Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1023347

Shown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns

Posted by schleprock on August 15, 2012, at 11:38:43

OK, I might be giving Lyrica a shot, one benefit being I can get off clonazepam (.5 3x a day.) Current prescription for the lyrica is 50mg 3x a day. If I were to go by this, what should be the dosage schedule between the two meds. Should I start the clonazepam taper immedietely, and should I be taking both Lyrica and clonazepam at the same time?

But, of course, I'm not too sure about the Lyrica, and am starting to regret not going for other options (zoloft + Nortriptyline combo, abilify, lamictal) So far I've only taken 1 50mg Lyrica pill last night (w/ about .5 mg of cloazepam) and due to the sedation can't begin to imagine how bad things will get with 3 pills in addition to the clonazepam. So two further questions:

1. Can I try just 1 pill at night for a bit (with minimal alteration of the clonazepam) to see if it helps any at that dosage, maybe slowly titrate up (or leave the possibility open for a different med regimen?)

2. Since I've already taken one pill, would it be dangerous not to take another, or am I already "committed" one way or another.

Also, I also have some lamictal on hand (also dosed a 3x a day), but thought I'd just see what the Lyrica does first. Similarly, would it be safe to try just one Limictal dose to see what that's like (I'm somewhat sensitive and almost always feel something after the initial dosage.)

 

Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns » schleprock

Posted by Phillipa on August 15, 2012, at 12:11:29

In reply to Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns, posted by schleprock on August 15, 2012, at 11:38:43

I was always advised one change at a time. I think you need to clear up with your doc if he wants you to take both at once. Okay you choose this. So this for now. I'm very similar to you in that the minute I choose something it sounds great then I start thinking but may I should have done x or Y. Personally it always seems easy to advise others but when it applies to yourself it's so different. Phillipa

 

Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns » schleprock

Posted by phidippus on August 15, 2012, at 12:26:47

In reply to Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns, posted by schleprock on August 15, 2012, at 11:38:43

>Current prescription for the lyrica is 50mg 3x a day

You'll want to work up to a max dose of 600 mg a day on the Lyrica. 150 mg of Lyrica isn't going to provide the same amount of anxiety relief as the clonazepam.

>Should I start the clonazepam taper immedietely, >and should I be taking both Lyrica and clonazepam >at the same time?

Start the clonazepam taper when ever you feel comfortable. You can take both medications at the same time.

>Since I've already taken one pill, would it be >dangerous not to take another, or am I already >"committed" one way or another.

You're not committed. Stop it or take some more, it doesn't matter

I'd leave the lamictal alone while you're trying the Lyrica.

I'm surprised the Lyrica has been so sedating. That should pass after the first couple days. I never found it sedating.

Eric

 

Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns

Posted by schleprock on August 15, 2012, at 13:01:55

In reply to Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns » schleprock, posted by phidippus on August 15, 2012, at 12:26:47

> >Current prescription for the lyrica is 50mg 3x a day
>
> You'll want to work up to a max dose of 600 mg a day on the Lyrica. 150 mg of Lyrica isn't going to provide the same amount of anxiety relief as the clonazepam.
>
> >Should I start the clonazepam taper immedietely, >and should I be taking both Lyrica and clonazepam >at the same time?
>
> Start the clonazepam taper when ever you feel comfortable. You can take both medications at the same time.
>
> >Since I've already taken one pill, would it be >dangerous not to take another, or am I already >"committed" one way or another.
>
> You're not committed. Stop it or take some more, it doesn't matter
>
> I'd leave the lamictal alone while you're trying the Lyrica.
>
> I'm surprised the Lyrica has been so sedating. That should pass after the first couple days. I never found it sedating.
>
> Eric

I've only taken the first pill lastnight. I just can't stop thinking about a situation I was in a couple of years ago when I was first prescribed 1.5 mg of clonazepam and two weeks of 25mg of atenolol nightly. I couldn't even push a shopping cart. Had to halve the atenolol.

I actually felt a bit better lastnight\this morning with the Lyrica, but I'm not sure I really want a second dose. Since I'm more than likely suffering more from depression than anxiety, I might just do the lamitcal (25 mg morning). Any drowsiness with that?

 

Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns » schleprock

Posted by SLS on August 15, 2012, at 13:48:00

In reply to Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns, posted by schleprock on August 15, 2012, at 11:38:43

Unless there is a contraindication to combining the two drugs, I would make only one change at a time. After you establish an effective dosage of Lyrica, you might ultimately find that the combination works better than either drug alone. They work via very different mechanisms. If you have difficulties discontinuing the clonazepam, you might think about using Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) to minimize the withdrawal symptoms.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18821451


- Scott

 

Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns » SLS

Posted by phidippus on August 15, 2012, at 22:49:48

In reply to Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns » schleprock, posted by SLS on August 15, 2012, at 13:48:00

There is some literature out there that supports Lyrica as an effeective medication to ameliorate benzodiazapine withdrawal.

Eric

 

Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns » schleprock

Posted by phidippus on August 15, 2012, at 22:58:58

In reply to Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns, posted by schleprock on August 15, 2012, at 13:01:55

Lamictal can be activating, actually. It definitely was for me. I'd be very surprrisedd if it made you sleeepy.

Lyrica can cause depression, so maybe that Lamictal is a better bet for you at this point.

Eric

 

Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns » phidippus

Posted by SLS on August 16, 2012, at 7:02:42

In reply to Re: Lyrica and Clonazepam dosage patterns » SLS, posted by phidippus on August 15, 2012, at 22:49:48

> There is some literature out there that supports Lyrica as an effeective medication to ameliorate benzodiazapine withdrawal.

That doesn't surprise me. I think drugs that suppress glutamate hyperactivity (directly or indirectly) will be shown to be effective.

Your point is well taken. It doesn't make sense to add Trileptal and complicate issues if Lyrica would serve just as well to mitigate withdrawal symptoms. If this is the case, I think it would make sense to titrate the Lyrica to a therapeutic level first before attempting to discontinue the clonazepam.


- Scott


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