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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 RWF on October 3, 2005, at 11:13:35
So here is my dilemma… I have been on Ativan for almost five years now.
I started at 1 milligram twice a day, and then went to 0.5 milligrams three times a day, then eventually back to 1 milligram twice a day with a 0.5 milligram here or there.
I have been experiencing memory loss, depression, depersonalization, and when I try to stop I feel really, really weird. Almost out of control.
The reason I tried to stop was because I started to have panic attacks while taking 1 milligram of Ativan. Even though it is supposed to do the exact opposite.
My PDoc wants me to take Klonopin wafers 0.5 milligrams twice a day, but it doesn’t seem to do the trick. I still get panicky.
Can anyone explain this to me or am I just going crazy? I can’t seem to get off of the benzos, but I REFUSE to try any antidepressants because of the stigma surrounding them and because of the side effects.
What should I do besides end it all!
Thanks guys.
Posted by B2chica on October 3, 2005, at 11:20:23
In reply to Ativan and Klonopin, posted by RWF on October 3, 2005, at 11:13:35
i'm taking xanax and have taken klonipin before. they all usually poop out a bit and you need to increase dosage. i noticed my anxiety lowered when i started taking zyprexa.
>>What should I do besides end it all!
and with this statement i think you should seriously consider an antidepressant. stigma schmigma. you need to feel better. besides everyone and their dog now adays has depression. it's almost like saying you sprained your ankle. most people say oh ya (so and so i know has that).
anyway. you need to take care of yourself and maybe a tricyclic or ssri may be of use to you.
Posted by ed_uk on October 3, 2005, at 13:48:02
In reply to Ativan and Klonopin, posted by RWF on October 3, 2005, at 11:13:35
Hi
My advice would be to transfer from Ativan to a long-acting benzo... Klonopin or Librium would be my first choice.
Since Ativan has a short half-life, withdrawal symptoms such as panic attacks can occur between doses.
>My PDoc wants me to take Klonopin wafers 0.5 milligrams twice a day, but it doesn’t seem to do the trick.
I've heard that the wafers are expensive. Regular Klonopin tablets should be cheaper and equally effective.
If, after adjusting the dose, you still don't like Klonopin, Librium might be worth a try.
~Ed
Posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2005, at 18:18:47
In reply to Re: Ativan and Klonopin » RWF, posted by ed_uk on October 3, 2005, at 13:48:02
I know you build up a physical tolerance over the years. Could this be your problem? Fondly,Phillipa
Posted by tizza on October 4, 2005, at 0:28:46
In reply to Re: Ativan and Klonopin, posted by Phillipa on October 3, 2005, at 18:18:47
I found klonopin very good but also very strong, people at work told me I was slurring my words but I didn't notice. I prefer ativan because it's lighter but the short half life can be a problem. Paul
Posted by RWF on October 4, 2005, at 6:40:21
In reply to Re: Ativan and Klonopin, posted by tizza on October 4, 2005, at 0:28:46
Yesterday I chose to take three Ativan throughout the day (0.5mg 3X) instead of taking one Klonopin 0.5 milligrams in the morning and 0.5 milligrams at night.
I woke up at 4:00am this morning out of a sound sleep all wired up and I felt like I just wasn't myself.
I began to pace and then rapidly begin to think the usual harmless Obsessive suicidal and homocidal thoughts.
But the weird thing about it all was that I began to sing loudly too. Damn near waking my son.
Now I know you all don't know me but this is not my usual behavior. It never was. I feel like I am either cracking up to the point of really losing it or maybe I am just scared and trying to take my mind off the issues.
I am scared of the Klonopin because I am scared of withdrawal, but the Ativan is worse.
I am toying with the idea of handcuffing myself in the basement and quitting cold turkey.
Thanks for all your support.
Posted by ramsea on October 5, 2005, at 8:35:42
In reply to Re: Ativan and Klonopin, posted by RWF on October 4, 2005, at 6:40:21
I take Ativan sometimes and have no problems. But everyone is different. Sounds like you are experiencing a real medically urgent condition and I hope you can call pdoc? Or any crisis line?
My understanding is that the very worst thing a benzo user can do is to try and quit abrubtly. Usually dreadful symptoms occur--not always but it is common enough, and there can be seizures and the horrible restlessness you describe. Sounds like you are agitated. Your central nervous system is physically distressed, and it makes sense that you have symptoms like this.
Advice given usually is to cut down extremely slowly, slivering bits off, one night, then taking the usual dose the next, etc. I wonder if the Withdrawl Site here at PB may help you? Thing is, if you want to stay off for good, a very, very slow taper will cause less disruption of your CNS and the withdrawal symptoms that imitate horrific anxiety and breakdown. good luck, ramsea
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