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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 105 to 129 of 251. Go back in thread:
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.
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?
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