![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 20 to 44 of 251. Go back in thread:
Posted by shelley on January 2, 1999, at 20:44:13
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc, posted by Kate on November 30, 1998, at 18:33:31
> > i have bipolar disorder, with a strong possibility of psychotic/pschyzophrenic disorders. I have been on Paxil for many months now, with minimal side effects, i cant speak for the benzos, sense my doctor is a little unorthodox and wont perscribe them... He prefers a new drug that is neither a mood stabilizer nor anti convulsant, its called Revia. My point is, dont be afraid of all drugs and shrinks, some are better than others and as much as it sux to learn the hard way that Klonopin or other Anti convulsants arent the way to go, dont be discouraged to try new treatments, Ive been up to 30mg a day of paxil for some time now, and havent had so much as a head ache since the first 3 days i was on it.
> > Matthew
> I just spent three days crying hysterically, freaking out and coming really close to suicide. I just started on Depakote. I have taken klonopin before, for insomnia, and it never did anything other than knock me out. This Depakote experience put the fear of God in me though. As soon s I was up to the recommeneded dosage, it was as if the walls came tumbling down and I saw my future, in which I am locked up because I can't function in this world. I am terrified that I will never find the right medication. I was on nortriptylelene - sp- for years and it suddenly stopped working. Now I don't even know what I "have." If I'm being given Depakote, does that mean I am bipolar? Is this Doctor going to think I am an hysterical female? SHould I keep taking the meedication or stop right away? Does anyone know of vitamins or herbal remedies that help?I had a very similar experience with Depakote. It was as if I could not speak at all. As I slowly tapered off of Depakote I began to speak again and the sound of my own voice surprised me. On the other hand, in relation to this thread, klonopin is the only drug I "trust" right now. It keeps the edges smooth, and keeps me from getting to far out either direction, ie. the suicidal thoughts are kept at bay and I don't get too hyped up. Not much helps me sleep, and all SSRI type ADs only make my insomnia worse. At least I am not panicking about it. ;) I have yet to find and am not sure I will find a med that will "fix" me, but, also I expect I have the past 4 years of psychotherapy with an outstanding therapist to thank for helping tme to accept some of this "fate". P.S. Never be afraid of being a "hysterical female". The docs can not help us if we don't let them know just how bad it is, and many of these drug reactions can be very dangerous. They need to know!!!!
Posted by diane on January 3, 1999, at 6:12:56
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc, posted by Ron on December 1, 1998, at 21:21:05
TO KATE:
Your postings really hit a chord for me - had a heinous manic/psychotic/every-disorder-in-the-book episode last month. Something I never thought could happen to ME. Another thing that really 'jumped off the page' at me is that not a single person responded IMMEDIATELY to your last posting!! You sound (and I'm sure you ARE) in a living hell right now. Are these people that damn self centered? Anyway, I sure hope you're doing better. I've made alot of progress since my "episode" but don't know if I'll ever be able to easily talk or even think about it without pain. I never thought something like that manic/psychotic/whatever-bizareness could happen to someone like me. But I CAN tell you one thing and I hope you give it some very serious thought. The one thing I learned with all certainty is that when you're feeling that bad, you MUST throw the burden to someone else....I'm sure there are times you feel there's no one who cares enough to go thru that kind of B.S. with you, but trust me, there is. So think of the one person you trust more than anyone else (friend, family, whoever!) and tell them you need their help BIG TIME. Let THEM come over and physically dress you and drive you to your dr's office, if that's what it takes. I went thru 48 hours of hell and could have avoided at least half of those 48 had I realized sooner it was out of my hands and called a friend right away.Anyway, I'm no expert, but I really know how you feel and I care! I'll be thinking of you til I hear how you are - and try to remember,when you feel that shitty, things can only get better, right? And miraculously, they do. Please write soon - dlfail@aol.com
from a friend who cares -
diane
> Have you guys considered an organic food diet and hot spring bathing? Talk to an EI doc for pete's sake! All these drugs are bad news!!
Posted by diane on January 3, 1999, at 6:19:16
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc, posted by Ron on December 1, 1998, at 21:21:05
Hi kate,
diane again. forgot to mention i'll be at a temporary email address for the next week or so. if you send to the dlfail address, it'll be awhile b/4 i recv it. if you have time, send an email to SCW50@aol.com.
thanks!!
diane> Have you guys considered an organic food diet and hot spring bathing? Talk to an EI doc for pete's sake! All these drugs are bad news!!
Posted by Elizabeth on January 7, 1999, at 15:12:10
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by saint james on December 30, 1998, at 23:34:20
I just started Neurontin 200 mg 2x/300 mg at bedtime. I also take Zoloft 150 mg. I don't notice anything in particular.
However, I do feel calm and less jittery. I have been diagnosed with bipolarII. I also notice that my craving for alcohol has been
eliminated. I used to feel I needed something, anything, to cut the high strung moods that were almost constant. I was leary of going
on a mood stabilizer because of weight gain. I just started a new excercise regime. I'll post in a month to let you know how it's going. Thanks. Elizabeth
Posted by Melissa on January 19, 1999, at 0:27:49
In reply to Re: msg for Kate - please write on your progress!, posted by diane on January 3, 1999, at 6:12:56
This string of messages scares me. I have been on 1 mg of Klonopin for 8 years and am unable to get off it. Even minute reductions (say to .87 mg) bring such dark feelings that Ihave to go back to 1 mg. I had been on it before and went into a treatment center (for other psychological issues -- sexual abuse memories etc.) and the center took me off cold turkey. I had a rough first two weeks there but never attributed it to Klonopin withdrawal. Went back on several months later when my marriage broke up. That was 8 years ago and I have not been able to get off of it yet. Started Celaxa an antidepressant under a doctor's care as a prelude to getting off this. It was a disaster. (See my post under Celaxa thread). I am angry that people didn't know how addictive this stuff was. I was told 10 years ago by a responsible psychiatrist that it was non-addictive unlike valium which Ihad been on previously. THat proved not to be true. I don't want to live in a world where I am obsessed with my feelings and mmy medications. I am just expressing myself here, not particularly looking for advice. I have other things I want to do with my life than live in a closed world of mental concerns.
Posted by alan on January 20, 1999, at 0:51:54
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by Melissa on January 19, 1999, at 0:27:49
> This string of messages scares me. I have been on 1 mg of Klonopin for 8 years and am unable to get off it. Even minute reductions (say to .87 mg) bring such dark feelings that Ihave to go back to 1 mg. I had been on it before and went into a treatment center (for other psychological issues -- sexual abuse memories etc.) and the center took me off cold turkey. I had a rough first two weeks there but never attributed it to Klonopin withdrawal. Went back on several months later when my marriage broke up. That was 8 years ago and I have not been able to get off of it yet. Started Celaxa an antidepressant under a doctor's care as a prelude to getting off this. It was a disaster. (See my post under Celaxa thread). I am angry that people didn't know how addictive this stuff was. I was told 10 years ago by a responsible psychiatrist that it was non-addictive unlike valium which Ihad been on previously. THat proved not to be true. I don't want to live in a world where I am obsessed with my feelings and mmy medications. I am just expressing myself here, not particularly looking for advice. I have other things I want to do with my life than live in a closed world of mental concerns.
1. If you stay at 1 mg./day for the rest of your life, so what? Don't sweat it all that much.
2. One of my old tricks. Take the tab and give it a tiny scratch on sandpaper; after a wek, two such tiny scratces; then three, etc.. Eventually this will take some dexterity, but I bet it might help. Best of luck.
Posted by Klonogirl on June 2, 1999, at 17:03:45
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc, posted by Klonogirl on December 29, 1998, at 0:57:10
> > > I have bipolar illness and I am scared shitless after reading Paul's
> > > comments on Klonopin. My doctor prescribed Lorazepam and
> > > Klonopin for anxiety and occassional mood swings. I will never
> > > take Klonopin again after reading Paul's story. My doctor is too
> > > liberal sometimes with the medicines he gives me. The frightening thing is
> > > only places like this can I find out what drugs really do. I was going to
> > > take Klonopin every day because I didn't think anything about it.
> > > Anybody know about taking Lorazepam daily.
> > > Robbie
> > Robbie,
> > First of all, most doctors don't get thier degrees from the bottom of cracker jack boxes.
> > What I mean by that is that MOST doctors actually know what they are doing.
> > If I were you, I wouldn't be so ready to just throw away your doctor's reccomendations just because you have read one person's bad experience with the med. Especially when that one persons experience is supposedly so striking. Read the disclaimer at the top of the main page... Don't believe EVERYTHING you read.
> > I am not trying to cast dispersions on Pauls post, I believe what he says, I am simply saying that his account seems a bit, well, 'loud' is a good description. And whatever experience he has had will not neccesarily be anything like your own experience with the very same meds.
> > If you read all the posts here, you will find that no matter what med is discussed, there are many who have the same reactions to it, but there always seem to be at least one or a few who have different experiences with the same med.
> > If you are really uncertain about the regimen your doctor has prescribed, the best course of action is to get a second opinion from another doctor.
> > If your doctor is a competent professional, s/he will not have any problem with you seeking a second opinion.
> > I am bi polar as well. What drove me to seek help in the first place was major depression. What kept me from asking for help in the first place for as long as I did was the fact that I always felt that no matter what anybody was saying, there was no way you could convince me that there was some sort of magic cure in some little pill.
> > I still believe that. BUT, (And believe me, I have a BIG but), I have seen improvement to the point that I am actually able to wake up without having suicide as the very first thought on my mind every morning. I have been in treatment for long enough now to realize that if it were not for the meds and the therapy BOTH together, I would not be were I am today. Either without the other would not have helped me in the way both together have.
> > While I can still say, pills are no magic cure, I also say, "I LOVE my happy pills." I would love to not have to take them, but I am not afraid to take them, and will for as long as it takes.
>
> Well for my two cents I will have to say that Klonopin is a MAJOR step in the drug taking flight. I would give it alot of thought. I just have been going through the weaning process..it is not fun! I was on it for over four years. When I wanted to "try' to get off.....my shrink was less than supportive. He is a big honcho at a major hospital. Well, I am almost ther. I am ....ME..again. I can laugh and be pleasant once more.....wow huh? I still have shakey days. Today was one of them. If you must go on this drug make it short term and explore All of your options. Please...rememeber your Diet and heavens NO caffeine for us.EVER! KG
HEY.......
I AM FREE OF THIS DRUG,,,,,IT TOOK ALMOST 8 MONTHS TO GIVE IT UP.....BUT I AM FREE, WOOWWWW!!!!
I CAN NOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH BETTER I FEEL. I HAVE HAD BOUTS OF SLEEP PROBLEMS BUT I TAKE 1/2 TABLET OF AMBIEN TO HELP WITH THIS. IT OCCURS INFREQUENTLY. I ADMIT I AM MORE CAUTIOUS WITHOUT IT....BUT I THINK THIS WOULD BE A PERSONS NORMAL REACTION TO ANY CIRCUMSTANCES...SUCH AS A BAD PLANE FLIGHT WITH MASSIVE TURBULENCE! good luck everyone.....you can get off this garbage drug if you want to .......just do it ,,,,,,,,,,, s l o w l y KG
Posted by michele on June 2, 1999, at 18:47:41
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by jackie coughenour on June 2, 1999, at 6:39:59
> > YOU HAVE TO BE OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND TO TAKE ANTI-EPILEPTIC MEDICINES FOR MOOD DISORDERS(KLONOPIN,DEPAKOTE,NEURONTIN ETC...) A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO I WAS PRESCRIBED KLONOPIN BY A SHRINK (MAY HE AND HIS FAMILY BURN IN HELL)FOR ANXIETY AND ALSO PAXIL WHICH I DIDNT TAKE VERY LONG, WELL AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS I FELT LIKE I DIDNT NEED THE KLONOPIN EITHER SO I STOPPED TAKING IT. WELL NOW I AM A DOCTOR MADE EPILEPTIC AND HAVE TO TAKE MEDICINE FOR SEIZURES THE REST OF MY LIFE.I NEVER HAD SEIZUREE AT ALL NOW I HAVE GRAN-MAL ( THE KIND THAT MAKE YOU BLACK OUT SHAKE RATTLE & ROLLBITE YOUR TONGUE AND MAYBE EVEN SHIT YOUR PANTS) I WOULD RATHER BE FUCKING CRAZY THAN GO THRU THIS SHIT. AND YOU KNOW WHAT I STILL HAVE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.NOW THAT I LOOK BACK I COULD OF EASILY LIVED WITH THE WAY I FELT BEFORE I WENT TO THAT PIECE OF SHIT DOCTOR. SO A WORD OF ADVICE DONT LOOK TO LIFES PROBLEMS TO BE RELIEVED BY A PILL( I BET NONE OF YOUR DOCTORS HAVE WARNED YOU ABOUT THESE TYPES OF MEDS)
wow, i am horribly shocked to have heard your story paul! i have been on klonopin for close to 10 yrs now. i am bipolar with anxiety disorder and after years of xanax and ativan, dr. recommonded klonopin to me. i have had it every which way, with depakote, and a slew of other anti-depressants....so far, im doin ok on it. i am currently on 2mg. at bed w/ 30 mg. remeron. and i have been up to 10 mg. klonopin per day when things were REAL bad. some days i do not take it at all. i did get off all meds about a year ago, thinking i may want to get pregnant, but was only off of klonopin about 6 weeks. i had terrible panic attacks and dr. put me back on....i am wondering if i were to ever go back off it..(which i am considering) would my body revert back to panic attacks, or would i have severe withdrawal...
Posted by Ellis on June 2, 1999, at 22:36:19
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by michele on June 2, 1999, at 18:47:41
> > > YOU HAVE TO BE OUT OF YOUR FUCKING MIND TO TAKE ANTI-EPILEPTIC MEDICINES FOR MOOD DISORDERS(KLONOPIN,DEPAKOTE,NEURONTIN ETC...) A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO I WAS PRESCRIBED KLONOPIN BY A SHRINK (MAY HE AND HIS FAMILY BURN IN HELL)FOR ANXIETY AND ALSO PAXIL WHICH I DIDNT TAKE VERY LONG, WELL AFTER ABOUT 3 MONTHS I FELT LIKE I DIDNT NEED THE KLONOPIN EITHER SO I STOPPED TAKING IT. WELL NOW I AM A DOCTOR MADE EPILEPTIC AND HAVE TO TAKE MEDICINE FOR SEIZURES THE REST OF MY LIFE.I NEVER HAD SEIZUREE AT ALL NOW I HAVE GRAN-MAL ( THE KIND THAT MAKE YOU BLACK OUT SHAKE RATTLE & ROLLBITE YOUR TONGUE AND MAYBE EVEN SHIT YOUR PANTS) I WOULD RATHER BE FUCKING CRAZY THAN GO THRU THIS SHIT. AND YOU KNOW WHAT I STILL HAVE DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.NOW THAT I LOOK BACK I COULD OF EASILY LIVED WITH THE WAY I FELT BEFORE I WENT TO THAT PIECE OF SHIT DOCTOR. SO A WORD OF ADVICE DONT LOOK TO LIFES PROBLEMS TO BE RELIEVED BY A PILL( I BET NONE OF YOUR DOCTORS HAVE WARNED YOU ABOUT THESE TYPES OF MEDS)
>
>
> wow, i am horribly shocked to have heard your story paul! i have been on klonopin for close to 10 yrs now. i am bipolar with anxiety disorder and after years of xanax and ativan, dr. recommonded klonopin to me. i have had it every which way, with depakote, and a slew of other anti-depressants....so far, im doin ok on it. i am currently on 2mg. at bed w/ 30 mg. remeron. and i have been up to 10 mg. klonopin per day when things were REAL bad. some days i do not take it at all. i did get off all meds about a year ago, thinking i may want to get pregnant, but was only off of klonopin about 6 weeks. i had terrible panic attacks and dr. put me back on....i am wondering if i were to ever go back off it..(which i am considering) would my body revert back to panic attacks, or would i have severe withdrawal...
Is there anyone who has had to get off of a drug for pregnancy? I want to get pregnant within the next 3 years but am afraid to get off of the depakote and neurontin. I don't think I could handle 9 months of depression and/or suicidal thoughts. What would my chemical imbalances do to the baby as well?
Posted by Ellis on June 2, 1999, at 22:40:25
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Elizabeth on January 7, 1999, at 15:12:10
Elizabeth,
How have you fared on the neurontin? I just started it two weeks ago and would like to hear from someone who has been on it for awhile...
> I just started Neurontin 200 mg 2x/300 mg at bedtime. I also take Zoloft 150 mg. I don't notice anything in particular.
> However, I do feel calm and less jittery. I have been diagnosed with bipolarII. I also notice that my craving for alcohol has been
> eliminated. I used to feel I needed something, anything, to cut the high strung moods that were almost constant. I was leary of going
> on a mood stabilizer because of weight gain. I just started a new excercise regime. I'll post in a month to let you know how it's going. Thanks. Elizabeth
Posted by Ellen Brodie on June 13, 1999, at 6:45:00
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Ellis on June 2, 1999, at 22:36:19
> > > In reading all the reaction to all the drugs it's hard to know what works for who. I am starting to believe this drug shit is for the birds. I have been diagnosed with bipolar. I have been on 150 mg of Topomax, and 25 mg of klonopin. I have recently started on Neurontin because my anxiety is so bad. I want to get off the damn Klonopin. I am thinking it;s the topamax that has increased the anxiety. Try convincing my doc of that. Although I have lowered my dosage of the topamax to 100mg to see if the anxiety lessons.
I think that med is for the bird. I have lost a lot of weight on that drug which of course they have given me shit about. So it is a no win situation. What have others experienced with neurontin in terms of anxiety and how much and when do you take it. I am just starting on 300mg at bedtime so I am sure that I won't see a change right away. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Ellen
Posted by randy on June 22, 1999, at 17:51:06
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Ellis on June 2, 1999, at 22:40:25
> Elizabeth,
>
> How have you fared on the neurontin? I just started it two weeks ago and would like to hear from someone who has been on it for awhile...
>
> > I just started Neurontin 200 mg 2x/300 mg at bedtime. I also take Zoloft 150 mg. I don't notice anything in particular.
> > However, I do feel calm and less jittery. I have been diagnosed with bipolarII. I also notice that my craving for alcohol has been
> > eliminated. I used to feel I needed something, anything, to cut the high strung moods that were almost constant. I was leary of going
> > on a mood stabilizer because of weight gain. I just started a new excercise regime. I'll post in a month to let you know how it's going. Thanks. ElizabethGoing on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
neurontin does not stay with you very long.
Posted by Julia on June 27, 1999, at 8:52:36
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by randy on June 22, 1999, at 17:51:06
> Going on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
> just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
> neurontin does not stay with you very long.I just started (two days ago) with neurontin, am Bipolar (resisting meds for years...... Klonopin, depakote, prozac etc...). This time a new shrink (M.D.) convinced me to try neurontin....too early to tell, obviously.
Anyway, I was curious about the comment
> neurontin does not stay with you very long.> what did you mean?Also, I'm eager to hear anyone else's opinions regarding this drug......as things are getting only worse and I'm feeling a bit desperate. Thanks.
Posted by randy on July 7, 1999, at 12:36:46
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Julia on June 27, 1999, at 8:52:36
if i miss more than a day or two i start getting edgy.
but if you take your meds with no problems than
this drug might work for you. i have had no side effects.
> > Going on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
> > just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
> > neurontin does not stay with you very long.
>
> I just started (two days ago) with neurontin, am Bipolar (resisting meds for years...... Klonopin, depakote, prozac etc...). This time a new shrink (M.D.) convinced me to try neurontin....too early to tell, obviously.
>
> Anyway, I was curious about the comment
> > neurontin does not stay with you very long.> what did you mean?
>
> Also, I'm eager to hear anyone else's opinions regarding this drug......as things are getting only worse and I'm feeling a bit desperate. Thanks.
Posted by angie on July 7, 1999, at 20:09:54
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by randy on July 7, 1999, at 12:36:46
> if i miss more than a day or two i start getting edgy.
> but if you take your meds with no problems than
> this drug might work for you. i have had no side effects.
>
>
> > > Going on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
> > > just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
> > > neurontin does not stay with you very long.
> >
> > I just started (two days ago) with neurontin, am Bipolar (resisting meds for years...... Klonopin, depakote, prozac etc...). This time a new shrink (M.D.) convinced me to try neurontin....too early to tell, obviously.
> >
> > Anyway, I was curious about the comment
> > > neurontin does not stay with you very long.> what did you mean?
> >
> > Also, I'm eager to hear anyone else's opinions regarding this drug......as things are getting only worse and I'm feeling a bit desperate. Thanks.i have been on neurontin for about 2 months and
i have noticed a big difference in my moods as well as my constant headaches. i cant waite to take my meds every day. stick with it and good luck!!!!
Posted by J Meyer on July 15, 1999, at 8:32:54
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Julia on June 27, 1999, at 8:52:36
> > Going on 1 year and have never slept better in my life.
> > just make sure you can keep with the regimine cause
> > neurontin does not stay with you very long.
>
> I just started (two days ago) with neurontin, am Bipolar (resisting meds for years...... Klonopin, depakote, prozac etc...). This time a new shrink (M.D.) convinced me to try neurontin....too early to tell, obviously.
>
> Anyway, I was curious about the comment
> > neurontin does not stay with you very long.> what did you mean?
>
> Also, I'm eager to hear anyone else's opinions regarding this drug......as things are getting only worse and I'm feeling a bit desperate. Thanks.I'm also interested in the effects (good and bad) of neurontin. My 15 year old daughter just started on it for bipolar. Depakote worked wonderfully for the moods, but made her vomit, especially with physical exertion. She also gets daily headaches, and from what I've read elsewhere, neurontin is diagnosed for that as well. Evertime we start a new med (7x now), my prayer is that it is the right one. Thanks for your sharing.
Posted by kevin i. on July 17, 1999, at 23:37:41
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by randy on July 7, 1999, at 12:36:46
>am wondering if others have had large weight gain with depakote and if there is a way to help with it. also wonder about neurontin...do people have weight gain with it and is it a substitute for depakote
Posted by tangee on July 20, 1999, at 17:58:56
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by kevin i. on July 17, 1999, at 23:37:41
> >am wondering if others have had large weight gain with depakote and if there is a way to help with it. also wonder about neurontin...do people have weight gain with it and is it a substitute for depakote
Kevin,
My sister took depakote and it did cause weight gain and also water retention. The weight gain is different for everyone. Not sure what can be done about the weight gain, except tell dr. and find a different medication.
Posted by Janet on July 20, 1999, at 21:28:56
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by tangee on July 20, 1999, at 17:58:56
I gained weight and retained water in my ankles and feet while on Depakote. The dr. prescribed water pills plus potassium that the water pills drain you of. But when Lithium was added, the water pills had to go because it messes with the salt level. So now I'm fat but mentally level headed which is just a trade off. I realize that if I starved myself it would take the weight off, but I'm not willing to do that yet.
>
> Kevin,
> My sister took depakote and it did cause weight gain and also water retention. The weight gain is different for everyone. Not sure what can be done about the weight gain, except tell dr. and find a different medication.
Posted by Chrissy on July 21, 1999, at 16:27:44
In reply to Re: mood disorders/posted by Ron, posted by Nancy on December 2, 1998, at 12:09:00
I have been on Celexa for 2 weeks and Klonopin for 1 week. My doctor has started me on 300mg 3x/day of Neurontin for anxiety to try to wean me off Klonopin in 3 weeks. This message board is scaring me about developing seizures from Neurontin (if I stop in the future). Does anyone know anything more of this?
Posted by nancy on July 22, 1999, at 16:42:06
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Janet on July 20, 1999, at 21:28:56
I've tried strict (under doc-supervision)diet and exercise to combat weight gain from mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics. Never lost much, manybe a few pounds. Recently, however, I've been able to stop all meds, except, my much needed Effexor XR (300mg) and thyroid meds (taken because Litium messed up my thyroid and to alleviate treatment resistive bipolar depression). So far, so good. No mood switching going on. Also, I lost ten pounds within the first two weeks of discontinuation.
DO NOT STOP YOUR NECESSARY MEDS! But, you may get to a point, eventually, where those meds can either be reduced or removed. Be good to yourself. Don't get down on yourself about the weight problems. Just do the best that you can and be thankful that you've a combination of meds that stop the bipolar insanity. I'm very proud of all of us!
:) nancy
> I gained weight and retained water in my ankles and feet while on Depakote. The dr. prescribed water pills plus potassium that the water pills drain you of. But when Lithium was added, the water pills had to go because it messes with the salt level. So now I'm fat but mentally level headed which is just a trade off. I realize that if I starved myself it would take the weight off, but I'm not willing to do that yet.
> >
> > Kevin,
> > My sister took depakote and it did cause weight gain and also water retention. The weight gain is different for everyone. Not sure what can be done about the weight gain, except tell dr. and find a different medication.
Posted by Terri on July 22, 1999, at 16:58:41
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Janet on July 20, 1999, at 21:28:56
I was on Depakote and never felt better in my life, other meds gave me severe diarrhia and depakote stopped it and I lived a normal life, BUT, I have to say, that a VERY RARE side effect is stomach bloating. I weighed 125 pounds and after 2-3 months on Depakote I gained to 200 pounds and my waist was a 44, my husband said it was a baby I would never have. So it was a trade off, I went off Depakote with my doctors permission and within 2 weeks I lost 25 pounds and my stomach was flat again. Altho I needed the extra weight, I just didn't diet right or excercise. With the side effects out there, sometimes I wish I had my Depakote back, because nothing else lets me leave the house in confidence each day, right now, I fight to leave home. I am on 1800mg of Neurontin, 4mg of Klonopin and 40mg of Celexa a day, the Celexa is Fantastic for depression though. But I really hate the rest of it.
Posted by Jen on July 22, 1999, at 19:56:51
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Terri on July 22, 1999, at 16:58:41
Well! Fhew- I just read all of these entry's and I am amazed at all of the drugs out there that my doc never mentioned I could try. I am currently on a HIGH dose of Depakote and Welbutrine and I can't stand the weight struggles any longer. All of those bi-polar people out there know that sometimes when you get on that high manic part you think you don't need the med's anymore. I just can't decide what might work better...staying on my med's like I have for 6 years, or to get off of them and loose the weight and maybe that will take most of the depression away. Some of the responses were really helpful and I would appreciate anyone who could let me know if they have had a positive responce to an anti-depressant such as weight loss. I really hate the feeling when I stop taking my meds but I am at wits end here!
Looking for a response, Jen ; )
Posted by Klonogirl on July 23, 1999, at 22:09:50
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Jen on July 22, 1999, at 19:56:51
> Well! Fhew- I just read all of these entry's and I am amazed at all of the drugs out there that my doc never mentioned I could try. I am currently on a HIGH dose of Depakote and Welbutrine and I can't stand the weight struggles any longer. All of those bi-polar people out there know that sometimes when you get on that high manic part you think you don't need the med's anymore. I just can't decide what might work better...staying on my med's like I have for 6 years, or to get off of them and loose the weight and maybe that will take most of the depression away. Some of the responses were really helpful and I would appreciate anyone who could let me know if they have had a positive responce to an anti-depressant such as weight loss. I really hate the feeling when I stop taking my meds but I am at wits end here!
>
> Looking for a response, Jen ; )
Jen .....
i have been off my klono for about 6 months.I have not lost any weight at all. I wonder if this just screws up your metabolism for life. Also....having some life stress was disappoited that I had to take a KLONOPIN to get throughit.felt that old feeling of "PANIC" coming on.......I hate this!
Posted by Jen on July 23, 1999, at 23:05:57
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Klonogirl on July 23, 1999, at 22:09:50
Klonogirl,
Thanks for the info. I deceided that I would write down all the possible medications I could be taking and make an appointment with my doctor and see if any are a possibility to switch. So is it hard for you being off your med's and did you or your doctor decide when you should come off of them? Sorry for the personal questions, I just don't know if this disease is with me for the next couple years or for the rest of my life. Some people out there said that they got thier mood-swings undercontrol with med's and were able to eventually come off of them and live a DRUG FREE life. Wouldn't that be nice? You don't have to respond to those questions if they are too personal... thanks for the info again...
Jen : )
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