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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Annabelle on March 25, 2001, at 19:41:18
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by safira on March 25, 2001, at 16:43:41
Thank you for your follow-up. I do know that one time my prescription for Klonopin ran out and for some reason the Psych Nurse that prescribes for me didn't call the script in. So I was without it for about 5 days. Yeah...I did have some withdrawal shakes. But boy, did she yell at me for not getting someone else to call it in, or ask the drugstore to give me a few to hold me over. Now I know why!
Good luck to you finding the right combo of drugs.
It can be so frustrating...
Judy
Posted by bitsybabalon@yahoo.com on March 29, 2001, at 22:30:03
In reply to mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by paul on November 26, 1998, at 8:21:48
I really don't read info from someone who SCREAMS the entire
letter. Truly. It's an indication of some problem
other than worry about drugs.My docs at UCLA are the *BEST* and they care deeply
for my treatment. They've been there for me asking what
side effects, however minor, I've had for any sleep
med they gave me. They are hindered by my needing them
to not give me "fun" meds that I can use in the afternoon
to calm down after a bad day.They started me on Trazodone alone. This is according to the lit a depression med but a drowsy-making one.
After a week of this I called my doc and said I had a bit of a
hangover and worse, realistic anxious nightmares every night. He
immediately called in Klonopin.I don't know what effects y'all had from this but for me it was
St. Josephs Baby Valium and not enough to sleep. So another call
to doc...he added Neurontin to the Klonopin. Doing my reading,
I found another girl who is on the same combo and mondo happy.But in any case, however it works for me, *I have docs that are
available and listen for side effects*. If they put me on something
that was "A LIVING HELL" they'd have me off of it the day I complained.What I'm trying to say is, yes, some of these meds were developed
for different purposes, but *some* of them help us.Here's my screaming part...
****IF THESE DRUGS HURT YOU RATHER THAN HELP, CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!!
IF YOUR DOCTOR DOESN'T LISTEN, ******YOU NEED A NEW DOCTOR******!!!!!That's the bottom line. Some docs are great to begin with, some
learn with you. But *all* must be available to listen to you; you
need to watch yourself for side effects and report them ASAP, and if
(as has happened to me) you are not personally capable of making those
phone calls, then please get a caregiver to do it for you...my husband
did for me, but whoever will watch you, listen and help will do.Peace, luck and love! There *is* help out there!!!
-Lauri
Posted by Beca on March 29, 2001, at 23:26:22
In reply to If the Klonopin don't work, *call your doc!*...., posted by bitsybabalon@yahoo.com on March 29, 2001, at 22:30:03
> Lauri I loved your post you put it so nicely. It 's about time someone did it, I jut didn't know how to say it, I've been to flighty lately to be able to even put words into context, but now that I am crashing and things are slowing down I can think a little more realistically. Well what I wanted to say was congratulations and yes I too have a doc like you! Beca
Posted by Annabelle on March 30, 2001, at 8:31:24
In reply to Re: If the Klonopin don't work, *call your doc!*.... » bitsybabalon@yahoo.com, posted by Beca on March 29, 2001, at 23:26:22
Lauri,
You are so correct....there is help. AND you are correct about having an 'advocate' to help you.
When you are in pain or have problems you can't get out of, it is very difficult to pull yourself up. That is when you need a strong affiliation with a doctor, OR an advocate. Don't forget that most Health Organizations and Hospitals have patient advocates and that can be very helpful.
Lauri, I got the impression that you were on Klonopin and Neurontin for sleep?? Is that right? I am on them for muscle pain...they work. They don't solve the problem, but they do help.
Good luck to you. You are so positive... please keep posting.
Annie
Posted by safira on March 30, 2001, at 22:48:02
In reply to Re: If the Klonopin don't work, *call your doc!*...., posted by Annabelle on March 30, 2001, at 8:31:24
Pretty much my experience with doctors is that I have had to do some serious shopping around, and that it is hard coming from a low-populated area. I have even travelled outside this country to find help, in vain. For the percentage of people who are not "garden-variety" patients, i.e., easily treated, I don't know what advice to give them. Me and a few of my relatives have biochemical problems that were not easily treated by medications. We have gone through many, many, many, doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, meds etc. Its scary taking some of these psychotrophic drugs when the long-term effects, like it says in the pdr, are not known at all yet.
I have a loved one who is manifesting symptoms of mania and is now on depakote. They are more stable, but not at all like they used to be,i.e., calmer, slower speech, unobsessive. They have been on the depakote for 3-4 weeks now, and are not making that much progress, their ankles are very swollen. My family would have loved to have a patient advocate there, I think that is necessary in certain cases, but in a psychiatric hospital such as this one, that would not be allowed by the staff since they, unfortunately, don't want family visiting.My question: How long does it usually take depakote to work and can edema (the swelling) be a side effect?
Posted by sherry gomez on March 31, 2001, at 12:20:10
In reply to question about depakote, posted by safira on March 30, 2001, at 22:48:02
> Pretty much my experience with doctors is that I have had to do some serious shopping around, and that it is hard coming from a low-populated area. I have even travelled outside this country to find help, in vain. For the percentage of people who are not "garden-variety" patients, i.e., easily treated, I don't know what advice to give them. Me and a few of my relatives have biochemical problems that were not easily treated by medications. We have gone through many, many, many, doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, meds etc. Its scary taking some of these psychotrophic drugs when the long-term effects, like it says in the pdr, are not known at all yet.
> I have a loved one who is manifesting symptoms of mania and is now on depakote. They are more stable, but not at all like they used to be,i.e., calmer, slower speech, unobsessive. They have been on the depakote for 3-4 weeks now, and are not making that much progress, their ankles are very swollen. My family would have loved to have a patient advocate there, I think that is necessary in certain cases, but in a psychiatric hospital such as this one, that would not be allowed by the staff since they, unfortunately, don't want family visiting.
>
> My question: How long does it usually take depakote to work and can edema (the swelling) be a side effect?
> >Hi, how many depakote is very good. I take it for bipolar and I have a long history of family with this. I am lucky to have a good doctor who spends alot of time with me and watching my medications.... I think this works the best. its very sedating. Mine is mania and then I sink into a depression... I will sink so low I become suicidal... But when I am mania, I feel like I am on top of the world
Posted by Daisy19 on April 1, 2001, at 13:09:51
In reply to mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by paul on November 26, 1998, at 8:21:48
Does anyone know if there is any evidence to back up the suggestion that neurontin can cause epileptic problems in seemingly healthy people? I am taking 3600mg for bipolar disorder. Before this, I was taking zoloft, which made my cycling much more rapid and my manic periods more frequent. I am having good luck with this medication and I really want everything to work out, but if there are other medical problems associated with it, maybe I need to think about this more.
Thanks
Posted by Mitch on April 1, 2001, at 13:50:52
In reply to question about depakote, posted by safira on March 30, 2001, at 22:48:02
You didn't mention the Depakote dosage or what other meds he was taking. That side-effect sounds like a common one with Lithium. Is he also taking Lithium? Does he have any medical conditions that could be causing it? If the Depakote or Lithium is the cause-could his dr. reduce the dosage of the offending agent? A reduction (or possible substitution) of the Rx that is causing the edema with a low-dose of Topamax might be useful. I have found that Topamax has powerful anti-manic properties, but it can cause trouble with concentration (more so than Depakote or Lithium). If he doesn't have a job that requires a lot of complex reasoning, you might suggest it.
Posted by safira on April 2, 2001, at 21:18:43
In reply to Re: question about depakote, posted by Mitch on April 1, 2001, at 13:50:52
Thanks Mitch and Sherry for responding. This person on the depakote is on 2,000 mg. a day, it changes a lot (the amt). One of the doctors insisted that it was just fatty tissue (the aawful swelling), but I knew it was pitting edema and I was right, the doctor later said it was. They gave her lasix. She is not on lithium now. I get the feeling shes needs a different medicine for the mania. Her whole personality has changed and its upsetting. Is Topamax another anticonvulsant?
Posted by Beca on April 2, 2001, at 22:03:10
In reply to Re: question about depakote, posted by safira on April 2, 2001, at 21:18:43
Hi, Here are a few more ideas about anti convulsants. I am bipolar 1 with extreme manic high and depressant lows. I am on three anticonvulsants for my bipolar disorder, lamotrigine 200mg HS(lamictal)for my depression, neurontin 3600mg TID(gabapentin) for my mania, and topamax 600mg HS for both my mania and depression. I am also on and antipsychotic risperdal (respiridone)6mg to help with psychosis and mania. This coctail seems to be working very well for me now although it took some getting used to as well as some fine tuning. I also take Nozinan 25 mg for sleep when I am manic...when I'm depressed I have no problem with sleep. Hope this is of some help, Rebecca
Posted by kathee on April 3, 2001, at 15:04:13
In reply to mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by paul on November 26, 1998, at 8:21:48
I have taken Klonopin for over 10 years. While beneficial thru a debilitating battle with extreme anxiety and panic, its shortcomings far outweigh the benefits. My maximum dose was 2 mg. I am now trying to kick it, and it has been 4 months. I am now at .5 mg. One would think you could do that amount quickly. No way. You can expect your anxiety to rebound (that is why some therapy is imperative, so you know how to deal with it when it returns, not easy), be very physically uncomfortable, agitated, nervous, unable to sleep, and generally miserable. I consider to have lost 10 years due to this drug. Although everyone must determine on their own what is best for them, I encourage extreme caution with this med. Your MD may not tell you everything, or may give you misleading info. Mine told me it was non addictive. This medication is serious business, I cannot stress enough how much I wish I had never heard the word Klonopin. Thanks to all of your input. Eye opening is an understatement. One has a feeling of being all alone when they are caught in the cycle of addiction. You can't get it til you have been there.
Posted by safira on April 3, 2001, at 23:44:25
In reply to Re: question about depakote » safira, posted by Beca on April 2, 2001, at 22:03:10
Thanks, Rebecca, for your reply. Sounds like you are on a lot of medicine and I hope they keep working for you. I wanted to ask you and anyone else about the exact personality change that occurs when someone is in the manic stage. My relative has become more angry, belligerant, unusually happy/positive, has too much energy, speeks more and with great rapidity at times, etc. The personality change that concerns me the most right now is that they are losing their inhibitions quickly, this person is usually reserved around other people. I hope I don't inherit bi-polarism since I've allready inherited (I know that depression is also enviromnental) my family unipolar depression. Keep the faith.
Posted by Beca on April 4, 2001, at 11:51:50
In reply to Re: question about depakote, posted by safira on April 3, 2001, at 23:44:25
Hi Safira,
In regards to personilty changes I will describe to you a typical manic phase to you for me. It starts out with no sleep, then I get anxious and full of energy, Which leads in to and inability to not being able to stop my self from stopping to do things, even small things. Then my mood changes I get angry but at the same time euphoric. I get rapid speech and I feel that I feel that I have to talk all the time, which is unuasual for me because I am usually a more quiet person. My speech also gets louder. My libido increases which sometimes makes me very promiscuous which is also very unlike me. I also get very child-like and playful. With some manic episodes I get psychotic and out of touch with reality. I get commanding voices and delusions.
For your sake I too hope you don't inherit bipolar disorder, but at the least if you did you would have an excellent working knowledge of the illness. The do say that it does start with a depressive episode before the manic and usually the manic phase happens before your late 20s, so if your past this stage in your life you may be lucky.
Hope some of this info is helpful, Rebecca
Posted by safira on April 6, 2001, at 22:27:28
In reply to Re: question about depakote, posted by Beca on April 4, 2001, at 11:51:50
Thank you Beca, for your reply. My relative is going through some of what you describe. Her foot/leg edema is worse. Good luck to you.
Posted by queenb on April 17, 2001, at 8:26:46
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by kathee on April 3, 2001, at 15:04:13
> Hello all,
I have been taking 600 mg of nuerontin and .5mg of xanax for anxiety and cyclothymia. I was just switched yesterday to 900 mg of neurontin and 1.0 mg of Klonopin. i was switched because the klonopin lasts longer than the xanax and I am still cycling. Just a couple days ago i was totally full of energy and out of control. The world, including myself, was not moving fast enough. I was becoming extremely irritable and frustrated. Does that happen to anyone?? Now I feel restless and dont want to really be around anyone. Go figure. That is the way things work. Anyway - I am reading such horrible things about klonopin and its liklihood of being so addicting. Has anybody ever taken this combination before....nuerontin and klonopin. What were the outcomes???? Some feedback please----that would be great.
Thanks
Queenb
Posted by Annabelle on April 17, 2001, at 9:32:23
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by queenb on April 17, 2001, at 8:26:46
Hi Queenb,
Hmmm... you will have all sorts of answers about the klonopin, I am sure. Could you be having a 'withdrawal' from Xanax??? I don't know how long it stays in the system.
I have been taking anywhere to .5 to 1 mg of klonopin at night for the last 3 years. And I was put on Neurontin in January. My case will be a little different, because I take these two drugs for muscle pain. The Neurontin has helped a great deal, but two doctors told me to stay on the klonopin as well. I am also on Celexa and Wellbutrin for depression. My neck is terribly messed up, and this is the cause of the muscle pain. The combination has to be right for you. All I know is that I will take whatever works. If Klonopin is addictive, that is OK for now, it works. But I have been warned....do not try to go off of it without a doctor's help.
Let us know if you feel better. Now that I think of it, I was sort of tired and out of sorts when I started the Neurontin. Don't know if it was me or the new drug.
Take care...
Be well.
Annie
Posted by queenb on April 17, 2001, at 11:13:19
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Annabelle on April 17, 2001, at 9:32:23
Thanks Annie...
Just wanted to let you know that when i started taking neurontin i was very out of it for a couple days. Now I am just tired all the time but I am still capable of having my ups. Am in one now. Im not sure if its the xanax or the neurontin that makes me tired. I haven't started the klonopin yet. will soon. we will see what that does to me. I just hope that i can get rid of my fits of rage and extreme irritability. i can tolerate my hyperness and my times of extreme energy....its the irritability that gets me. im so out of control with energy that people are just in my way and they don't do things fast enough. of course then they just get on my nerves. now my mind is going way too fast. just ramble about everything. one subject to the other. guess maybe im doing that now. i guess thats better than when i don't have the energy to say anything. anyhow....thanks for yourinput.queenb
Posted by JOEI on April 17, 2001, at 17:20:45
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by queenb on April 17, 2001, at 11:13:19
I,m taking 125mg of lamictal with .5mg twice a day
feel great very stable lots of energy. tried neru
topimax,felt awfull lazy no spunk.No zest
bored.
Posted by Kingfish on April 17, 2001, at 21:09:14
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by JOEI on April 17, 2001, at 17:20:45
JOEI:
What was it like to switch from the Topamax/Neurotin to Lamictal? What's the other med you are on?
I'm on Top/Neuro/Celexa now. Feeling very stable but am having some trouble with sedation.
Thanks!
- K.
Posted by SalArmy4me on April 18, 2001, at 15:20:37
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc.... » JOEI, posted by Kingfish on April 17, 2001, at 21:09:14
The Lamictal would be a lot better than Topamax as far as sedation; i've never heard of people complaining about long-term sedation with Lamictal.
> JOEI:
>
> What was it like to switch from the Topamax/Neurotin to Lamictal? What's the other med you are on?
>
> I'm on Top/Neuro/Celexa now. Feeling very stable but am having some trouble with sedation.
>
> Thanks!
>
> - K.
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 19, 2001, at 9:19:22
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by queenb on April 17, 2001, at 8:26:46
Reconsider Klopopin - it can really get people out of control. Also, Neurontin might be an effective drug, but it is not well established for rapid cycling. Try Depakote or Tegretol which are far more established.
Also, you can take an antipsychotic such as Risperdal for some time.
Jimmy
> > Hello all,
> I have been taking 600 mg of nuerontin and .5mg of xanax for anxiety and cyclothymia. I was just switched yesterday to 900 mg of neurontin and 1.0 mg of Klonopin. i was switched because the klonopin lasts longer than the xanax and I am still cycling. Just a couple days ago i was totally full of energy and out of control. The world, including myself, was not moving fast enough. I was becoming extremely irritable and frustrated. Does that happen to anyone?? Now I feel restless and dont want to really be around anyone. Go figure. That is the way things work. Anyway - I am reading such horrible things about klonopin and its liklihood of being so addicting. Has anybody ever taken this combination before....nuerontin and klonopin. What were the outcomes???? Some feedback please----that would be great.
> Thanks
> Queenb
Posted by queenb on April 19, 2001, at 12:26:46
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by jimmygold70 on April 19, 2001, at 9:19:22
>I have been on klonopin for 2 days now and off xanax. i feel very not at ease. Very ancie, i guess you could say. Very nervouse feeling. Is this because i am switching medications??? Im not sure i like klonopin. I also feel very tired. My mind is racinf though. I am goin through spurts of extreme hyperness to restlessness throughout an 8 hour work day. what is up?
Queenb
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 19, 2001, at 13:30:52
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by queenb on April 19, 2001, at 12:26:46
Maybe you're taking too little Klonopin. How much are you taking ? How much Xanax you used to take ?
> >I have been on klonopin for 2 days now and off xanax. i feel very not at ease. Very ancie, i guess you could say. Very nervouse feeling. Is this because i am switching medications??? Im not sure i like klonopin. I also feel very tired. My mind is racinf though. I am goin through spurts of extreme hyperness to restlessness throughout an 8 hour work day. what is up?
>
> Queenb
Posted by queenb on April 19, 2001, at 14:53:47
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by jimmygold70 on April 19, 2001, at 13:30:52
> I was only taking 05mg of xanax a day. i am taking 1.0klonopin a day.
Posted by jimmygold70 on April 21, 2001, at 8:49:18
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by queenb on April 19, 2001, at 14:53:47
So the Klonopin dose is allright.Some sources of mine state that 1mg Klonopin=1mg Xanax, some say that 2mg Klonopin=1mg Xanax, and some say the very opposite: 1mg Klonopin = 2mg Xanax (I tend to agree to the latter). Anyway, you're on the safe side.
> > I was only taking 05mg of xanax a day. i am taking 1.0klonopin a day.
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