Posted by linkadge on August 12, 2008, at 19:25:37
In reply to Re: Withdrawal from Effexor and Lunesta, posted by marysharon54paints on August 12, 2008, at 18:57:21
Lunesta is somewhat similar to other tranquilizers in that it increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in certain brain regions. Benzodiazapines and alcohol have the same effect.
Zopiclone is a little more selective for certain gaba receptors allowing it to be more effective in inducing sleep.
Sedatives and other anticonvulsants are sometimes used to augment antidepressant agents. In some cases they have antidepressant effect in their own right especially where sleep disturbances, pain disorders, migrane or anxiety are present.
Stopping lunesta abruptly could cause rebound anxiety or insomnia, it may also increase emotional reactivness due to a potential increase in limbic neurotransmission.
If possible, can you restart lunesta and decrease a little more slowly? Somtimes you can split tablets in half or get lower dosages.
A slower withdrawl schedule may result in less depression. If depression persists then you may look into finding a doctor comfortable prescribing it on a more long term basis. Alternatively, a low dose of another anticonvulsant, such as lamotrigine, topomax, or gabapentin may improve depression.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:845406
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080805/msgs/845772.html