I feel better now than I have in my whole life not to mention I have lost almost 30 lbs!
Im not a dr. but for anyone having trouble with thier meds maybe ask your dr. about this combo. it has worked miracles for me! Good luck everyone!
Posted by Nancy W on February 1, 2001, at 2:08:34
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Al on March 21, 2000, at 16:09:20
I am taking 2400mg of Neurontin a day along with 30mg of Prozac (down from 50mg) and 150ms Trazadone for sleep and 100mg of Naltrexone for addiction. I don't think I have any side-effects and this combination safed my life. It allowed me to want to live, get clean and sober (along with AA) stop self mutalation and bi-polar mood swings. I am concerned about taking this much medication but I am afraid to change it because I don't want to return to the deep, dark, black well with no light at the top.
Nancy
Posted by Tamaram on February 3, 2001, at 18:32:46
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Donna on August 22, 1999, at 17:10:15
> 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? CarmenMy name is Tamaram and new here. I have anxiety disorder and may be bi-poloar. I took klonopin for 10 yrs and 3 weeks ago took me off. I feel terrible. So much anxiety. I'm now on Paxil and Neurontin 900 mgs a day. Tried more nerontin, and still just nothing but anxiety. Just took an ativan, so hope that works. I'm supposed to go to work monday, but I can't even drive. Any help would be greatly appreaciated. Tamaram
Posted by Alan on February 4, 2001, at 23:31:43
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Tamaram on February 3, 2001, at 18:32:46
> My name is Tamaram and new here. I have anxiety disorder and may be bi-poloar. I took klonopin for 10 yrs and 3 weeks ago took me off. I feel terrible. So much anxiety. I'm now on Paxil and Neurontin 900 mgs a day. Tried more nerontin, and still just nothing but anxiety. Just took an ativan, so hope that works. I'm supposed to go to work monday, but I can't even drive. Any help would be greatly appreaciated. Tamaram
*********************************************I guess I'd wonder why you were taken off an antianxiety med so abruptly. Did you taper the dosage down? You probably need to discontinue it slowly. Why were you taken off?
Alan
Posted by Beca on March 6, 2001, at 20:43:56
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Alan on February 4, 2001, at 23:31:43
Hi, I'm new here but wanted to let you know about topamax, lamictal and neurontin. I'm bipolar and on these three drugs that have done wonders for me. I rapid cycle which makes my life a little hectic at times but the lamictal really helps my depression ( I take 200mg ) and the topamax ( 600mg) just balances things out altogether. I just went into a major manic cycle and was put on neurontin but I've been on it before so I know it works for my mania. I'm on 2400mg of it It just slows me right down and helps me sleep. I read in an earlier not that people were afraid that topamax would make you go "stupid" but I haven't found that to be the case. I work as a paramedic and have to be on the ball. Some times I have severe anxiety for which I uses relaxation exercises or if all else fails I take 1 mg of clonazepam. Well I hope this sheds some light on these newer meds and gives some hope to some of you folk. I'll keep my eye out for some more information and pass it along. Take care, Rebecca
Posted by Manic on March 7, 2001, at 8:32:41
In reply to Re: mood disorders and the new anticonvulsants, posted by thewife on July 24, 1999, at 21:33:43
> 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....KlonogirlThis is for the wife of a bipolar who asked about Topamax. In short, nasty stuff. When I took the first dose, the affect was very nice -- kinda reminded me of the old days of getting stoned. But it did knock me out. I could stay awake for only four hours at a time. Then I had strange body sensations -- heightened hearing, smell, sense of touch and roaring headaches. When I awakened in the morning I felt like I had been on a weekend binge. My trial with Topamax lasted three weeks.
I am a manic-depressive with PTSD with a concomitant dissociative disorder. I take Lithium, Zoloft, and Klonopin when necessary. I had been taking BuSpar, but I've developed throbbing headaches with that too. Though Lithium keeps the mania from becoming totally out of hand, I often have times of severe restlessness. Klonopin reduces that restlessness so I don't drive everyone around me insane. The trick with Klonopin, in my opinion, is not to take it all the time. I have never taken Klonopin continuously for more than a week. I only take it when I'm very restless. It is addictive and I always keep that in mind -- but it works and I use it judiciously. Just because the label says to take it twice a day, doesn't mean you should with this type of drug because the beneficial effects are immediate. There are so many drugs out now that "have to build up in your system" before they work that perhaps too many people may forget that certain classifications of drugs have an immediate effect and you don't want them to build up in your system.
Well, as Jimi Hendrix sings, "Manic Depression is a frustrating mess." But listen to your body and if a medication makes you sick, DON'T TAKE IT (for psychopharmacological drugs only). Every persons metabolism is different and if you think about it, it's all Voodoo anyway.
Tell your husband to stay out of other people's prescriptions! Hope he feels better.
-Manic-
Posted by Cece on March 7, 2001, at 13:18:30
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » Alan, posted by Beca on March 6, 2001, at 20:43:56
Hi Rebecca-
Both Neurontin and Lamictal have anti-depressant qualities: Neurontin is (usually) more calming, Lamictal is (usually) more activating. I take both, and they are a good combo (I also take other meds as well- my whole mix has developed over 8 years of working with a good pdoc).
Here are a few postings I have made that will give you some more info on my experiences:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/55183.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55558.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/54646.html
I hope that this is helpful, and good luck,
Cece
Posted by roo on March 7, 2001, at 13:42:44
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » Beca, posted by Cece on March 7, 2001, at 13:18:30
Ce-Ce,
What's it like taking both the neurotin and the
lamictal? Do you also take an antidepressant?
I take neurotin and prozac, but we are hoping
to wean completely off the prozac b/c of sexual
side effects. I am concerned about not getting
enough of a AD effect from the neurotin alone, but
I can't take any SSRI's without sexual side effects,
and the other ones don't seem to work for me. Maybe
a combo of neurotin and lamictal together would have
enough of an AD effect....
Anyway, just let me know your experience...I love
the calming effect of the neurotin...but I do tend
toward depression as well.
Posted by Cece on March 7, 2001, at 21:44:14
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by roo on March 7, 2001, at 13:42:44
Hi Roo-
I tend toward depression also- sometimes very bad depression. I have tried many meds over the course of the last 8 years, and now take a quite long list together. I'll give you the whole list at the end- it's longer than I would like (I feel like I am running my own pharmacy, and it's a real job to keep it stocked)- but everything I still take has addressed some aspect of my problems. I'm in the process of slowly decreasing dosages of some things, to see if their function has been replaced by something added more recently- I hope to be able to take some meds out and simplify my life.
I took zoloft- by itself before I started working with my present doctor- it helped for awhile but then started to send me into a very nasty hypomania. Later on, once I got some mood stabilizers going (Depakote and Klonopin) I added it back in and got some benefit w/o the hypo. But I had the sexual side effects, and I was always a little nervous about it becuz of my past experience. I weaned off it, and don't miss it. The only (official) AD that I now take is Nortriptyline- it helps my depression and my sleep.
I have definitely gotten some AD effects from Lamictal, as I hear others have too. I have also quite recently started on Thyroid med (T4, I have taken T3 (Cytomel) for quite a long time as it is a good AD augmenter), and it has clearly helped my mood. Same with Adderall, which is new for me, although I'm now wondering if I really need it, or whether the T4 was what I really needed. Oh, it's so complicated!
Here are the url's of some posts I've made regarding my experiences with different meds, including Lamictal:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55558.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/54646.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55729.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010221/msgs/55183.htmlI have also gotten both anti-anxiety and AD help from Xanax.
So I can't answer precisely about just Lamictal and Neurontin together- I've got too many other meds mixed in. But I can say that it's no problem, and I think that they are probably a good combo on their own. Just depends on your particular depression whether you might need something else also.
So, here's what I take (I've left out my allergy med and my hormone replacement- this is enuf to absorb!):
MORNING:
Neurontin 300mg
Cytomel 10mcg
Lamictal 125mg
Depakote 125mg
Adderal 5mg (down from 7.5mg on 3/7)
Xanax .25mg
Levothroid 50mcg
AFTERNOON:
Neurontin 300mg
Adderal 2.5mg
Xanax .25mg
NIGHTIME:
Neurontin 300mg (down from 600 on 3/5)
Depakote 125mg
nortriptyline 40mg
Xanax .75mg
clonazepam .0625mg (down from .125mg 2/27, will go off on 3/9)
Topomax 12.5mg (since 3/5)
PRN:
Xanax .25- .5mg Q 4-6hrIf you're interested in my experience with Topomax, here's my posts:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55393.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55724.htmlI hope that this hasn't been too long of a post, and that it is of some help,
Cece> Ce-Ce,
>
> What's it like taking both the neurotin and the
> lamictal? Do you also take an antidepressant?
> I take neurotin and prozac, but we are hoping
> to wean completely off the prozac b/c of sexual
> side effects. I am concerned about not getting
> enough of a AD effect from the neurotin alone, but
> I can't take any SSRI's without sexual side effects,
> and the other ones don't seem to work for me. Maybe
> a combo of neurotin and lamictal together would have
> enough of an AD effect....
> Anyway, just let me know your experience...I love
> the calming effect of the neurotin...but I do tend
> toward depression as well.
Posted by roo on March 8, 2001, at 9:23:05
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » roo, posted by Cece on March 7, 2001, at 21:44:14
> Thanks Ce-ce, for your response--it does help.
Are you able to take a lower dose of the nortriptyline
b/c of the mood stabilizers, or are you on a standard
dose?
Posted by Beca on March 8, 2001, at 12:30:07
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » Beca, posted by Cece on March 7, 2001, at 13:18:30
Hi Cece
These meds are working well for me, but the neurontin is making me a little dizzy but that should go away soon, I experienced that the last time I was on it to. I can't take any any anti depressant cause that make me rapid cycle so I'm glad to here that lamictal and neurontin both have antidepressant effects. I also take 3000mg of salmon oil each day, that helps alot with depression, you can take any kind of fish oil but salmon oil is the best. I hope things are going smoothly for you, Take care. Rebecca
Posted by roo on March 8, 2001, at 13:27:10
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Beca on March 8, 2001, at 12:30:07
Beca,
how long did it take for you to notice the salmon
oil taking effect? Where did you get it? I have
seen fish oil, but never salmon oil...
Posted by Beca on March 8, 2001, at 17:01:12
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,--beca, posted by roo on March 8, 2001, at 13:27:10
Roo,
It took a little while for the salmon oil to take effect because it has to build up in the system but once it has a stable level it works quite well in conjunction with my other meds (topomax, lamictal and neurontin). I by it at my local health food store and sometimes at Costco. Give it a try if you can find it, you might have to ask for it to be brought in for you if you don't see it on the shelves. You can find more info on this if you type in salmon oil into one of your browsers.
Posted by dove on March 9, 2001, at 9:09:51
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » roo, posted by Cece on March 7, 2001, at 21:44:14
>
> So, here's what I take (I've left out my allergy med and my hormone replacement- this is enuf to absorb!):
>
> MORNING:
> Neurontin 300mg
> Cytomel 10mcg
> Lamictal 125mg
> Depakote 125mg
> Adderal 5mg (down from 7.5mg on 3/7)
> Xanax .25mg
> Levothroid 50mcg
> AFTERNOON:
> Neurontin 300mg
> Adderal 2.5mg
> Xanax .25mg
> NIGHTIME:
> Neurontin 300mg (down from 600 on 3/5)
> Depakote 125mg
> nortriptyline 40mg
> Xanax .75mg
> clonazepam .0625mg (down from .125mg 2/27, will go off on 3/9)
> Topomax 12.5mg (since 3/5)
> PRN:
> Xanax .25- .5mg Q 4-6hr
>
I have a similar combo of meds, but haven't found the sweet spot quite yet. I was wondering about your feelings on Adderall, and what you feel and/or think it does for you. I was originally prescribed Adderall for ADHD, but when they decided to start working on the bipolar issues they said that many times Adderall has a slow-down effect especially when focusing on *not* inducing a manic session when trying to add AD's.So, I was just wondering if you had any feelings about it? I know it's *very* difficult to define which meds are doing what, so if this task seems to be just a little too discombobulated, just ignore my scribbling ;-)
Thanks for everything you've shared so far, it is very nice to hear and learn from other people's experiences in regard to complicated dxes and complicated med-cocktails, thank you!
dove
Posted by Lorraine on March 9, 2001, at 11:49:02
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » Beca, posted by Cece on March 7, 2001, at 13:18:30
I wanted to thank you for your post. There was a lot of information in there that should be useful.
Posted by Cece on March 9, 2001, at 13:15:54
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » Cece, posted by dove on March 9, 2001, at 9:09:51
Thanx for the thanks- I just discovered this board and jumped in about 3 weeks ago. It' been an incredible boost for me to have a new support system. As well-meaning as friends may be, no one really gets it who hasn't been there. And there is so much good info and so many knowledgeable people here! It's wonderful to be able to share my experiences.
Re Adderall: I just added it about 2 months ago- this after 8 years on mood stabilizers (changed/added to as new ones appeared promising). It has been part of a push (I'm pushing my pdoc), to clear my head of damn brain fog/grog. Lamictal was the first addition to help, several months later came my small dose of Adderall- as a result of a question as to whether I might have an ADD component going on, and it has helped me focus, and then most recently came the Levothroid (T4 thyroid, see my post: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55729.html for info) which has helped my overall energy and feeling of well-being.
At the same time, I am slowly dropping out Klonopin which I have taken for a long time, am very sensitive to, and despite a tiny dose have suspected of holding me down in a negative way. I have also slightly reduced my dose of Neurontin, a drug that I love and will never give up, but think I was a bit over on.
So, I'm feeling better and better- but also Spring is my best season- v. complicated, isn't it?!
For myself, I do not think that Adderall would have been a good idea earlier on- I was too unstable. Several years ago, before I was on Neurontin and Lamictal, I tried Cylert to clear brain fog- it worked great for about a week, then sent me into a horrible hyper (not really hypo) nasty place that it took several weeks to come out of. But of course, it's not the same drug as Adderall.
If you trust your pdoc, I guess I'd trust the advice for the moment, but don't forget about Adderall- it seems to have helped a lot of people.
Good luck,
Cece
> > So, here's what I take (I've left out my allergy med and my hormone replacement- this is enuf to absorb!):
> >
> > MORNING:
> > Neurontin 300mg
> > Cytomel 10mcg
> > Lamictal 125mg
> > Depakote 125mg
> > Adderal 5mg (down from 7.5mg on 3/7)
> > Xanax .25mg
> > Levothroid 50mcg
> > AFTERNOON:
> > Neurontin 300mg
> > Adderal 2.5mg
> > Xanax .25mg
> > NIGHTIME:
> > Neurontin 300mg (down from 600 on 3/5)
> > Depakote 125mg
> > nortriptyline 40mg
> > Xanax .75mg
> > clonazepam .0625mg (down from .125mg 2/27, will go off on 3/9)
> > Topomax 12.5mg (since 3/5)
> > PRN:
> > Xanax .25- .5mg Q 4-6hr
> >
>
>
> I have a similar combo of meds, but haven't found the sweet spot quite yet. I was wondering about your feelings on Adderall, and what you feel and/or think it does for you. I was originally prescribed Adderall for ADHD, but when they decided to start working on the bipolar issues they said that many times Adderall has a slow-down effect especially when focusing on *not* inducing a manic session when trying to add AD's.
>
> So, I was just wondering if you had any feelings about it? I know it's *very* difficult to define which meds are doing what, so if this task seems to be just a little too discombobulated, just ignore my scribbling ;-)
>
> Thanks for everything you've shared so far, it is very nice to hear and learn from other people's experiences in regard to complicated dxes and complicated med-cocktails, thank you!
>
> dove
Posted by Cece on March 10, 2001, at 2:10:43
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » Cece, posted by dove on March 9, 2001, at 9:09:51
Dove-
I forgot to ask you in my previous reply what your similar combo of meds is- if you feel comfortable sharing it?
I'm off clonazapam completely now- a good move for me I think. So far so good- less fog and no additional anxiety.
I've been on a slightly reduced dose of Adderall for 3 days now- this change becuz my blood pressure has gone up since I started it. Haven't had my BP rechecked yet, but still feel plenty of energy. (I also wonder if I needed the Adderall in the first place, or maybe just needed the T4 plus lowering/deleting some overly sedating meds like the clonazepam).
Cece>
> I have a similar combo of meds, but haven't found the sweet spot quite yet.> dove
Posted by Mimers on March 13, 2001, at 10:58:30
In reply to Re: Paxil, Klonopin, Wellbutrin UPDATE, posted by Dena C. on January 10, 2001, at 20:21:19
Hi everyone:
I started taking Klonopin in December. One half (1/2) mg every night. I ran across this board and was scared out of my mind reading some of these threads that I decided to cut the .50mg in half and have beed taking .25 at night for about a week. (I intended to start shaving off minuscule pieces of the .25 until I was down to nothing and then quit it completely) No problems till last night.
During a very emotional conversation with my fiance (prior to taking my .25mg) I starting feeling anxiety. I took my quarter mg and didn't feel much better, in fact it got worse. In addition I took a couple of puffs off of something that I'm not sure I can post here but I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about. That was the first time I had ever combined the two and I can assure you it will be the LAST. I have never in my life had such a panic attack. I had to take another .25mg to get relief. Please, can someone tell me why I had such a reaction? Was it the combination of the stressful conversation, the week or so of reducing to.25mg and the couple of "puffs"? Or is it the reduction to 25mg a day in intself that caused it? I am so frightened it will happen again. Prior to last night I have never had a panic attack. I was originlly prescribed the meds for a sleep disorder. (Which it did help but after reading these threads I decided I'll live with the sleep disorders!) Could I be experiencing withdrawal symptoms? Please help.
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