Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 402191

Shown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Klonopin users! What time do you dose??

Posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 14:18:52

I have recently started klonopin, the directions as per label are to take them twice daily. Where as Xanax was prn (As needed) prior to the switch. The doc didn't give me any directions as to when to take it so I have been trialing taking it at different times. I have read that most of you hear are morning/bedtime dosing. I really can't tell if any timing is any better, today I took the first at about 8 AM and the second at noon. Hoping for recomendations, Thanks!

Matt

 

Oh yea... Anyone gain weight right away with K? (nm)

Posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 15:25:33

In reply to Klonopin users! What time do you dose??, posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 14:18:52

 

Re: Oh yea... Anyone gain weight right away with K?

Posted by DynaUnity333 on October 12, 2004, at 16:00:17

In reply to Oh yea... Anyone gain weight right away with K? (nm), posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 15:25:33

I have gained 3 pounds in the six days i have been on librium (which is a weaker Benzo), something i had not expected to be honest.

 

Re: Oh yea... Anyone gain weight right away with K

Posted by Squiggles on October 12, 2004, at 17:09:38

In reply to Oh yea... Anyone gain weight right away with K? (nm), posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 15:25:33

Yes! It was a long time ago, but that
was the first thing i noticed in taking
it -- mind you most benzos or "downers"
will do that. I have a hunch that K
made me gain even more weight than lithium,
though over time lithium may have taken
the lead.

Squiggles

 

Re: Oh yea... Anyone gain weight right away with K

Posted by Jasmineneroli on October 12, 2004, at 17:40:41

In reply to Re: Oh yea... Anyone gain weight right away with K, posted by Squiggles on October 12, 2004, at 17:09:38

No:
I've taken Klonopin since Aug/03 and gained no weight at all. I guess weight gain may be dose related. I started on 1mg per day + .25mg as needed. Now I'm only on .5mg per day.
The other thing to consider is that continual anxiety/stress tends to suppress appetite and burn off calories because of the speeded up metabolism. So any weight gain may be more a result of lack of anxiety, than the medication itself.
As to time of day. I used to take .5mg am and .5mg pm. Now I take .5mg at bedtime. Some people like to take it around 1pm each day. I haven't really found any difference. Except when I was taking the extra .25mg PRN. That extra "support" dose, kicked in around 30-40 minutes later, and I could really feel a boost, during the time of extra stress I was taking it for.
Good luck!
Jas

 

I've been taking Klonopin for a little over a week » mattw84

Posted by Colleen D. on October 12, 2004, at 19:55:12

In reply to Klonopin users! What time do you dose??, posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 14:18:52

and my doc told me .25 3 x a day. So I take mine aabout 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. and then I take my 50mg doxepin around 9 p.m. for sleep (which is also supposed to help with anxiety.) I think I've actually lost more weight in the past two weeks making my grand total loss about 22 lbs. since I started Effexor in May. The klonopin has not increased my appetite at all!

Good luck!

Colleen
PPD, GAD and OCD

> I have recently started klonopin, the directions as per label are to take them twice daily. Where as Xanax was prn (As needed) prior to the switch. The doc didn't give me any directions as to when to take it so I have been trialing taking it at different times. I have read that most of you hear are morning/bedtime dosing. I really can't tell if any timing is any better, today I took the first at about 8 AM and the second at noon. Hoping for recomendations, Thanks!
>
> Matt

 

Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose??

Posted by utopizen on October 12, 2004, at 22:50:40

In reply to Klonopin users! What time do you dose??, posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 14:18:52

> I have recently started klonopin, the directions as per label are to take them twice daily. Where as Xanax was prn (As needed) prior to the switch. The doc didn't give me any directions as to when to take it so I have been trialing taking it at different times. I have read that most of you hear are morning/bedtime dosing. I really can't tell if any timing is any better, today I took the first at about 8 AM and the second at noon. Hoping for recomendations, Thanks!
>
> Matt

My new pdoc just gave me a prescription for .5mg 2x/day "as needed", 60 count for a month's supply. It's silly, but I understand his madness- it's to say he's exploring it for my worst anxiety (during class, when I needed to talk) and helps to convey the idea that he's really trying hard to maximize my Lexapro before he decides to give me Klonopin "full time."

Once I get acclimated to Klonopin again, I'll of course require 1mg 3x/day, and 3x/day is standard dosing that psychiatrists use given the nature of its effect in the bloodstream. That'll probably be what I'll be taking in a month from now, but for right now I need .5mg until my body adjusts to the somnolence-- that takes a week or so.

Then it's onto Klonopin Wafers. No more Purepac generic for me! =)

 

Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose??

Posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 23:03:11

In reply to Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose??, posted by utopizen on October 12, 2004, at 22:50:40

Thanks all! I was curious about the weight only because I seem to have gained almost 20 pounds in the last couple weeks! Also recently quit smoking though... just feel so much *heavier* since starting K. I will have to ask for 3x daily, I can't seem to figure out what would be best.

Anyone else have any sleep troubles as a side effect? Just seem to be waking up too early, or too often; was kind of the precurser to the dose timing question...

Thanks all

Matt

 

Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose??

Posted by utopizen on October 12, 2004, at 23:06:51

In reply to Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose??, posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 23:03:11


> Anyone else have any sleep troubles as a side effect? Just seem to be waking up too early, or too often; was kind of the precurser to the dose timing question...
>

Matt,

don't want to scare you, but early morning awakenings or nocturnal awakenings are an early warning sign of depression, and should be taken seriously. They are not caused by Klonopin, unless of course Klonopin is causing depression. Nevertheless, you need to do what I didn't do back when I was only on Klonopin and Desoxyn and thought I was too good for antidepressants that failed me:

try antidepressants agressively. Cymbalta is promising, and offers me some hope to try it out. Talk to your doc and therapist about this. Do not do what I did- deny depression-- it gets worse and worse until it's like impossible to dig yourself out from. It's been two years now. I really want you to realize I'm concerned for you.

 

Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose??

Posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 23:51:20

In reply to Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose??, posted by utopizen on October 12, 2004, at 23:06:51

Grrr, you are killing me here utop. Actually, life has been on the upswing lately, I take wellbutrin for depression BTW, also adderall for ADD. Both of which I blame for my overwhelming anxiety, especially socially. The Klonopin seems to be helping some, I am not to worried about depression at the moment. Though I much appreciate your concern. I have gone the SSRI route before (Effxr, Zlft, celexa, lexapro, in addition zyprexa and risperdal have been used to augment them to no effect). My dx no longer includes depression.

Severe ADHD w/comorbid Social/Generalized Anxiety... Nothing to be depressed about, just more like something to worry about ;)

Thanks utop

Matt

 

Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose?? » mattw84

Posted by Jasmineneroli on October 13, 2004, at 18:06:42

In reply to Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose??, posted by mattw84 on October 12, 2004, at 23:51:20

Hey:
This exchange about dosage times is very useful to me, thanks for asking the question!
I still wake several times a night, despite taking Klonopin .5mg at bedtime. For me, the night time awakenings are very much a feature of my GAD and RLS (restless leg syndrome). I sleep very lightly, wake on average every 2-3 hours. The one improvement I've found in this regard since being on Klonopin/Celexa is that I quickly fall back to sleep again. Rather than lying there ruminating about unimportant things. (I used to awake and find myself thinking/pondering things, sometimes questioning whether I'd really ever been asleep!).
I have the opposite problem to your early morning awakenings...I can't wake up!!! It takes a full hour from alarm going off to actually being roused enough to get out of bed, no matter how important the reason for getting up is. I don't fully "energize" for a further 2 hours!
This may be the lateness of Klonopin dose...so you might want to try taking a dose right at bed time. I'm gonna start taking it earlier!
BTW, don't discount Utopizen's depression advice - I have always denied any depression too, but I think I've had mild depression that the Celexa has now lifted somewhat, due to being in a constant state of anxiety for years. Sleep disturbances of any kind can be depression related.
Your stimulant use may contribute to sleep problems too.
Keep posting, I'm wanting to compare notes on sleep issues, with GAD people.
Thanks.
Jas

 

Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » Jasmineneroli

Posted by utopizen on October 13, 2004, at 22:06:19

In reply to Re: Klonopin users! What time do you dose?? » mattw84, posted by Jasmineneroli on October 13, 2004, at 18:06:42

jas-

I hoep you've had an overnight sleep study (PSG) to determine if you don't have any other issues, etc. Also, there's a lot of treatments for RLS, Klonopin being a very popular one. Call your doc. He may decide to adjust your bedtime dose.

As for waking up too late, it sounds like you have reduced energy levels, even if it's only in the AM. Sleep studies may help find something like apnea-- which Klonopin can induce/worsen- which make you more tired. I have mild sleep apnea without meds, and now take Klonopin.

All along I've taken BiPAP. I'm a sckrony 21 year old, so my GP claimed I didn't have apnea, but ignored her, went to a top neurologist in Boston, who dx'd me with it because I had a small Ear, Nose and Throat airway.

The CPAP or BiPAP machine controls any apnea, organic or drug-induced. It should help you feel refreshed. Try also talking about Provigil, although can't justify stimulants just to make you feel energized in the A.M. Cymbalta may help your AM energy.

All I know about life before depression is this: I would wake up a couple of hours before class (7:30am)- get ready slowly, eat breakfast, enjoy the AM prep, and look forward to things. Now I got class so I can stay in school and not be forced off of my dorm room. If a drug can let me feel like there's some purpose, and some reason, to get up in the AM, I'm not going to be too stubborn about trying it out. I need hope. I can endure a lot, but there's only so much I can take.

 

Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » utopizen

Posted by Jasmineneroli on October 14, 2004, at 19:02:00

In reply to Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » Jasmineneroli, posted by utopizen on October 13, 2004, at 22:06:19

Utop:
What is BiPAP or CPAP???
No, I've never had a sleep test done. I'm not even sure where I could get that done (small, rural-ish area).
I don't think I've got sleep apnea ( my husband does however, and he wakes up choking sometimes). My husband says I often jerk (like electric shocks) during the night, as well was being incredibly restless. I have ripped nighties, worn out areas on sheets and worn the "foam egg shaped waffle pad" bumps, we have on our under sheet foam pad down to flat!!!.
I get very hot at night. I wake up really easily.
I don't know the cause, but Klonopin has reduced the restlessness somewhat.
My Pdoc has suggested Wellbutrin for SE's to Celexa, so I'm considering trying that, in the hope that I will also get a quick wake-up time.
I take 200mg of caffeine, plus a cup of coffee each morning about 1/2 hour after GETTING up. Takes at least an hour to take effect, but it does help.
I'm thinking I need a dopamine shot!!
What you say about depression, is so true. Keep experimenting. It's what we're all doing.
Take care.
Jas

 

Doh! Waste of session w/psych today....

Posted by mattw84 on October 14, 2004, at 19:22:48

In reply to Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » utopizen, posted by Jasmineneroli on October 14, 2004, at 19:02:00

I scheduled my appt with the pdoc this week assuming that it would only be a brief check-up session... Of course, she wanted to talk about matters brought up last time we met (anxietal causes). Being 25 minutes from work and scheduled to arrive there in 15; I was pretty much unable to think of anything going on in the session. Only that I was going to be late for work, and moreso if I let her continue... So I interjected and said "I need to go, sorry to rush you. Oh yea, I need a refill of the adderall." She asked how the klonopin was working, I said just fine. Though I really meant to say well, but I think it could be better if I was taking it 3x daily. I hate when I get rushed like that, I always forget the important things... stupid ADHD. Now I have to wait another two weeks!

Maybe it's just my imagination, but I think I have been even more scatter-brained, perhaps even closer to "brainless" since having started the klonopin. Anyone else experience this? Feels like I am right back to my unmedicated adhd self.

 

Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome

Posted by utopizen on October 14, 2004, at 19:40:02

In reply to Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » utopizen, posted by Jasmineneroli on October 14, 2004, at 19:02:00

most sleep clinics are in research hospitals. Go to the nearest University med hospital in your state or nearby state, one with a sleep disorders unit.

Your husband NEEDS a sleep study, as do you. It can cause heart problems. Living in a rural area is no excuse to jepoardize your husband's lifespan. Make an appointment, and drive in a car. I've never heard of living in a rural area as a reason to avoid healthcare. You only need to go once, then maybe once or twice more a few months later as a follow-up.

And Klonopin isn't the only RLS drug out there. I don't remember which ones exist, but there's plenty. I think even Neurontin is helpful. Higher doses, combining meds, these all help.

But see a sleep doc. A psychiatrist will not bother to read of the latest trends in sleep medicine unless that happens to be his sub-speciality (like my sleep psychopharmacologist, but I live in Boston, so sub-specialities like that aren't too rare here).

Using caffiene is un-wise. Do you tell your doc this? It's unhealthy. It's got profound effects on the cardio system, way more so than amphetamines or Provigil. You need to agressively treat your depression, and consider adjusting or changing your Klonopin treatment.

Realistically, the Klonopin is probably giving you a hang-over effect-- it may have your ENT relaxed to the point of collapsing upon itself, fragmenting your sleep. Or it may just be too much of a dose for you, causing to you to be drowsy in the morning. It's likely a combo of Klonopin hangover-effect+depression.

You should have a sleep study along with your husband. Call your health insurance for a clinic nearby, but I'd trust a University sleep clinic more because they actually care about researching the latest trends, and sleep is a burgeoning field. Sleep apnea is treated with a machine that blows pressurized air, called "CPAP" or "BiPAP".

It's a few thousand dollars, but is covered by your health insurance for a reason-- you are risking your husband's life over this. Did you move to a rural area because you want to die earlier than people in cities? You're smarter than that, be fair to yourself-- and your husband.

No, snoring is not a requirement for sleep apnea. I never snore, and I'm 6'3'', and am thin as a twig. I ignored by GP's claim I didn't "meet the criteria", arranged an appointment with the top neurologist in Boston, and she suspected I had apnea and ordered a sleep study. Sure enough, I did, and use BiPAP at night.

 

Re: Doh! Waste of session w/psych today....

Posted by utopizen on October 14, 2004, at 19:52:23

In reply to Doh! Waste of session w/psych today...., posted by mattw84 on October 14, 2004, at 19:22:48

Don't blame yourself. I just got back on Klonopin a couple of weeks ago (through talking with my pdoc over the phone, explaining my social anxiety was affecting my class participation grade). He called in .5mg 2x/day to my pharmacy. I knew it wouldn't be effective, since I have previously been on 1mg 3x/day for two years in the past before switching docs a bit. But I pretended, "okay, I'll see how that goes."

Today, I had the appointment, and made sure to let him know I didn't notice any results from the Klonopin. So he said he'd raise it to 1mg 2x/day.

Well, experience tells me I need 3x/day, so I made it clear to him I was finding relief back when my pdocs had me on 3x/day, and despite the 18 hr. half-life of Klonopin, clinically you just don't feel the effects for that long.

He accepted this rationale, which I laid out to him very calmly and not "I know better." And he said he's up me to that dose in a couple of weeks, once my current prescription is emptied out.

But don't think you need to wait until the next appointment to address this. Call your doc, leave a message explaining you meant to say you weren't feeling fine on Klonopin, you were pre-occupied (as my pdoc today said I was last time I met him, and mentioned I "looked much better-- not so pre-occupied").

Docs realize your anxiety makes you pre-occupied and this is acceptable. Don't think you need to wait to talk to your doc until the next appt. Gosh, if I didn't update my doc and leave messages weekly, I'd be so slow in my progress it would be awful!

What's the worst that will happen? Your doctor knows you were pre-occupied, and if you explain this to her, she won't exactly think you're a druggie. BUT DON'T TELL HER to prescribe you a higher dose-- simply say what's happening- that you aren't noticing relief from the Klonopin. She will not take you off it, she will raise the dose. And if she says 2x/day, let her know you don't notice an effect in the mid-day, and she'll give you 3x/day.

If she wants you to gradually increase to a higher dose, let this happen. If you don't seem accomodating, that's when they start suspecting drug-seeking behavior.

You don't need to play drug-seeker. Your doc wants to help you, and simply telling her over the phone you aren't finding relief will often result in her calling in a new dose to your pharmacy.

Once you are on an optimal dose, I suggest Klonopin Wafers. They're great, dissolve on your tongue in less than a second.

 

Re: Doh! Waste of session w/psych today.... » mattw84

Posted by utopizen on October 14, 2004, at 20:11:49

In reply to Doh! Waste of session w/psych today...., posted by mattw84 on October 14, 2004, at 19:22:48

>> Maybe it's just my imagination, but I think I have been even more scatter-brained, perhaps even closer to "brainless" since having started the klonopin. Anyone else experience this? Feels like I am right back to my unmedicated adhd self.
>

I just returned to Klonopin dosing a week ago (and no, not from a doc appt., I just called my doc and explained my situtation with my classes and the concern my professors had of my social anxiety-- he called a script in to my pharmacy). The drowsiness, IQ drop thing, it goes away after 1-2 weeks. For me, it went away after a week (today).

You may need to adjust your ADD med to compensate for the Klonopin, but don't bother with this until you first find a Klonopin dose that relieves your anxiety (but not any higher than necessary to do this).

IMHO, no one should be on a benzo without an antidepressant, because it just places too much reliance on the benzo to relieve your woes-- leading to potentially higher doses than necessary.

And this comes from someone who's failed every AD, currently trying Lexapro, and will try Cymbalta for the first time in a month if Lexapro 20mg (or higher) doesn't work.

A benzo should reduce your pre-occupations and scatter-brain feeling. Maybe what you're describing is a type of depressive state? Do you feel "foggy" in your head? Lack of interest in things? Feeling of hopelessness, or overwhelmed by stress? It could be inadequete benzo dosing, or depression, or both.

The somnolence from Klonopin does go away after 1-2 weeks, so be on the watch for depressive symptoms once you're adjusted to the Klonopin. Taking an AD along with Klonopin helps to maximize the benefit you might receive from the Klonopin, and especially is important in warding off the risk of depression from taking a benzo. And since you have ADD+anxiety, benzo+Antidepressant is IMHO a must.

Yeah, I know it sounds harsh, but you need to take one thing at a time. If you feel your anxiety is the biggest problem for you, work with your doc (don't want until the next appt!!) to adjust the dose. Give it a few weeks at the optimal dose. And since it's just a benzo, adjusting or adding or replacing an antidepressant shouldn't be an issue for your doc to do at the same time. My favorite pick on my to-do list is Cymbalta.

Then, after managing your anxiety with an AD+Klonopin, in about a month, discuss with your doc over your remaining issues. If concentration is an issue, focus on continuing to treat the depression with adjustments to an antidepressant, augmenting meds with it, etc.

Then, adjust your stimulant dose or change it to a different one after these things are straightened out. But don't take my word as advice or anything, this is just me talking to myself.

If, let's say, your concentration is such an issue it's going to risk your job or schoolwork, then managing your ADD treatment and depression treatment of course needs to take a front seat over Klonopin concerns. If this is the case, just be grateful you have Klonopin for the more trying times in your life now-- many don't get any Klonopin =)

I'm on Lexapro 20mg, Klonopin 1mg 3x/day, Adderall 20mg 3x/day, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have ADD, Soc. Anx. Disorder, and Depression. My next med change is to be Desoxyn to replace Adderall, followed by Cymbalta.

I suggest CBT for you, since Klonopin doesn't stop you from feeling overwhelmed unless you assess with your therapist how to stop feeling so overwhelmed. Without CBT, I'd have to rely on much higher doses of Klonopin!!

But in regard to ADD-- it's not that big of a deal to up your dose of your ADD med if Klonopin continues to make you somnolent or off-task after a few weeks. A small dose adjustment should do the trick to balance things off. Desoxyn I found most helpful for this, although I foolishly got bored and asked for Adderall this summer. Now I must wait a month just to return back to Desoxyn. Ahk!

Moral of story: Call your doc weekly, don't wait until appts., this slows things down.

And ALWAYS leave a brief message a couple of days before your next appointment outlining your major concerns, ideas, and priorities you have in mind.

That way you don't even need to come in with a list of things-- your doc already has it and has the chance to reflect over it before ever seeing you!!

 

Re: Doh! Waste of session w/psych today....

Posted by mattw84 on October 14, 2004, at 21:33:49

In reply to Re: Doh! Waste of session w/psych today.... » mattw84, posted by utopizen on October 14, 2004, at 20:11:49

Utop,

You have too much free time ;-)~ -- I am loving all the input though really, keep it coming!

A novel idea - call; sounds pretty far out, but I may just have to give it a try!!! I have been doing CBT with her the last couple of visits, the concept is great. I just have some reservations with being able to discuss certain parts of my life with her, though she has quickly felt out which areas those are and seems to be respecting my boundaries. So yes, I agree it is a crucial element of the overall treatment.

I am often overwhelmed by how many meds I am taking, yet simultaneously thankful for what help they grant me. Examples:

Adderall 10mg (3x daily):

Pro: For making me focus and actually accomplish tasks, something I had rarely ever done prior to.

Con: Making me anxious, even paranoid at times. The "crash," and having to tote around pills everyday. Also addictive...

Wellbutrin XL 300mg (1x daily):

Pro: I quit smoking, finally!!! I thought I would never do that! (49 days clean!!)

Con: I believe it adds to anxiety tremendously and serves no purpose other than to keep me from smoking.

Klonopin 0.5mg (2x daily):

Pro: For giving my worried little mind a rest, and getting me out and functioning in society again.

Con: Makes me feel somewhat fatigued, is yet another addictive drug, and I feel it is somewhat contradictory to the purpose of the adderall (though it helps with the unwanted side effects thereof).


"All in all" I am grateful and much better off with the meds. However I don't really remember what I was like prior to; well yes I do -- I was a rebellious, 'good-fer-nothin', obnoxious teen. I frequently wonder what life would be like if I just stopped taking them, and just forced myself to face life like most other people do -- without all my medicinal crutches. Scary thought, though quite tempting... never know unless you try it right? Well, time for my run... I will check back in later, thanks again all!

mw84

 

Re: Doh! Waste of session w/psych today.... » mattw84

Posted by Jasmineneroli on October 15, 2004, at 0:34:53

In reply to Re: Doh! Waste of session w/psych today...., posted by mattw84 on October 14, 2004, at 21:33:49

Don't beat yourself up over forgetting to tell your Pdoc stuff. I did exactly the same thing last visit...only I felt rushed BY my doc (which is very unusual for him). I usually write out a list over the few days prior to my app't and take it out at my session and go over each item.

Also, I'm very scattered a lot of the time (worse when I'm stressed or high anxiety). I'm wondering if Klonopin is contributing to this, or if I'd be worse without it. Who knows??? When will we ever get it right?
Take care,
Jas

 

Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » utopizen

Posted by Jasmineneroli on October 15, 2004, at 1:07:18

In reply to Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome, posted by utopizen on October 14, 2004, at 19:40:02

Thanks for your concern Utop.
I live in Canada, live 450 kms from the nearest Univ. hosp, own and run my own small business at which I work over 65 hours per week. It's a new business, so not making ANY money as yet. Have difficulty even taking time off for my Pdoc appt's. At the moment, taking time off for 2 days straight seems impossible, and I'd be so stressed about it, any sleep study would be inaccurate!!!
It may seem like a poor excuse to you, but I don't rule out a sleep study in the future. In fact, I'd be fascinated to have one done.

I've had all the symptoms I told you about, for the sleep issues and RLS, for about 5 years. I've only been on Klonopin for the past 14 months. The RLS has improved slightly since then. So I'm sure Klonopin isn't causing sleep apnea. I do think though, that you might be right in suggesting a Klon. "hangover", as far as the slow to rouse effect in the am, and I'm gonna discuss that with my Pdoc. However, it's important to note that I'm not tired during the day. I feel energetic and healthy. I just can't get going quickly enough.
My sleep disturbances have been examined by GP's and Pdoc over the years with various meds prescribed. My Pdoc feels it is all caused by my GAD. I'm always hyper-vigilant, on "high alert".
As for RLS, that may or may not be part of GAD, too. Depression is at most, a mild part of my disorder, and comes and goes. I used to think I didn't have it all, but now I realize I do. I've been on 8 different meds prior to my current combo. This combo is the most effective so far, apart from the Celexa SE's and slow wake-up. I'm going to be discussing alternative or augmenting meds, next app't with my Pdoc.

My husband has been examined/tested by an ear/nose/throat specialist for sleep apnea and everything checks out normally, physiologically speaking. His sleep position was considered to be at issue, and the choking has now been determined to be due to a hiatus hernia and GERD. So the Rx for that was to raise the head of his bed by six inches. It's worked brilliantly! He has also had extensive heart testing, wearing a monitor for days etc etc. All normal there too. BTW, we now sleep in separate beds, cuz we're such incompatible sleep partners !!!!

So, I am aware of the issues you raise, and have agressively pursued treatment/relief as a result. I like to keep educated, that's why I come here. Thanks a lot for your interest and advice.
Jas

 

Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome

Posted by Stressee on October 15, 2004, at 8:19:04

In reply to Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » utopizen, posted by Jasmineneroli on October 15, 2004, at 1:07:18

I am currently taking .75mg per night for RLS. It has worked for me for the past four years, but before that I lost around 6 weeks of sleep trying to figure out what was going on. I also take welbutrin, and that could possibly be what keeps me from being groggy during the day. I hope this helps. -L

 

Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » Stressee

Posted by Jasmineneroli on October 15, 2004, at 13:20:58

In reply to Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome, posted by Stressee on October 15, 2004, at 8:19:04

Thanks so much for your post. That's reassuring re Klon. and RLS.
I experimented last night on myself, I tucked all my sheets and blankets in as tight as possible...like a coccoon. I woke up only once.
In the morning all the sheets etc. were still very tight and in position. Thus I'm SURE I'm not moving around as much or as violently. Previously the covers would be off, all in bundles etc., (used to drive my husband nuts!!!).
Still took me over an hour after the alarm to get up though. Just so dozy.
I'm definitely going to pursue the Wellbutrin route with my doc.
Thanks for your input.
Jas

 

Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » Jasmineneroli

Posted by Stressee on October 15, 2004, at 14:05:29

In reply to Re: Klonopin + Restless Leg Syndrome » Stressee, posted by Jasmineneroli on October 15, 2004, at 13:20:58

You are so very welcome, I'm happy to have helped. Before Klonopin, my husband could't sleep either. He kept asking me why I was kicking him and jerking!! My shoulders jump just like my legs. One thing, I think you build up a tollerance to Klonopin, because I take more now than I did in the beginning. -L


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