![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 95 to 119 of 251. Go back in thread:
Posted by JIll on March 24, 2000, at 10:05:58
In reply to Re: generic version of klonopin , posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 21:08:59
> > >
> > >.25mg is a nice, low dose. Hope this helps - Cam W.
> >
> >
> > Whoa. I've been taking 2mg for 5yrs. My new dose
> > is 4mg.
>
> Harry - 4mg is not an unreasonable dose either, but some people cannot tolerate Clonazepam withdrawl and really do have trouble stopping the drug. Most people, though, do not have problems with Clonazepam. When stopping the drug, it must be tapered slowly, no matter what the dose. - Cam W.I have a question is Clonazepam (The generic of Klonopin just as effective or is brand name better to take?
Posted by Cam W. on March 24, 2000, at 19:31:28
In reply to Re: generic version of klonopin , posted by JIll on March 24, 2000, at 10:05:58
Jill - In Canada, by law, the generic version must be within 5% of the pharmacokinetic parameters of the name brand product (eg within 5% in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion). This essentially means that the two are interchangeable. The generic companies sometimes use cheaper fillers and binders. I have seen some people with allergies have problems with some of the generic products. Also, for some reason, generic Valium doesn't seem to work as well as the name brand. Much of this may be due to the fact that the resale value on the street is much lower for the generic version, but some of my reputable customers have said the generic version of Valium doesn't work as well. I do take there word for it, as I have not done any informal studies myself. =^)In Alberta we have what is called the Drug Benefit List (has a new, more politically correct name now, but I forget what it is) which contains the maximum costs that the government will pay for medications for those covered by Social Services, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped and for Seniors. Essentially, the costs allowed are for the generic versions, where available.
The name brand companies do not lower their prices because they are multinational companies selling to many countries. If these companies lowered their prices in Canada, they would have to do so in countries where generics are not allowed (damn lobby groups). This has included (until recently) the United States. In Canada, we have had generic versions of older drugs for about 20 years.
The name brand companies can get around this pricing problem by forming what are called "ultra-generic" companies (eg Altimed) that are at arms length from the parent companies. These ultra-generic companies essential buy the rights to sell exactly the same tablet that the brand name company markets and sell them at a generic price. The drug, binders and fillers are exactly the same as the name brand product. These generics actually come from the same lots (batches) and machines that the brand name drugs do. During the manufacturing process the dies (stamps) that press the tablets are changed from name brand to ultra-generic brand, using the very same batch of drug. The ultra-generic companies market by saying that they are made by using the same process, but are actually the same tablet. Slimy business practice, huh. All this is done so that the multinationals can charge you (in the United States) more than is charged in Canada for exactly the same product (but under a different name). Thought you'd like to know - Cam W.
Posted by bob on March 24, 2000, at 22:26:04
In reply to Re: generic version of klonopin - Jill , posted by Cam W. on March 24, 2000, at 19:31:28
Amanda, and anyone else interested in or worried about klonopin for that matter,
There are some watchwords a lot of us here in Babbleland use quite often -- Your Mileage May Vary.
That doesn't mean that people who say they've had great difficulty with a drug haven't had those problems -- it means that it may not happen to you. It *also* means that when people like me stand up and say things like "klonopin has been the single most effective psychotropic medication I have been on", no matter how true it is for me, that it will be the same blessing for you. As Cam has so articulately pointed out several times on this thread, different people have different responses to the same medication because while some of us may share symptoms, our underlying genetics and brain chemistry may be quite different.
I can't tell you how klonopin makes me feel, because that's not what it does for me. Klonopin makes me NOT feel the constant raw-edged nervous buzz that had been so omnipresent in my life that I wasn't really consciously aware of it until it was gone. Cam talks about how, sometimes, folks like me who have this "loss" of anxiety believe the med isn't working, expecting that they should be feeling something, anything.
I guess that's another way in which this med has been a blessing -- the change for me was subtle but profound and immediate. I cannot, to this day, describe well enough the way I **used** to feel ... but I am very aware that it is gone. And that's a Very Good Thing.
I've read through a couple of recent editions of "handbooks" on psychopharmacology to research the meds I've been taking forthe past few years, and I haven't found a single medication in any of them that is prescribed for depression and/or anxiety that DOES NOT say its supposed to be used for a fixed time, two years at the most, and then gradually stopped. The indication in these handbooks is that one to two years on an antidepressant should be sufficient to cure anyone of their depression.
So much for academic, scientific knowledge.
I would hazard a guess that those "lifetimes" for being on a medication have more to do with grant cycles and publication pressures than with the reality that people with neurological disorders have to face after the funding for the study dries up. At least that's my experience as an academic and a scientist (from a different field than clinical psych) who has dealt with getting funded and published.
Anyway, in making these sorts of decisions, having information from multiple perspectives is important. After spending some time around here reading, you can't help but get educated on the sorts of issues you should address when starting or changing meds. It's helped make me an informed, intelligent partner with my psychiatrist when it comes to decisions on my meds instead of someone who just sits down and takes whatever script is handed over. That sort of knowledge helped me convince my pdoc that I had shown over the course of 18 months that I don't respond to SSRIs, and so a different class of medications might be better (now, I'm on nortriptyline for my AD). When the nortrip needed a boost, I was able to go to my pdoc with three different strategies involving 6 or so different meds ... when he hit me with "let's increase your dose on the nortriptyline", I hit him with my research and my own perceptions of what might work. We decided on ritalin augmentation, and it's been a very promising month since that visit.
Whatever path you take, good luck with it!
my two cents,
bob
Posted by Susan on March 25, 2000, at 13:08:38
In reply to YMMV ... for me, klonopin's a godsend, posted by bob on March 24, 2000, at 22:26:04
Bob,
I could echo everything you have said about Klonopin. It has been working wonderfully for me for almost 3 months (to replace Xanax and Effexor XR. I asked my Pdoc about ritalin for the days I feel too tired to do anything and it seems to be working. Are you taking Ritalin on a prn basis and how much? Any side effects?
Posted by bob on March 26, 2000, at 2:17:57
In reply to Re: Bob's godsend and Ritalin, posted by Susan on March 25, 2000, at 13:08:38
> Are you taking Ritalin on a prn basis and how much? Any side effects?
Hi Susan!
Well, given that I need it all the time, yeah, you could say that ;^).
My pdoc started me at 20mg/day split 10 at breakfast, 10 at lunch, then moved me up to 20/10. At this level, it's had a very "light" touch on me -- nothing like tossing down a triple-shot espresso (not that caffeine ever did anything for me anyway). Still, it has improved my mood, my concentration, and has helped me set aside my OCD behaviors ... as long as I'm not stressed. No side effects at all. I think there's still quite a bit of room for improvement -- with my energy level at any time, or in general when I'm stressed out. But my mood hasn't been this good on a day to day basis in a long, long time. I see my pdoc again on Monday--hopefully, I'll be going to a little higher dose on it.
Between klonopin and ritalin, it makes me think of song by a friend:
"Little miracles will build a cornerstone
Next in line to debts of mine
Little miracles are all I own"Right now, I'll settle for the little ones
;^)
bob
Posted by Parker on August 21, 2000, at 18:58:37
In reply to Re: listen to YOUR body, posted by Patty on August 12, 1999, at 20:54:59
I am curious. I just happened to stumble onto this site while doing a web-search. I am on Neurontin for Peripheral Neuropathy. My Neurologist has me on 1200 MG, 3 times a day (which is 3600 MG per day). He has me on it for the pain. I have never had any side effects or seizures. I have been on this dose about a year. Should I be concerned? Is this the same medication that is causing so many problems for some of you? Is it the mixture of it with other medications to be cautious of? Thank you.
Posted by Dena C on August 23, 2000, at 22:56:53
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc, posted by Kate on December 14, 1998, at 12:51:11
OK heres my story, a few months ago I was diagnosed by my family physician as having anxiety disorder. She put me on Paxil and referred me to a psychiatrist. Paxil worked wonders until I started gaining weight! Got off the Paxil and on Wellbutrin for anxiety and Klonopin for sleep.
I am going through severe Paxil withdrawl which my pdoc thinks is all in my head, today he even called me hostile, childish, and uncivilized! He is a military psychiatrist by the way. Soooo, dont know what to do now. I have never felt this sick in my life, I cry for what seems hours at a time, chills and sweats, elecitric like zaps to my brain, face, and hands, dizziness to the point where I cant drive and I have a 4 year old to take care of by myself! (hubby is stationed in Korea) No family around to help since we are in a strange place and my DR. is just a big jerk! Any suggestions?
mix
Posted by shar on August 24, 2000, at 1:55:21
In reply to Paxil, Klonopin, Wellbutrin, posted by Dena C on August 23, 2000, at 22:57:14
I can't comment on Paxil withdrawal, but as a military brat I understand the dr. situation. Any chance you could get a new shrink? Because even if your behavior IS hostile, childish, or whatever he wants to call it, there is probably a reason for it (that is eluding him?).
Regarding the Paxil and withdrawal. It's not a good idea to cold turkey off a psych med. It may help if you actually get back on Paxil and go through a weaning process (reduce your dose over a period of weeks). There are other people here that can give you more info.
Good luck! And stay away from the military dentists!
Shar> OK heres my story, a few months ago I was diagnosed by my family physician as having anxiety disorder. She put me on Paxil and referred me to a psychiatrist. Paxil worked wonders until I started gaining weight! Got off the Paxil and on Wellbutrin for anxiety and Klonopin for sleep.
> I am going through severe Paxil withdrawl which my pdoc thinks is all in my head, today he even called me hostile, childish, and uncivilized! He is a military psychiatrist by the way. Soooo, dont know what to do now. I have never felt this sick in my life, I cry for what seems hours at a time, chills and sweats, elecitric like zaps to my brain, face, and hands, dizziness to the point where I cant drive and I have a 4 year old to take care of by myself! (hubby is stationed in Korea) No family around to help since we are in a strange place and my DR. is just a big jerk! Any suggestions?
> mix
Posted by adniL on August 24, 2000, at 20:38:47
In reply to Paxil, Klonopin, Wellbutrin, posted by Dena C on August 23, 2000, at 22:57:14
Gosh, I hope you're going off the Paxil slowly. The light flashes and diszziness are definitely Paxil withdrawal. I think my Dr. had me go off my 20mg over a period of a month. Wellbutrin did nothing for my anxiety. Just so you know. My shrink put me on Effexor once the Paxil weight gain kicked in. Try to get a different doctor. You need someone who takes your symptoms seriously.
> OK heres my story, a few months ago I was diagnosed by my family physician as having anxiety disorder. She put me on Paxil and referred me to a psychiatrist. Paxil worked wonders until I started gaining weight! Got off the Paxil and on Wellbutrin for anxiety and Klonopin for sleep.
> I am going through severe Paxil withdrawl which my pdoc thinks is all in my head, today he even called me hostile, childish, and uncivilized! He is a military psychiatrist by the way. Soooo, dont know what to do now. I have never felt this sick in my life, I cry for what seems hours at a time, chills and sweats, elecitric like zaps to my brain, face, and hands, dizziness to the point where I cant drive and I have a 4 year old to take care of by myself! (hubby is stationed in Korea) No family around to help since we are in a strange place and my DR. is just a big jerk! Any suggestions?
> mix
Posted by CraigF on August 25, 2000, at 14:57:19
In reply to Re: Paxil, Klonopin, Wellbutrin, posted by adniL on August 24, 2000, at 20:38:47
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.
Posted by jim mcc on August 28, 2000, at 11:38:48
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by Melissa on March 20, 2000, at 1:04:58
> > > The only med for panic attacks is xanax, it restored me to sanity. The key to coming off any benzo is to use a beta blocker such as Inderal. Try it, it works. If the doctor tells you it wont tell him to try it him self and then begin counseling patients on these meds.
Good luck
> > 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.
Posted by DianeD on August 28, 2000, at 12:34:18
In reply to Bad side effects of neurontin, posted by Melissa on March 3, 2000, at 9:06:59
> >But as the days progressed I started feeling an increased speedy effect, teeth....
When I took Neurontin alone it made me tired, I slept deeply. BUT when I took it with Wellbutrin and selegiline I got a weird sorta wired. I was at book store and had a heck of a time making my eyes alight long enough on a title to read it. I wasn't unable to control myself and nobody picked up on it but it was like nothing I've experienced before and I've done my share of speed. Two hours later I had a terrific headache. I think if you took Neurontin by it's self you'd be helped.
How to get off the Klonopin, I don't know. I've kicked heroin, methadone, speed, and klonopin cold. I had no problem withdrawing from Klonopin(5mg daily for about 3 months) I think because I didn't think of Klonopin as heavy drug. I was buying it off the street in an attempt to ease my withdraw symptoms from Methadone. Didn't work at all. So I just stopped taking it. A big part of any withdrawal is FEAR. If you can get your mind away from the fear some how some way you'll do much better.
And as for your " normal struggle not to overeat." I hear you there. I love food. I love to cook and unfortunately I like to eat. I have 25 lbs extra pounds I just can not loose. That Wellbutrin really cuts the appetite but I personally wasn't loosing any weight! As with drug withdrawal, the more I think and obsess about diets/calories the fatter I get. Cutting calories isn't the answer, unless you plan on eating a starvation diet the rest of your life. Getting active is the answer but I can't get up the motivation, drive, energy to do it.
I can do something once but to CONTINUE doing something (walking, lifting weights, WORKING) is my biggest problem. I don't/can't stick to anything.So much for my problems......Good luck with yours
Posted by mJim on September 3, 2000, at 7:05:07
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by nancy on July 22, 1999, at 16:42:06
Hi,
I'm living with a wonderful girl who has been
taking klonopin for a couple of years now. I'm
real concerned with the amount of substances she
consumes each day, she starts the morning with a
coke to get going, often skipping breakfast. Throughout
the day she has several cokes, often skipping lunch too.
She ends her day at bedtime with 1-2mg of klonopin to knock
herself out. Also she smokes pot every day and more so on the
weekends. It saddens me to see her this way, and angers me that
the doctors prescribes these "quick fixes". She takes klonopin
mainly for occasional panic attacks which are usually due to
reactions to real external stressful circumstances at work
(a hospital). Also she takes Zoloft for depression, she lost her husband
to a car wreck a few years ago. It just seems to me that the collection
of substances she's consuming are just keeping her on a roller
coaster. I'm having a hard time watching her do this daily
ride and believe there must be some way to stop this routine.
I've attended an Al-Anon meeting but their approach is to "let
go and let God" I've read many of your postings and have seen
some success stories. I just think she needs a change of environment
away from work and stress for a while so she can break the pattern
but how do I convince her and others involved that the problem requires it?
Am I wrong to be this concerned?
Thanks,
Jim
Posted by stjames on September 4, 2000, at 0:56:23
In reply to mood disorders/klonopin,zoloft,pot,alcohol....., posted by mJim on September 3, 2000, at 7:05:07
Hmmm....
Breakfast in not the most important meal. Given the
length of time it takes your body to get nutrants
you dinner is still making nutrants in the AM, you really
don't need breakfast for more nutrants.The traditional breakfast is an overkill. Lunch or dinner is different.
Actually humans do best on 1 big meal and many snacks
during the day.Do keep in mind that Klonipin lasts for days in the body, so it is
treating the panic attacks even when taken at night. many find caffine
and effective psyco stimulant. I do think that instead of focusing
on what she is putting into her body, and anyones opinion that these are good or bad,
sugest she do some thearpy. She does sound like it would benifit from it. While in general
the less you have to take to function the better but some do need meds to function.
I always say "You take what you need to get by"Pot... I have posted B4 that I don't think, in general, it is bad but I always question
if someone is smoking it all the time to deal with some issue it does make sence
to see if there are other, legal ways to cope. Illicit drug use, to me, is not the cause but
can indicate a greater problem.Panic disorder and anxeity can have organic origins and need medical treatment.
james
Posted by Louis on September 21, 2000, at 12:37:26
In reply to mood disorders/klonopin,zoloft,pot,alcohol....., posted by mJim on September 3, 2000, at 7:05:07
I have bipolar disorder and have unsuccessfully tried the usual litany of meds. As a classical musician I especially cannot suffer the loss of coordination and tremors in my hands, which have been a side effect of far too many of the prescription drugs.
Though I am feeling quite well at the moment, a therapist recently suggested that I consider trying Neurontin. Of course, it would be written 'off label' as it is for diabetics.
In the past, I have used Marihuana for self-medication and only small amounts in the evening. I don't feel that I abused the drug, though it is illegal. I have spoken with a psychiatrist who has, in the past, prescribed Marinol to good effect for bipolar disorder. However, it would have to be written off label.
If I was an adult who had HIV, or even a child with cancer, I could use Marinol. However, currently, the Feds (Big Brother) pull licenses of doctors who write Marinol off label.
What I don't understand is: why would someone suggest neurontin off label for a bipolar disorder when they would not even consider my using Marinol off label for the same purpose?
I mean 'off label' is 'off label' isn't it?
Posted by Chris A. on September 21, 2000, at 20:00:38
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,zoloft,pot,alcohol..... » mJim, posted by Louis on September 21, 2000, at 12:37:26
>
> What I don't understand is: why would someone suggest neurontin off label for a bipolar disorder when they would not even consider my using Marinol off label for the same purpose?
>
> I mean 'off label' is 'off label' isn't it?
Using a controlled substance "off label" is a whole different ball game than using a noncontrolled substance, such as Neurontin (gabapentin) off label. It is totally illegal for your doc to use Marinol off label. He/she can not only lose their license and career for which they've worked their tail off for a minimum of eleven years, but go to jail for such an offense as well. Neurontin is actually an anticonvulsant, or more aptly put, a neuromodulatory med that has a number of beneficial "off label" uses. There is a fair amount of research in using a number of anticonvulsants in bipolar. Anticonvulsants are the top choice in treating bipolar other than lithuim. Lamictal (lamotrigine) is my all time favorite.
I wish you well in finding the right med for you.Chris A.
Posted by panicchic on November 16, 2000, at 0:38:10
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by Melissa on March 20, 2000, at 1:04:58
> > > 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.
Posted by Maniz on November 16, 2000, at 12:58:48
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by panicchic on November 16, 2000, at 0:38:10
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.
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.
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