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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michael Bell on June 2, 2003, at 19:34:34
I addressed the title to Ame b/c Ame also uses Picamilon, but anybody can put their two cents in:
I've shied away from using Klonopin b/c I don't want to gain tolerance to it. Many researchers think the tolerance developes b/c the body starts reducing GABA production b/c Klono increases efficiency of the GABA system.
So my question is: say I take .5 mg/day of Klonopin, and eventually it begins to lose its anti-anxiety effects b/c of decreased GABA production. Do you think supplementation with Picamilon, which is GABA bonded to niacin, would make up for that deficit without me having to raise the klonopin dose? For those that have taken both Klono and Picamilon, what has been your experience along these lines? Thanks for the input...
Posted by pseudonym on June 2, 2003, at 20:13:02
In reply to Question for AME SANS (sp?) other Klonopin users, posted by Michael Bell on June 2, 2003, at 19:34:34
Why would you want to use Klonopin when Picamilon is working so well for you? I have taken Klonopin and Picamilon and while Klonopin handles anxiety, it also impairs memory and produces physical dependency. Picamilon did not impair memory, but seemed to only be anxiolytic for about a week and then seemed to do nothing but induce headache.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on June 2, 2003, at 20:17:39
In reply to Question for AME SANS (sp?) other Klonopin users, posted by Michael Bell on June 2, 2003, at 19:34:34
I couldn't really tell you much about the benefits of taking both Klonopin and picamilon together... I haven't developed a resistance to the effects of Klonopin over the course of three years. If you'd like to try Klonopin, I'd just go for it, keep taking the picamilon (it definitely helps out the Klon a bit), and not worry about tolerance, as you're unlikely to build any. Especially if you're taking it for social phobia.
Posted by Michael Bell on June 2, 2003, at 20:29:00
In reply to Re: Question for AME SANS (sp?) other Klonopin users, posted by pseudonym on June 2, 2003, at 20:13:02
> Why would you want to use Klonopin when Picamilon is working so well for you? I have taken Klonopin and Picamilon and while Klonopin handles anxiety, it also impairs memory and produces physical dependency. Picamilon did not impair memory, but seemed to only be anxiolytic for about a week and then seemed to do nothing but induce headache.
The Picamilon does work well for anxiety, but induces dysthymia. I add rhodiola for anti-dysthymia, but the effects overpower the Picamilon and I start feeling anxious again. I thought maybe a stronger anxiolytic than Picamilon might be a good bet, but, as you point out, the Klono has some undesireable side effects. Don't know quite what to do...
Posted by Boba Fat on June 3, 2003, at 10:57:32
In reply to Question for AME SANS (sp?) other Klonopin users, posted by Michael Bell on June 2, 2003, at 19:34:34
I use Pikamilone most days with occasional breaks. I take between 150 - 200mg a day. I find it a mild anxiolytic, stimulant and antidepressant. I take Klonopin for social anxiety only 3-4 times a week so there is no issue of tolerance for me. Before I started the pikamilone I would use 2mg of Klonopin, now I find that 1mg is sufficient for most situations. I still have bad SA but it is no where near as intense while using these two drugs. I also find adding Valerian to Klonopin beneficial when I want a little bit more sedation, without worrying about building a benzo tolerance.
Posted by lawrence S. on June 3, 2003, at 17:49:45
In reply to Question for AME SANS (sp?) other Klonopin users, posted by Michael Bell on June 2, 2003, at 19:34:34
I have taken Klonopin and other benzodiazepines for about 30 years (off and on). I haven't had to increase the dose yet. However I do find it quite hard to stop. I stopped for a couple of weeks but I did'nt sleep. I think if you take anything for years it will become a part of you, and you won't feel right without it. Does'nt matter if it's an AD, Benzo, or peanut butter sandwich!
Posted by Squiggles on June 4, 2003, at 9:29:33
In reply to Re: Question for AME SANS (sp?) other Klonopin users, posted by lawrence S. on June 3, 2003, at 17:49:45
My experience as well with clonazepam with
a slight variation -- my dr. did raise it
after about 10 yrs., and after i tried to
withdraw (one of the worst experiences in
my life) i had to raise it a bit more than
the initial dose at withdrawal.This was not the case however, with Xanax,
which was relatively easy to withdraw from.As for ADs -- i have a layman's hunch that
they are all habituating to a lesser or
greater degree, but benzos are particularly
addicting.Squiggles
This is the end of the thread.
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