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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sheilac on January 12, 2016, at 9:42:05
I've been doing GREAT using 2500mg of Keppra a day since August! However, before I got on Keppra my doc upped my Geodon to 160mg a day. I was doing great on this dose. She also allows me either klonopin or Xanax as needed up to 4mg of either a day - NOT both. So currently, I'm taking Xanax which seems to brighten my mood more than klonopin, but I think klonopin is probably stronger.
My problem is that I would like to reduce my dose of Geodon to around 120mg. My doc is fine with me reducing back to 120mg. I've done that for a week and I've been grumpy, sometimes downright mean. I know this is just the withdrawal process. I want to reduce my Geodon because I believe it is healthier to be on a lower dose.
How do I make it through the withdrawal phase? How long will it take? I've only been taking 2mg of Xanax a day. I'm wondering if I should switch back to klonopin and take advantage of the "up to 4mg a day" that my doc allows.
I want to be on the least amount of Geodon possible, but the shakiness and irritability are bothersome. I know it will only be temporary until my body adjusts, but how long does that take?!
I want to smoothly get through the withdrawal/adjustment phase for the sake of my family and loved ones. They don't deserve an irritable person.
Suggestions? I can't go higher on Keppra.
Posted by Christ_empowered on January 12, 2016, at 10:02:58
In reply to Withdrawal help..., posted by Sheilac on January 12, 2016, at 9:42:05
I think Klonopin and xanax are equally potent, they're just...different. Xanax hits faster and doesn't last as long; Klonopin takes longer to work and lasts considerably longer.
My wild guess would be that using Klonopin during a tranquilizer taper would be more calming (Klonopin is used for bipolar and schizoaffective disorders for this reason) and might make things go more smoothly. I could be wrong, though.
Good luck!
Posted by SLS on January 12, 2016, at 14:11:45
In reply to Withdrawal help..., posted by Sheilac on January 12, 2016, at 9:42:05
> I've been doing GREAT using 2500mg of Keppra a day since August!
Didn't Phidippus (Eric) recommend Keppra to you?
Interesting.
Regarding Geodon, I would go back up to the dosage that made you feel well. Why did you reduce it? Don't assume that your feeling "mean" is simply a withdrawal effect for your having reduced the dosage. You don't know that. With you, I should think that this is more likely to be an emergence of the depressive counterpart of your mixed-state.
Of course, my guess could be wrong.
Please don't mess things up.
- Scott
Posted by baseball55 on January 12, 2016, at 20:22:18
In reply to Re: Withdrawal help... » Sheilac, posted by SLS on January 12, 2016, at 14:11:45
I don't understand why you want to reduce the geodon to 120mg if you are doing well on 160. Are you having side effects from 160mg that you hope will lessen on a lower dose?
160mg is considered a therapeutic dose, I believe. I know that when my p-doc put me on geodon (unfortunately it didn't work for me), he prescribed 160mg and he is very conservative about dosages in everything he prescribes. So I don't think you should regard 160mg as an unusually high dose.
Posted by rjlockhart37 on January 13, 2016, at 1:20:44
In reply to Withdrawal help..., posted by Sheilac on January 12, 2016, at 9:42:05
you may ask your doctor about adding Lyrica, i know i've said that to alot of posters, but lyrica will boost your mood and reduce your anxiety
Xanax has always been known to be good for mood, klonopin is more mind dulling and less pleasant
Posted by Lamdage22 on January 15, 2016, at 7:54:30
In reply to Re: Withdrawal help..., posted by rjlockhart37 on January 13, 2016, at 1:20:44
Dont get hooked on benzos. I have stopped using Lorazepam altogether.
I feel that if i use it, i have increased anxiety in the aftermath.
If a situation is too anxiety inducing, i avoid it. Its better than to be hooked on addictive drugs.
This is the end of the thread.
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