![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 15 to 39 of 41. Go back in thread:
Posted by RobertDavid on January 8, 2008, at 21:54:23
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam (klonopin), Help, posted by Skylor on January 8, 2008, at 20:14:06
You have got to find a doctor experienced with benzos. Benzo's typically work best with Social Anxiety as you describe. If you are still unable to enter classes at school it would seem you're not at a theraputic dose. I dropped out of school when I was younger for the same reason. I believe Klonopin would be the best choice for SAD and that most take between 1 and 4mgs a day to treat it. I found that counceling alone was not the solution for me and that it was the 2mgs of Klonopin that have allowed me to get a life. You have to find a doctor that you feel comfortable with, one that is not benzo phobic. There is hope for you...........
Posted by brooke484 on January 8, 2008, at 22:41:24
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam (klonopin), Help » Toothy, posted by RobertDavid on January 7, 2008, at 11:32:31
How long did it take for you to feel better on 2 mgs? Was it right away? .5 used to work for me, but now 1 mg doesn't even do anything and I've been off it for years. Some days I'll just decide to try it, but it's like taking a placebo (and I even have the brand). So I wasn't sure if it takes awhile for it to kick in, or if it's immediate.
Thanks,
brooke
Posted by RobertDavid on January 8, 2008, at 23:17:13
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam - RobertDavid, posted by brooke484 on January 8, 2008, at 22:41:24
> How long did it take for you to feel better on 2 mgs? Was it right away? .5 used to work for me, but now 1 mg doesn't even do anything and I've been off it for years. Some days I'll just decide to try it, but it's like taking a placebo (and I even have the brand). So I wasn't sure if it takes awhile for it to kick in, or if it's immediate.
Brooke: I started at .5mgs Klonopin with very high hopes and my doctor made me feel this was finally going to be the medicine that was going to takle my social anxiety. It was my first try at a benzo. But I was initially disapointed as I did not feel much different. My doctor raised dose by .25mgs every 5 days and it wasn't till I was up over 1mg and was at the higher level for about 3 weeks (taking it daily) that I felt a suttle improvement. From there I raised the dose and was stable at 1.5mgs for about a month, then went up to 2mgs for a few weeks and ultimately went as high is 3mgs. I noticed that I didn't feel any better at 3mgs than I did at 2 and was a bit more sedated so we slowly dropped back down to 2.5mgs. I was doing great, but had it in my mind that I wanted to take the smallest dose necessary while still getting full relief from anxiety. Ultimatly I found that 2mgs was just right and is pretty much where I have been over the last 13 years. Most do feel some daytime sedation for the first week after uping the dose, though that side effect lessens when your body adjusts, at least it did for me. My opinion is that you have to get up in dose and stay there for a few weeks to get stable blood levels to determine how you are doing at that dose. If you just go up or down every few days or take it here or there I don't believe you'll be successful treating SAD/GAD. Though klonopin works much faster than other class drugs you still need to give your body and blood levels time to adjust and stabilize. I don't know all the facts of how long you have tried sticking with a 1mg dose, but if you didn't take it for at least few weeks I don't think you can determine if it was or would work to treat your anxiety. If your saying that you have taken it at 1mg for an extended period and still feel nothing I'd consider going up on dose in .5 increments and giving each new higher dose a few weeks to access how you feel. I'm assuming you want relief for SAD and or GAD and if so it sounds like your not on a high enough dose to be of help. Over the years those I have talked with who felt nothing at lower dose were not taking enough and when they went to a higher dose and stayed there for a few weeks got significant anxiety relief. I know a few people that had to go to 4mgs, everyone is different. If you google klonopin dose ranges for SAD I believe you'll find that the typical range for treatment is between 1 and 4mgs, though there are those that find relief from both higher and lower doses. I hope that helps!
Posted by brooke484 on January 9, 2008, at 11:30:49
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam - RobertDavid » brooke484, posted by RobertDavid on January 8, 2008, at 23:17:13
You answered my question perfectly. Thank you!
I do only take it every once in awhile and always wonder, "Hmm, why isn't this doing anything?" Years ago I took .5 mgs and then I found myself needing more, so I went up to 1 mg. Then I panicked and wanted off because I thought I would need more and more and more and I would never be able to get off it. So I withdrew from it all by myself (it took a year). I have often thought about trying it again, but am always too afraid. My biggest fear is that I'll need more and more and I'll be up to like 3 or 4 mgs and it will stop working. That is why I don't know if I can ever take it again, even though it was a miracle drug for me for awhile. Of course, now I'm so bad off I would do anything, so maybe I should reconsider. I suffer from major depression and anxiety.
Thanks again for your reply. You answered all of my questions. I'm glad you found what works for you and are willing to share your experience with others.
Brooke
Posted by RobertDavid on January 9, 2008, at 12:49:08
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam - RobertDavid, posted by brooke484 on January 9, 2008, at 11:30:49
> I do only take it every once in awhile and always wonder, "Hmm, why isn't this doing anything?" Years ago I took .5 mgs and then I found myself needing more, so I went up to 1 mg. Then I panicked and wanted off because I thought I would need more and more and more and I would never be able to get off it. So I withdrew from it all by myself (it took a year). I have often thought about trying it again, but am always too afraid. My biggest fear is that I'll need more and more and I'll be up to like 3 or 4 mgs and it will stop working. That is why I don't know if I can ever take it again, even though it was a miracle drug for me for awhile. Of course, now I'm so bad off I would do anything, so maybe I should reconsider. I suffer from major depression and anxiety.
Brooke: I understand how you feel. Years ago I was so afraid to take a "benzo" for the reasons you mention. But after trying all other SSRI's SNRI's and other psycho tropic meds without any relief I decided a quality life with a benzo, assuming it would work, would be better than the awful life I was living. That's when I sought out and found a doctor who was savvy about treating anxiety disorters. He put it to me like this. Anxiety is bad for you, its bad for your health and of course your quality of life. Klonopin has corrected the chemical imbalance, I finally have a life. He changed my thinking to "it's good for me, like a vitamin". When I take my 2mgs at night I have this sense that I'm taking something that is positive, that's good for me, it gives me comfort knowing that I'm so lucky to be taking it. That it is a medicine that has been taken by millions since the 70's. Well tested and little to no side effects (for me) compared to anti depressants that I don't believe are all that useful for treating SAD/GAD as primary disorters. That I can take it the rest of my life without concern of having to go higher on dose (though I do think there are periods where slight adjustments up or down should be expected). In fact, it was originally used to treat epilepsy (as I recall) and it's my understanding is approved at doses as high as 20mgs (I can't imagine taking that much!). So at doses of 1 to 4 mgs there isn't any safety issue as far as I'm concerned. And the "benzo fear" so many doctors and consumers have with "addiction" is mearly that if you want off, you just have to do it very slowly, but you can get off. But I think, why would I want to do that anyway???? I did get off it once just to see how I'd do, but it was just a reminder to me of how my old life was filled with fear. Though I realize benzo's are not for everyone, I do think there are so many who would get their SAD/GAD under control if they'd give it a legitimate try at a high enough dose to work. I suspect when you got stable at 1mg and didn't get all the relief you were looking the next step might have been to go up in dose in .5 increments and reevaluate every few weeks. I really strongly believe this, but my disclaimer is that I am not a doctor. My only knowledge of all this is from a decade of searching for my own solutions to treat SAD. Klonopin has turned out to be the single strongest tool I've come across. I have no doubt I will take it for the rest of my life assuming no breakthrough drug is approved down the road. I wish you all the best as no one deserves to suffer from these disabling anxiety disorters especially with a few good medicines that can help. Good luck!
Posted by Phillipa on January 9, 2008, at 19:33:09
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam - RobertDavid » brooke484, posted by RobertDavid on January 9, 2008, at 12:49:08
Robert you said it so well and it's so true to me. Maybe I should go back to the klonopin as see pdoc tomorrow yes same one. I think she likes klonopin better than valium and I've refused to up the dose any further. Love Phillipa
Posted by brooke484 on January 9, 2008, at 22:22:44
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam - RobertDavid » brooke484, posted by RobertDavid on January 9, 2008, at 12:49:08
If I knew for sure I would be able to stay at one dose, no matter how much it was, and never have to increase it, I would take it tomorrow. I see my doctor in 2 weeks and I'll bring it up again. It might be worth talking about.
Thanks again for all your great advice. I'm glad you found what helps you.
brooke
Posted by CoutureMan on January 10, 2008, at 4:43:19
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam - RobertDavid, posted by brooke484 on January 9, 2008, at 22:22:44
I'm glad Robert is doing well on a steady dose of klonopin but each person is different. I suffer from unipolar depression with severe anxiety. Twenty years ago I went through a horrendous withdrawal from xanax which required hospitalization. It was in the early days of xanax when Drs. thought it could be used as an antidepressant. I was taking it in combination with nardil. I swore I would never take a benzo again in my life.
I was hospitalized 4 years ago with unrelenting suicidal anxiety after having gone off buspar that I was taking in addition to Lexapro. Going back up on the buspar did not relive the anxiety. In the hospital the Drs. suggested klonopin as a treatment but I told them I was terrified because of the reaction I had to xanax years earlier. I was told klonopin is different and that I would not habituate to it. I was skeptical but they told me that there really wasn't any other treatment that they could provide me.
I finally relented and went home a week later stabilized on 1 mg. klonopin. I lasted 6 months at 1 mg. and then the anxiety came back full force. I up the dose to 2 mgs. and lasted 3 months at that dose. I tried to go higher but started having paradoxical reactions to the klonopin. I was terrified again and it took going on a low dose of depakote to somewhat stabilize the anxiety. But the addition of depakote has caused severe constipation requiring high doses of miralax to be able to go. So I'm miserable and stuck in this circular quandary. Chronic GI distress caused by miralax needed because of the depakote required by the tolerance to klonopin and unable to increase klonopin because of the paradoxical reactions to the klonopin ... and the cat in the hat ... and bull sh*t etc. etc. etc.
We are all different but I wish I could live without a benzo. It took a hospitalization to get me back on one and I'm screwed again in spite of the best advice of the hospital staff at a highly rated Psch unit. Just something to think about Brooke.
Take Care,
CM
> If I knew for sure I would be able to stay at one dose, no matter how much it was, and never have to increase it, I would take it tomorrow. I see my doctor in 2 weeks and I'll bring it up again. It might be worth talking about.
>
> Thanks again for all your great advice. I'm glad you found what helps you.
>
> brooke
Posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 12:16:51
In reply to A personal caution » brooke484, posted by CoutureMan on January 10, 2008, at 4:43:19
You're right. We are all different. WHat I need is for the Marplan to kick in so I won't have think about Klonopin!
Are you still taking it now?
Posted by Abby Cunningham on January 10, 2008, at 16:25:14
In reply to Re: A personal caution, posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 12:16:51
I agree that benzos are a cruel treatment for many people for anxiety.
I am one of them. I was put on xanax 20 years ago and have struggled to go off it a couple of times, and I did cut my dosage in half from 3mg. to 1.5mg.I don't have tolerance withdrawal, just take it though so I won't get withdrawls now.....wish the stupid doctor had never put me on it, as my anxiety is no better at all and you cannot keep updosing this drug.
And according to some on this forum, the benzos change your brain chemistry forever, as do many of the psych drugs. I feel trapped just as many others. No psych drug has ever cured anyone. If one can use therapy for help and natural treatments, you are much better of in my humble opinion.
Posted by 4WD on January 10, 2008, at 21:12:39
In reply to Re: A personal caution, posted by Abby Cunningham on January 10, 2008, at 16:25:14
For me Klonopin definitely has a tolerance issue. At first .5 mg helped immensely. After a few months, I had to go to 1mg. Then 2mg. Then 4mg. Now I am on (after about 3 and a half years of using klonopin)6-8 mg a day and it doesn't faze me. It does help some with the anxiety but I am still scared a lot of the time. Two mg is like water off a duck's back. I can't even tell I've taken it. My pdoc has prescribed up to 6mg a day. But some days I have been so anxious and so terrified that I have taken as much as 10mg. It didn't even make me sleepy.
I wonder if I should change to a different benzo.
Marsha
Posted by brooke484 on January 10, 2008, at 22:22:24
In reply to Klonopin and tolerance - definitely for me., posted by 4WD on January 10, 2008, at 21:12:39
I'm definitely no expert, but I would say yes to that one.
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2008, at 22:34:45
In reply to Klonopin and tolerance - definitely for me., posted by 4WD on January 10, 2008, at 21:12:39
Wow so sorry just know and am glad benzos are not that big a problem for me as 35 years later on a lesser dose. No escalation problems. Docs wanted me on higher doses said no. Phillipa again so sorry.
Posted by tecknohed on January 12, 2008, at 16:19:54
In reply to Anxiety without clonzapam (klonopin), Help, posted by pinkeetoz on February 24, 2006, at 17:49:00
Thought I'd just add my experience with clonazepam.
Firstly, I take UK branded Rivotril. I think its the equivilent of US Klonopin.
I did a whole year at 1.5mg to try & get better relief from my SA which Nardil had become far less effective at over time. Well, it barely touched me at that dose.I came off Nardil & tried a couple more ADs, all the time keeping my Rivotril at 1.5mg. Buspirone failed, buspirone + lofepramine failed, mirtazapine failed. I decided to go for Marplan next.
During the weeks waiting for my next pdoc appointment (to go on Marplan) I though **** it & doubled my Rivotril to 3mg. Within DAYS I felt at least 60% relief in my SA symptoms. Little sedation which didn't last. Even had a DEFINITE mild antidepressant effect. That was over 3 months ago. Marplan is doing well but I wouldn't function properly without 3mg clonazepam.
I have no sedation AT ALL, no feeling of needing extra doses. In the mornings I often open my pill box & realise I forgot to take my last 1mg from day before. Together with Marplan I am very chatty on it when socializing - in fact I chat the most! I crave social interaction but can (just about) relax on my own, though I'm normall fully charged till bedtime.
Clonazepam hasn't created tolerance in me, & I doubt (& hope) that it ever will. See, here in UK its only licenced for epilepsy, NOT anxiety. And epileptics often need to take it for life, up to 6mg. Thats what the leaflet says.
One last point. I often wonder if some people who build quick tolerance to benzos are actually creating the tolerance themselves. Not intentionally but by mistaking the dissappearance of sedation as a sign that they need to go higher. And higher. Untill they've gone well beyond the theraputic range to the point where the benzo becomes counter productive. When stabalized on a correct dose of a benzo you shouldn't feel sedated, but you'll simply notice that you're symptoms have improved. An easy thing to overlook if you're psychologically worried that its stopped working just because it doesn't feel 'calming' any more. I dont feel 'calmed' on mine but I'm well aware its working. In fact my Marplan gives me more sedation than my Rivotril.
Of course this wont apply with everyone, but its worth thinking about.
Just thinking out loud.
teck
Posted by brooke484 on January 12, 2008, at 22:31:21
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam (klonopin), Help, posted by tecknohed on January 12, 2008, at 16:19:54
Are you still taking 40 mgs, or did you go to 50? I'm on week 5 of 40 mgs and still nothing. Of course I haven't added lamictal or deplin yet like I'm supposed to. Maybe adding one of those would help.
brooke
Posted by Phoenix1 on January 12, 2008, at 23:10:57
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam (klonopin), Help, posted by tecknohed on January 12, 2008, at 16:19:54
> Thought I'd just add my experience with clonazepam.
>
> Firstly, I take UK branded Rivotril. I think its the equivilent of US Klonopin.
> I did a whole year at 1.5mg to try & get better relief from my SA which Nardil had become far less effective at over time. Well, it barely touched me at that dose.
>
> I came off Nardil & tried a couple more ADs, all the time keeping my Rivotril at 1.5mg. Buspirone failed, buspirone + lofepramine failed, mirtazapine failed. I decided to go for Marplan next.
>
> During the weeks waiting for my next pdoc appointment (to go on Marplan) I though **** it & doubled my Rivotril to 3mg. Within DAYS I felt at least 60% relief in my SA symptoms. Little sedation which didn't last. Even had a DEFINITE mild antidepressant effect. That was over 3 months ago. Marplan is doing well but I wouldn't function properly without 3mg clonazepam.
>
> I have no sedation AT ALL, no feeling of needing extra doses. In the mornings I often open my pill box & realise I forgot to take my last 1mg from day before. Together with Marplan I am very chatty on it when socializing - in fact I chat the most! I crave social interaction but can (just about) relax on my own, though I'm normall fully charged till bedtime.
>
> Clonazepam hasn't created tolerance in me, & I doubt (& hope) that it ever will. See, here in UK its only licenced for epilepsy, NOT anxiety. And epileptics often need to take it for life, up to 6mg. Thats what the leaflet says.
>
> One last point. I often wonder if some people who build quick tolerance to benzos are actually creating the tolerance themselves. Not intentionally but by mistaking the dissappearance of sedation as a sign that they need to go higher. And higher. Untill they've gone well beyond the theraputic range to the point where the benzo becomes counter productive. When stabalized on a correct dose of a benzo you shouldn't feel sedated, but you'll simply notice that you're symptoms have improved. An easy thing to overlook if you're psychologically worried that its stopped working just because it doesn't feel 'calming' any more. I dont feel 'calmed' on mine but I'm well aware its working. In fact my Marplan gives me more sedation than my Rivotril.
>
> Of course this wont apply with everyone, but its worth thinking about.
>
> Just thinking out loud.
> teckteck,
Great point at the end about "self created" tolerance. I'm sure this happens frequently. Just like w/ the MAOI's. At first, they can cause a euphoric mild hypomania which feels great. When this wears off, some people take it as a sign that the drug has stopped working or "pooped out", which is often a wrong assumption. Just like what you are talking bout with benzo's and sedation. Something for everyone to keep in mind. Early side effects may be mistaken for beneficial drug effect...
Phoenix1
Posted by RobertDavid on January 13, 2008, at 13:04:33
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam (klonopin), Help, posted by tecknohed on January 12, 2008, at 16:19:54
> Thought I'd just add my experience with clonazepam.
> Clonazepam hasn't created tolerance in me, & I doubt (& hope) that it ever will. See, here in UK its only licenced for epilepsy, NOT anxiety. And epileptics often need to take it for life, up to 6mg. Thats what the leaflet says.
>
> One last point. I often wonder if some people who build quick tolerance to benzos are actually creating the tolerance themselves. Not intentionally but by mistaking the dissappearance of sedation as a sign that they need to go higher. And higher. Untill they've gone well beyond the theraputic range to the point where the benzo becomes counter productive. When stabalized on a correct dose of a benzo you shouldn't feel sedated, but you'll simply notice that you're symptoms have improved. An easy thing to overlook if you're psychologically worried that its stopped working just because it doesn't feel 'calming' any more. I dont feel 'calmed' on mine but I'm well aware its working. In fact my Marplan gives me more sedation than my Rivotril.
Really good points. I always feel sedation when I up my klonopin dose. I take the full dose at bedtime (not split doses) and feel a little sluggish/sedated in the mornings during times I increase the dose. After a 4 to 10 day adjustment period the sedation lessens, but the social anxiety relief remains. The social anxiety relief isn't something I "feel", I'm just more social and outgoing. There isn't a "drug" feeling that goes with it. That "drug" feeling for me seem to be side effects that diminsh in time. I also wonder if some try klonopin, feel the sedation initially even at low doses (which can be quite strong) and stop taking it before it diminshes and allowing the anti anxiety properties a chance to kick in or for them to get up to a dose high enough to relieve the anxiety (one reason a slow taper up is usually recommended). I know it's not right everyone, just another thought......
Posted by tecknohed on January 13, 2008, at 16:15:25
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam (klonopin)-tecknohed, posted by brooke484 on January 12, 2008, at 22:31:21
> Are you still taking 40 mgs, or did you go to 50? I'm on week 5 of 40 mgs and still nothing. Of course I haven't added lamictal or deplin yet like I'm supposed to. Maybe adding one of those would help.
>
> brookeI'm up to 50 now mate. Only been a week but I just feel a tad more tired, so I'll probably drop back to 40 soon, especially as I want to add bupropion to the mix. Hoping it will sort out my hypersomnia but more importantly I need to quit smoking and I KNOW it completely wipes out the cravings for me. NRT dont work for me. I just hope it doesn't wack my Klonopin & Marplan out of balance!
Maybe you're ready for a dose increase though? Or if you've got Deplin then get it down yer neck! I'd love to try that stuff! I'd deffo try that before Lamictal which I didn't like. Course for many it works wonders.
teck
Posted by brooke484 on January 14, 2008, at 11:14:01
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam (klonopin)-tecknohed » brooke484, posted by tecknohed on January 13, 2008, at 16:15:25
I really need your input on this. Last week I thought I had some kind of virus, but now I think it's the Marplan. I started feeling dizzy and lightheaded again after being on 40 mgs for 4 weeks. Why is this happening??? This morning I tried to go shopping, but felt so faint I had to drive home. I'm taking this all natural sea salt that has 50+ minerals in it, about 1/2 tsp in the morning and 1/2 at night. I thought this would help but it's not. I desperately need your advice.
Thanks so much,
brooke
Posted by tecknohed on January 14, 2008, at 13:03:27
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam-tecknohed (help!), posted by brooke484 on January 14, 2008, at 11:14:01
> I really need your input on this. Last week I thought I had some kind of virus, but now I think it's the Marplan. I started feeling dizzy and lightheaded again after being on 40 mgs for 4 weeks. Why is this happening??? This morning I tried to go shopping, but felt so faint I had to drive home. I'm taking this all natural sea salt that has 50+ minerals in it, about 1/2 tsp in the morning and 1/2 at night. I thought this would help but it's not. I desperately need your advice.
>
> Thanks so much,
>
> brookeSimple TABLE SALT (sodium based). Thats what you should be using to try to raise your BP. Do you have a BP monitor? Whats it reading? Any pottasium will negate the sodium effects. Check the lable. You may need more salt but you wont know how much unless you check your BP.
I haven't had any hypotention from marplan...yet. I'm currently on 50mg. When I had it from Nardil I simply sat it out untill it went. There are drugs that can help. Amphetamine is one. Bupropion would probably help too. I've even heard of someone using tyramine (via cheese) to bring thier BP back up, as instructed by thier pdoc. You can actually buy pure tyramine online in the US. BUT DONT DO THIS WITHOUT SPEAKING WITH YOUR DOC 1st! TELL YOUR DOC. He/she may be familiar with your problem & have an answer.Dont know what else to suggest, sorry.
What I do know is that this side effect can come & go at any time, but is more likely if you miss/play around with your dose, increase your dose, if you smoke (& try to cut down), drink caffein (& try to cut down) or are unwell. Maybe you HAVE had a cold or flu & this is why the problem has returned? Are you still spreading your dose out? This can help. Maybe you could drop by 5mg? Or increase your caffein intake if you tolorate the stuff already.
teck
Posted by Phoenix1 on January 14, 2008, at 13:06:48
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam-tecknohed (help!) » brooke484, posted by tecknohed on January 14, 2008, at 13:03:27
> > I really need your input on this. Last week I thought I had some kind of virus, but now I think it's the Marplan. I started feeling dizzy and lightheaded again after being on 40 mgs for 4 weeks. Why is this happening??? This morning I tried to go shopping, but felt so faint I had to drive home. I'm taking this all natural sea salt that has 50+ minerals in it, about 1/2 tsp in the morning and 1/2 at night. I thought this would help but it's not. I desperately need your advice.
> >
> > Thanks so much,
> >
> > brooke
>
> Simple TABLE SALT (sodium based). Thats what you should be using to try to raise your BP. Do you have a BP monitor? Whats it reading? Any pottasium will negate the sodium effects. Check the lable. You may need more salt but you wont know how much unless you check your BP.
> I haven't had any hypotention from marplan...yet. I'm currently on 50mg. When I had it from Nardil I simply sat it out untill it went. There are drugs that can help. Amphetamine is one. Bupropion would probably help too. I've even heard of someone using tyramine (via cheese) to bring thier BP back up, as instructed by thier pdoc. You can actually buy pure tyramine online in the US. BUT DONT DO THIS WITHOUT SPEAKING WITH YOUR DOC 1st! TELL YOUR DOC. He/she may be familiar with your problem & have an answer.
>
> Dont know what else to suggest, sorry.
>
> What I do know is that this side effect can come & go at any time, but is more likely if you miss/play around with your dose, increase your dose, if you smoke (& try to cut down), drink caffein (& try to cut down) or are unwell. Maybe you HAVE had a cold or flu & this is why the problem has returned? Are you still spreading your dose out? This can help. Maybe you could drop by 5mg? Or increase your caffein intake if you tolorate the stuff already.
>
> teckOne other thing, Caffeine seems to help me a bit with the hypotension. But don't overdo it, especially if you already have anxiety on the side.
Posted by brooke484 on January 14, 2008, at 22:43:34
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam-tecknohed (help!) » brooke484, posted by tecknohed on January 14, 2008, at 13:03:27
>
> Simple TABLE SALT (sodium based). Thats what you should be using to try to raise your BP. Do you have a BP monitor? Whats it reading? Any pottasium will negate the sodium effects. Check the lable. You may need more salt but you wont know how much unless you check your BP.
> I haven't had any hypotention from marplan...yet. I'm currently on 50mg. When I had it from Nardil I simply sat it out untill it went. There are drugs that can help. Amphetamine is one. Bupropion would probably help too. I've even heard of someone using tyramine (via cheese) to bring thier BP back up, as instructed by thier pdoc. You can actually buy pure tyramine online in the US. BUT DONT DO THIS WITHOUT SPEAKING WITH YOUR DOC 1st! TELL YOUR DOC. He/she may be familiar with your problem & have an answer.
>
> Dont know what else to suggest, sorry.
>
> What I do know is that this side effect can come & go at any time, but is more likely if you miss/play around with your dose, increase your dose, if you smoke (& try to cut down), drink caffein (& try to cut down) or are unwell. Maybe you HAVE had a cold or flu & this is why the problem has returned? Are you still spreading your dose out? This can help. Maybe you could drop by 5mg? Or increase your caffein intake if you tolorate the stuff already.
>
> teck
Thank you so much for your reply. I have been taking the same dose, four times a day, for exactly 5 weeks. At exactly 4 weeks all of this started. Yes, I did have a stomach virus and something else that caused vertigo and an off balance feeling, but now it's just the lightheadedness. I'm not sick anymore.And no, I do not smoke or drink anything except for water and soy milk (caffeine makes me jittery). I didn't realize a virus could affect meds. Do you think that's what it is? Or maybe at 4 weeks I'm feeling the 40 mgs. I don't know. I'll try 35 mgs for a few days and if that doesn't help I'll call my doctor.
Thanks again!
Posted by tecknohed on January 15, 2008, at 3:16:22
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam-tecknohed (help!), posted by brooke484 on January 14, 2008, at 22:43:34
Brooke, would you turn your babblemail on so I can send you a private message? I have a suggestion you may want to try, but it might seem 'controversial' on here.
Posted by brooke484 on January 15, 2008, at 11:16:48
In reply to Re: Anxiety without clonzapam-tecknohed (help!) » brooke484, posted by tecknohed on January 15, 2008, at 3:16:22
I'll try. In the past when someone said they were sending me an email I never got it.
I'll also send you my email address.
brooke
Posted by techzilla on January 18, 2008, at 22:33:37
In reply to Anxiety without clonzapam (klonopin), Help, posted by pinkeetoz on February 24, 2006, at 17:49:00
> I have been taking klonopin for about 9 months, lmg at bedtime (helps with anxiety and sleep). I started having anxiety during the day, and not wanting to take too much klonopin, called my doc, and he gave me xanax to take. At that time, before the xanax, I was having extreme anxiety. So, I took xanax during the day and klonopin atnight. The anxiety seemed to have gotten worse. Went to hosital and they placed me in detox for 6 days. While there, they gave me ativan for the first 3 days to help with anxiety, which it did, than nothing at all. They sent me home on 15mg Remeron and 100mg of seroquel. I'm so anxious I can't stand it. They took me off of meds for anxiety, I still have the anxiety problem. So, what now? Help!
this is seious neglagence, and anti-drug rheteric that made this seem like "treatment"sis you ask for detox? or did they just create a need all them sleves. I fyou needed it and it was deemed appropriate it could make sence, but you have a psychiatric issue not a substance issue.
they gave the ativan becasuse they had to, as benzo withdrawl cold-turkey can cause seizurs and even death (no joke, death..on very high doses)
placing you on remeron and seroquil is the stereotypical anxiety "treatment" comboo given to recovering drug addidcts.
and guess what, i would know this because i'v been ther (addict, not anxiety)
all in all, you came out in no beter shape... in a sane world you should be able to sue for medical malpractice. but this also shows how muchc hospital staff are trained to assumwe anyone in pain or anxiety is an addict. inwhich the standard procidure is to detox and switch the meds to these "alternitive" "non-addictive" medications
ps. i belive the seriquil being used was totally the wrong choice, as it is an anti-psychotic with very serious side-effect. (which can be perminant) it shoud have been very carfully thought out pros/cons. some poeple need it, and it helps them night and day.... but a lot of people have this story (drug addict with anxiety.. that is not actually a drufg addict)
very aweful hospital exp. if u ask me.
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