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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AnneL on May 9, 2002, at 0:03:04
Hi,
I'll try to keep this short and to the point. I have been on Klonopin 1 mg. at bedtime for sleep and Effexor XR 225 mg. in the morning for depression for over one year. I suffer from morning hangover and daytime fatigue most likely from a combination of the long half-life of Klon and possibly from the Effexor as well. Pdoc had me taper 1/4 tab each week off of the Klono and had me try Trazadone 50 to 150 mg. at bedtime. I got to 1/4 of a tab of Klon and 50 mg. of Traz and could not sleep and started getting anxiety. Plus, I felt like a nimwit on Traz. Bad for my cognition.So back on Klon 1 mg. and Effexor. So tired during the day. Either I am getting depressed or the fatigue is depressing. I sleep well on the Klon.
Coffee is not even helping much anymore. Any ideas? Thanks, AnneL
Posted by Janelle on May 9, 2002, at 3:32:33
In reply to Vicious Circle - Klonopin and Effexor- Help!, posted by AnneL on May 9, 2002, at 0:03:04
Hi!
I happen to be on the same two meds you are - I take 187.5 mg of EffexorXR in the am along with 1 mg of Klonopin in the am (Klonopin is for anxiety, not sleep - tried it for sleep and it did NOTHING).
I also suffer from morning hangover and daytime fatigue, but mine is most likely due to insomnia. I have extreme difficulty falling asleep and even though I sleep late into the next day, I still feel fatigued and I drag through the day.
I'm surprised that between your 1/4 of a tab of Klon and 50 mg. of Trazadone you could not sleep AND developed anxiety. Hmmmmmm ...
Since you said that you sleep well on the Klonopin (lucky you!) yet still feel fatigue during the day it could be the Effexor - I've read on here that SSRI's can cause lethargy and fatigue type feelings.
Based on what you said, it sounds like the fatigue is depressing as well as frustrating, since you ARE sleeping well at night.
I don't know what to suggest, but I'm sure you will get some good responses from others here.
I just wanted to lend some support to you. I know how you feel!
best of luck
-Janelle
Posted by jay on May 9, 2002, at 21:33:09
In reply to Vicious Circle - Klonopin and Effexor- Help!, posted by AnneL on May 9, 2002, at 0:03:04
> Hi,
> I'll try to keep this short and to the point. I have been on Klonopin 1 mg. at bedtime for sleep and Effexor XR 225 mg. in the morning for depression for over one year. I suffer from morning hangover and daytime fatigue most likely from a combination of the long half-life of Klon and possibly from the Effexor as well. Pdoc had me taper 1/4 tab each week off of the Klono and had me try Trazadone 50 to 150 mg. at bedtime. I got to 1/4 of a tab of Klon and 50 mg. of Traz and could not sleep and started getting anxiety. Plus, I felt like a nimwit on Traz. Bad for my cognition.
>
> So back on Klon 1 mg. and Effexor. So tired during the day. Either I am getting depressed or the fatigue is depressing. I sleep well on the Klon.
> Coffee is not even helping much anymore. Any ideas? Thanks, AnneLHi Anne:
Well, I wish I had an answer for you, but I am in the same boat. It seems like Effexor causes massive anxiety, and is only helped by a benzodiazapine. (I take one called bromazapam..it's like clonazapam.) I just feels like a damn merry-go-round....taking the benzo to calm the effects of the Effexor...and the Effexor to 'lift' me from the effects of depression.
After many years on Effexor, I am really, really starting to question it's use, as usually once a week or two, I have a massive 'break-down', and go crawling back to my Mom and Dad in state of terror and tears. My Dad gives me some extra Rivotril (sleeping pill...another benzo..), and it just becomes a cycle.
Anyhow...I just want you to know you are not alone. The scarry part I hate is I can mask my depression too easily, and it makes it even harder to ask for more help. To break the cycle, I think we just have to let it all 'rain down', and tell our doctors to work on us "now"!
Best wishes..
Jay
Posted by Ritch on May 10, 2002, at 9:32:42
In reply to Vicious Circle - Klonopin and Effexor- Help!, posted by AnneL on May 9, 2002, at 0:03:04
> Hi,
> I'll try to keep this short and to the point. I have been on Klonopin 1 mg. at bedtime for sleep and Effexor XR 225 mg. in the morning for depression for over one year. I suffer from morning hangover and daytime fatigue most likely from a combination of the long half-life of Klon and possibly from the Effexor as well. Pdoc had me taper 1/4 tab each week off of the Klono and had me try Trazadone 50 to 150 mg. at bedtime. I got to 1/4 of a tab of Klon and 50 mg. of Traz and could not sleep and started getting anxiety. Plus, I felt like a nimwit on Traz. Bad for my cognition.
>
> So back on Klon 1 mg. and Effexor. So tired during the day. Either I am getting depressed or the fatigue is depressing. I sleep well on the Klon.
> Coffee is not even helping much anymore. Any ideas? Thanks, AnneL
Hi Anne,I remember when I was taking Prozac years ago and had insomnia and was given trazodone-it didn't work very well. You shouldn't be feeling Klon. sedation very much the next day-esp. in the afternoons/evenings. I wouldn't be surprised if it is the Effexor. Do you take all 225mg in the AM? What would happen if you took 75mg 3x daily? (as an experiment). Also, one thing people experience on SSRI's/Effexor is sleep that is too light, which makes them groggy and fatigued the next day. I found Effexor caused a lot of super vivid dreaming. If I dream excessively that usually means I am not sleeping soundly enough-otherwise I wouldn't be remembering all of the dreaming! Just some thoughts, maybe you ought to drop the Effexor from 225>150mg??
Mitch
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