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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 Ormondgirl on December 14, 2008, at 17:02:21
I have been put on lamictal 25 mgs and now up to 100mgs at night by my psychiatrist after he told me to taper off my sleep meds which are ambien and clonazepam. I tried doing this but was very unsuccessful - I had terrible withdrawals even including a bad toothache above and below my gum
(I read this can be a withdrawal symptom. I have also been off prozac for about 6 weeks now as it was affecting my sexual libido.
I couldnt take the withdrawals anymore so last night I took the ambien and the clonazepam and slept well (also the lamictal 100mgs) I was tempted to take the prozac this morning but wasnt sure. I really dont know what to do.
I am seeing the psychiatrist only in 2 weeks time.
Anyone else with similar experiences?
Please help.
Posted by Valero on December 16, 2008, at 6:08:18
In reply to lamictal, posted by Ormondgirl on December 14, 2008, at 17:02:21
Hi,
you'd probably have to taper off slowly from the Clonazepam while still using Ambien, then the taper off of Ambien shouldn't normally be that hard. Your Dr. could be right about getting away from these Benzo type drugs, as I'd presume the Lamictals for bi-polar,( though that's not clear from your post.)
My own bi-polar condition is severely agravated by the use of Benzo's and related drugs ( Ambien). I mean it's fine while the drug is active ,it's the withdrawal syndrome that agravates the situation. Also the combo of Clonazepam and Ambien seems a bit much, for me anyhows. Ask your Dr. about Gabapentin to aid sleep. it seems to assist withdrawals as well.
Posted by desolationrower on December 16, 2008, at 9:48:29
In reply to Re: lamictal, posted by Valero on December 16, 2008, at 6:08:18
I would try to take the smallest amount of your hypnotics that you need to sleep. Then slowly reduce each week or every few days or so. I'm not sure if the specific pills you have can be cut but cutting into 1/4s could make the taper go better.
-d/r
Posted by elanor roosevelt on December 21, 2008, at 12:53:53
In reply to Re: lamictal, posted by desolationrower on December 16, 2008, at 9:48:29
do not taper Ambien
it doesn't work that way
you just don't take it
This is the end of the thread.
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