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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Julia on August 13, 1999, at 2:54:08
In reply to mood disorders Neurontin and Klonopin, posted by Ellen on August 8, 1999, at 6:12:30
I've been on Neurontin for about 2 -3 months now, with the dosages being steadily increased. Compared to many of the other posts I've read, it seems like I'm still on the way up, as I've just been increased to 400mg, a far cry from 3000….(is that where everyone ends up?) Prior efforts with Prozac, Zoloft and, particularly, depakote, were disastrous. I think, more or less, that the neurontin is working at stabilizing me, with the exception of severe sleep problems, i.e. I can’t ever ever make it through the night.
Yet, after having a particularly crummy regular shrink (Ph.D.) session, leaving me about as sobbing as I never want to be in public (my spousal unit was there for this session and is not known as Mr. Compassion...).
Anyway (a rambling bi-polar am I) I next saw the MD (for the meds, obviously)and asked if neurontin caused hair loss, as it seems to be clumping out as it did back in the depakote days. I also mentioned that the ambien didn’t seem to work unless I slugged back a couple glasses of wine with it before bedtime. He claims that the alcohol was causing the hair loss and that it also would end up lowering my estrogen (female hormones) causing me to take on more testosterone-ish traits, i.e. hair loss, flat chest, facial hair, thick waist etc. Well, as a bi-polar (ex-anorexic) in a down swing, to hear I was about to be transformed into a Neanderthal because I drank wine at night (admittedly sometimes a little too much, but not daily, and not guzzling away all day or anything) it sort of blew me over the top.
Its been not the best of days.....
So, does anyone have any prior experience with being told this sort of thing? Meaning, your bi-polar meds won’t work if you drink ANYTHING ALCOHOLIC, and he said anything, ever, at all, no social dinner stuff, zip, nada, never or I will age more quickly, get ugly and fat and turn into a man!
He doubled the neurontin dosage, doubled the ambien and prescribed Serax to help with
“alcohol withdrawal” This freaks me out, as I hadn’t thought that I drank enough to qualify as someone who needed detoxing.....I don’t know, I’m just feeling sort of broadsided by all of this…..any input would be nice…..
As always, thanks you guys, in advance,
Julia
Posted by Ellen on August 13, 1999, at 6:20:06
In reply to Re: mood disorders and Neurontin , posted by Julia on August 13, 1999, at 2:54:08
>Hi Julia, I don't like giving advice becasue I don't feel qualified to do so. What I can give you are some thoughts. First it sounds like you need to seek a doctor that you have a little more confidence in. It can be a tough search but it can be done. I have not experienced hair loss with the neurontin,, but again everyone is individual. As far as the drinking. I stopped completely. Not because of the advice of my doc, ( although she did reccomend against it) however alcohol instensifies the effects of all the meds. If you feel that your drinking is not a problem than stop. Why add insult to injury. Alcohol is also a depressant and could make you feel worse. I started with ambien also years ago to help me sleep but as time went on it did nothing for me. I take Klonopin now. One thing I always suggest when I write in this site is do your own research. There is alot of info on the net and lots of good books. i have learned through exprience to trust my instincts and I question everything. NIH is a great resource. There is also a publication called Bipolar network news. I gives you all the lates clinical trials on all the new drugs as well as the old drugs. If you are interested in doing your own reseach you can e-mail me and I can guide you through this. I know that this is a horrible disease and it creates great frustrations and downs. But if you can get yourself to look beyond your disease and see that we are still real people it helps. It took me a long time to get to this point. I spend time researching all the latest great info I can find. It makes me feel in control of my life and of my disease. Also try to find yourself a support network. One or two friends that you can count on when you need them. This is a great comfort and and gift you can give yourself. I hate to say this but the meds alone don't cut it. We all have to draw from our strenghts to get through this mess. And you can. I have had good response to the Neurontin. If you question other side effects you need to get the right help. Don't be afraid to question your doc or even change. I wish you luck and I know that you will find the right path. Ellen
Posted by Bert on August 13, 1999, at 12:05:01
In reply to mood disorders Neurontin and Klonopin, posted by Ellen on August 8, 1999, at 6:12:30
Question for folks who have been on Klonopin for a while. I take lithium (1000mg a day) for my anxiety disorder and it is very effective. I have to supplement that lithium with .125 mg of Klonopin in the am. The reason is the lithium does not settle the slightly jumbled and racey thoughts. The low dose of klonopin is great for that. Can I continue with the very low dose of Klonopin with little risk of withdrawl or side affect issues in years to come. I only take the Klonopin during the week when I have to focus and concentrate at work.
Posted by Carmen on August 17, 1999, at 13:11:58
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Chrissy on July 24, 1999, at 6:38:15
> Klonogirl:
> I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. ChrissyI'm new to this site so please bear along. I have been battling w/mental problems for a long time. Yesterday was put on neurontin for social anxiety. How have others faired w/this drug which was just ok'ed for this purpose. Was on Depakote before. Felt bad on it. Lost all desire to do anything - completely blunted. Any one else have this happen? Carmen
Posted by thewife on August 18, 1999, at 6:56:39
In reply to Re: mood disorders and the new anticonvulsants, posted by thewife on July 24, 1999, at 21:33:43
We have hit bottom.
I posted on here that my husband needed help. This week I found out about a "secret life" I knew nothing about. An affair, and a real obsession with pornography.
I recognize this as a variant of mania, since this behavior is ssoooooo untypical.I need to get over the anger, because he never confided in me or his half dozen mental health professionals over the past few years.
What can I do now? I have kicked him out of the house, and got him into partial hospitalization, but I don't know how much to help, since it's obvious that all my well-intentioned "helping" have caused him to not face things. He still acts like Bill Clinton when I talk about the affair and internet porno adventures.
Can anyone give me some advice? How much do I blame him, how much do I blame the disease? He was on 1000 mgs of depakote at the time, as well as Dexedrine and Prozac.
--ginny
I am trying to help my husband because I understand psychopharm rather well.
>
> He's a mood disorder nos/ADHD kind of guy, which means lots of irritability and no frustration tolerance, as well as energy levels that come and go, like gearing up when just sitting and talking. No off the wall mania. He's not a real garden variety bipolar I, I am suspecting a mixed state bipolar. Also history of grand mal seizures in high school, none for 30 years.
>
> Depakote, Prozac, desiprimine, remeron and wellbutrin haven't done much, some of the ADHD responds to Dexedrine.
>
> Next move is a better mood stabilizer. Doc wants to try Neurontin, but I am leaning toward Lamactil because of the antidepressant effects. Doc is scared of the rash phenomena. I like the anti-depressant effects.
>
> Please forward any advice you might have. He took one of my son's risperdals this week in an effort to calm himself, a dumb move since it made him very tired and he fell asleep in a parking lot, fortunately after calling me.... and he lost a realllllllly good job last year.
>
>
> While we're at it, any anecdotal advice yet on Topamax or tiagibine? The doc says Topamax makes you stupid, whatever that means.....
>
> Thanks.....
>
> Klonogirl:
> > > I have severe anxiety but not necessarily panic attacks. I was put on Klonopin 2 weeks ago, but he wants me off of if cuz of the risk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
> >
> > Chrissy.......
> > Neurotin was never offered to me. I have no idea how it works. I sure would NOT go on Klonopin. Yes it is addictive and yes it does work.....but the side effects are pretty major.
> > Check it out with your Doctor.
> > Good Luck....Klonogirl
Posted by kurt fondriest on August 21, 1999, at 18:03:33
In reply to Re: mood disorders Neurontin and Klonopin, posted by Bert on August 13, 1999, at 12:05:01
> Question for folks who have been on Klonopin for a while. I take lithium (1000mg a day) for my anxiety disorder and it is very effective. I have to supplement that lithium with .125 mg of Klonopin in the am. The reason is the lithium does not settle the slightly jumbled and racey thoughts. The low dose of klonopin is great for that. Can I continue with the very low dose of Klonopin with little risk of withdrawl or side affect issues in years to come. I only take the Klonopin during the week when I have to focus and concentrate at work.
I use klonopin for fibromyalgia and it helps so much. I take 3 mg a day . fibromyalgia is a chronic muscle pain disease. Klonopin also helps with anxiety/mood /and depression. so far ok to the big k.
Posted by Ellen on August 22, 1999, at 7:38:10
In reply to Re: mood disorders and the new anticonvulsants, posted by thewife on August 18, 1999, at 6:56:39
>.First I want to let you know that I think that you persistance to help your husband is touching. Alot of women would not but up with what you are going through and I think that you need to give yourself some credit for that. I to have manic depression and being on the other end from where you are I know how difficult iit is for you to live with this. I watch my own husbands frustrations. One thought for you, remember to take care of you through all this also. You can not take care of your husband unless you take care of you. It is had to deal with the kind of anger that you are feeling alone. I would suggest that you try to get come counseling yourself. It will make you better abled to make decsions about your marriage and help you to see through all this in a clearer light. . ANger is a very poweful emotion. Don't let it get the best of you. Now to answer your drug questions. All drugs effect people differntly. I was on Topomax and I had definite cognitive dulling, slurred speach etc. I am know on 3000mg of Neurontin and 2,5 mg of Klonopin. I still go up and down but my anger is far more undercontrol, and my depression is much better. I do alot to take care of myself. Your husband as to want to get better. I have found through years of fighting this illnes drugs alone don't cut it. Will and determination. If your husband is waiting for a cure all with the drugs it is not going to happen. The drugs for me just put me in a place where I can help my self to deal with my illness, accept my illnes and do what I need to help my recovery. It is a life long effort. But he needs to do some to. You can't fix him. FIx you first. And then you will be better prepared to help him. Good luck! Ellen
Posted by Kurt on August 22, 1999, at 10:27:13
In reply to Re: mood disorders Neurontin and Klonopin, posted by kurt fondriest on August 21, 1999, at 18:03:33
> > Question for folks who have been on Klonopin for a while. I take lithium (1000mg a day) for my anxiety disorder and it is very effective. I have to supplement that lithium with .125 mg of Klonopin in the am. The reason is the lithium does not settle the slightly jumbled and racey thoughts. The low dose of klonopin is great for that. Can I continue with the very low dose of Klonopin with little risk of withdrawl or side affect issues in years to come. I only take the Klonopin during the week when I have to focus and concentrate at work.
> I use klonopin for fibromyalgia and it helps so much. I take 3 mg a day . fibromyalgia is a chronic muscle pain disease. Klonopin also helps with anxiety/mood /and depression. so far ok to the big k. It seems to me Klonopin as with any drug effects each person differently however has helpd me
Posted by Donna on August 22, 1999, at 17:10:15
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Carmen on August 17, 1999, at 13:11:58
I am bipolar and hve been on neurontin for about 1 year. I really like it. I am not as angry and my anxiety has been lowered greatly. I take 400mg. 3x a day.(I also take 200 mg, of wellbutrin, but the wellbutrin won't do it alone). I sleep much better too. Before I could hardly get out of bed and face the world. Neurontim really helped. I was on Depakote before and I also lost the desire to do anything. I felt numb and almost suicidal. I also wanted to eat everything in sight. And I did. I gained about 25 pounds. That's when they changed me to neuronin. I don't want to eat as much. As a matter of fact, I don't eat much at all but I haven'[t lost any weight. I heard it lowers your metabolism. Does anyone have this problem with neurontin? Is there another drug that could with bipolar but could also help with losing weight? I exercise daily and eat very little. Without the neurontin, I would have lose 20 pounds by now. Help. the weight gain is depressing. isk of becoming dependent. He is having me take neurontin with Klonopin right now and trying to wean me off the Klonopin. Do you think the neurontin will work alone? I'm scared cuz the Klonopin has been great although I am already building a tolerance to it. Chrissy
>
> I'm new to this site so please bear along. I have been battling w/mental problems for a long time. Yesterday was put on neurontin for social anxiety. How have others faired w/this drug which was just ok'ed for this purpose. Was on Depakote before. Felt bad on it. Lost all desire to do anything - completely blunted. Any one else have this happen? Carmen
Posted by thewife on August 27, 1999, at 17:13:50
In reply to Response for the wife, posted by Ellen on August 22, 1999, at 7:38:10
>Thank you for your thoughtful response.
I am moving from the anger to understanding and a bit of forgiveness, while taking care of myself. Yes, I am in therapy, and it's helpful to make me realize when to help, and when to not become his therapist.
I can't believe his doc, who just told me this was all a midlife crisis. But I've figured out that that was the doc's own issue with missing the diagnosis and not assessing risk properly.
I hope this was "hitting bottom" enough for him to make honest efforts in therapy along with the meds. I know they can't do the whole job. He had issues before I met him that have nothing to do with me, but everything to do with his self-love and coping style.
Do you have any suggestions on what is helpful from a spouse versus not?
Thanks again, Ellen. Glad to hear about someone who has faced their own demons, even if it needs to be a day at a time. You give me hope!
Ginny
>.First I want to let you know that I think that you persistance to help your husband is touching. Alot of women would not but up with what you are going through and I think that you need to give yourself some credit for that. I to have manic depression and being on the other end from where you are I know how difficult iit is for you to live with this. I watch my own husbands frustrations. One thought for you, remember to take care of you through all this also. You can not take care of your husband unless you take care of you. It is had to deal with the kind of anger that you are feeling alone. I would suggest that you try to get come counseling yourself. It will make you better abled to make decsions about your marriage and help you to see through all this in a clearer light. . ANger is a very poweful emotion. Don't let it get the best of you. Now to answer your drug questions. All drugs effect people differntly. I was on Topomax and I had definite cognitive dulling, slurred speach etc. I am know on 3000mg of Neurontin and 2,5 mg of Klonopin. I still go up and down but my anger is far more undercontrol, and my depression is much better. I do alot to take care of myself. Your husband as to want to get better. I have found through years of fighting this illnes drugs alone don't cut it. Will and determination. If your husband is waiting for a cure all with the drugs it is not going to happen. The drugs for me just put me in a place where I can help my self to deal with my illness, accept my illnes and do what I need to help my recovery. It is a life long effort. But he needs to do some to. You can't fix him. FIx you first. And then you will be better prepared to help him. Good luck! Ellen
Posted by Ellen on August 28, 1999, at 6:49:08
In reply to Thanks Ellen!, posted by thewife on August 27, 1999, at 17:13:50
> >It sounds to me like you love your husband very much which is the first most helpful response to give. Let him know this although I know at time he probably does not believe it because it sounds like he does not feel he deserves love from you or anyone, and the disease can amplify this feeling for him. From my own experience coming from someone who suffers from this illness, I too have issues such as lack of self love and confidence, although through therapy they have improved significantly. When I am down or angy the worst feeling for me is the loneliness. Sometimes my husband will just sit with me. No conversation, or if I feel like talking he will talk to me. But.... sometimes you just have to walk away. This soinds cruel but that is what my husband has to do. He is only human as are you. Living with someone with the illnes long enough you start to know there triggers, and when to be there and when not. Certainly if he is abusive seek help for both of you. Don't leave him if you feel his safety is at risk. At least don't leave the house, or leave him anywhere where you feel he can hurt himself. Hopefully the fact that you are standing with him through all this he will come to realize his self worth and that will guide him through his recovery. Remember, there is but so much you can fo for him. When he is having good day encourage him to do things that set him up to achieve, to feel positive about himself and your relationship. Your road ahead is going to be hard, just as his, so again nuture you innself. Find releases for you so that in time of need your coping skills are stronger. Don't set yourself up for failure. Don't feel that you have failed as a wife or a person. This diesease is nothing personal, it's just that, a disease. Be strong, find time to give yourself what you need and this will help you find the path to both of you need.. My thoughts are with you. Ellen
Posted by Dilbert on December 10, 1999, at 2:15:02
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Kathy on December 9, 1999, at 23:36:16
I have never heard of this before (in regard's to Paul's situation). First of all, I thought that Klonopin was an antianxiety drug, not an antiepileptic. Second, Klonopin may produce seizures if you stop taking it completely without tapering down. This is a withdrawal symptom, and the likelihood of seizure is greater if you have epilepsy. But I have never heard of Klonopin CAUSING epilepsy.
Posted by Traci on December 21, 1999, at 19:48:26
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Dilbert on December 10, 1999, at 2:15:02
> I have never heard of this before (in regard's to Paul's situation). First of all, I thought that Klonopin was an antianxiety drug, not an antiepileptic. Second, Klonopin may produce seizures if you stop taking it completely without tapering down. This is a withdrawal symptom, and the likelihood of seizure is greater if you have epilepsy. But I have never heard of Klonopin CAUSING epilepsy.
I have been on Klonopin and Neurontin, 40mg Paxil and 100mg of Seroquel. I am being treated for PTSD. I have major anxiety and Depression. Ihave been on these meds for almost a year. I tried to wean myself off the Neurontin and ended up in the hospital. This combination really works well for me but I am concerned about trying to get off. I definately will not try without my Dr.s help. Has anyone else went off of these meds. If so please tell me how it worked for you. Thanks much!
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on December 27, 1999, at 19:30:59
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Dilbert on December 10, 1999, at 2:15:02
> I have never heard of this before (in regard's to Paul's situation). First of all, I thought that Klonopin was an antianxiety drug, not an antiepileptic.
Klonopin (clonazepam) has been used quite often as an anticonvulsant. Sometimes there is a tendency to “pidgeon-hole” drugs into categories without regard to other possible uses for them. For instance, I think it would be more accurate to say that Klonopin is a compound that exerts antianxiety effects as well as antiepileptic effects. It is probably used less often now as an antiepileptic with the advent of the newer drugs.
Somewhere floating around in my mushy memory is the notion that Klonopin may alter serotonin function to some degree. The drug is definitely unique among the benzodiazepines.
Posted by aaron ross on January 8, 2000, at 17:47:07
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Scott L. Schofield on December 27, 1999, at 19:30:59
Hi Everyone.-- My mother was recently in a
car accident and has pain in one leg. We are
going to see a "pain specialist" on Monday. They
put her on depakote to "help the effectiveness of
vicadin" It immediately affected her mood. When
I looked up what it is for, seizures and Bi-polar
disorders, I freaked out and asked the doctor about
it. She took my mom off of depakote. But then,
to my chagrin, another person suggested the possible
use of neurotin, which I come to find out is sort
of the same story...I would like to have a document of anyone's personal
experience with neurotin regardless of the reason
you were first put on it. I read someones response
who said epilepsy was induced by one of these
drugs (ie, prescribed for bi-polar, ended up with
seizures) is this true? How long have these drugs
been around?Isn't there any kind of document I can have the
doctor who prescribes the medication sign that
holds them personally responsible for any serious,
long term side effects? so that maybe they will
think twice about prescribing these medications?Thanks
Aaron
Posted by Gary Jeffryes on January 14, 2000, at 13:13:05
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc, posted by Klonogirl on December 29, 1998, at 21:07:06
I have been on "psychiatric" meds since 1989. The first was Prozac. For the first time I could remember in my life I felt well and my chronic headaches went away. I was 39 years old at that time. I now take a combination of Zoloft and Tegretol, and have been the most stable I have ever felt and rarely have a headache.
Posted by Hanl on January 20, 2000, at 19:30:55
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by aaron ross on January 8, 2000, at 17:47:07
>
>Hello, I read your post about your mom being put on depakote and a suggestion of neurontin. I'm a
clinical mental health counselor, with a background in rehabilitation and clinical case management
frequently with individuals with phsycial problems (ie. back pain, Reflex Sympathic Dystrophy, etc)He's the deal. Neurontin is a seizure medication, utilized for partial complex seizures. Over the past 4-5
years we have learned that it is also useful in psychiatry as a mood stabilizer, (ie. Bipolar disorder) other
of the seizuer meds also are good mood stabilizers. We have also found that neurontin has anti-anxiety
effects as well. It is currently going through clinical trial for mood stabilization anti-anxiety, and it also
seems to help addicts stay off drugs.One of the more recent findings are that it is particularly helpful with Neuropathic pain. I suspect this is
why you mom's doc placed her on depakote, and suggested neuontin. From my prospective neurontin is
better. It works better is not provessed by the liver, so it doesn't require blood liver function testing. If
your mom's pain in neuropathic and chronic, then this drug deserves a trial. It's reasonable safe, with
few side effects and a wide dosage range (up to 3000 mg.) I'd suggest you talk with the doctor.Please note: I am not a physician, and please don't take this a medical advice. It's just information, with
which to begin a discussion with your doctor.
Hope it helps....Hank
Posted by beth on January 25, 2000, at 14:33:24
In reply to just advice, posted by Ellen on August 8, 1999, at 6:34:35
Re; neurotin I have benn on neurotin for over two years. It has eased my anxiety and helps me sleep. I have no side effects except maybe a bad reaction with dairy products. I have gone as high as 2700 mg day now at that dose . I have bipolar and doc wants me to try topomax whatever I'm sick of new meds. This my first response and glad to see the sight.
Posted by Mary Legan on February 11, 2000, at 18:02:53
In reply to Re: Klonopin; Re:Uninvited Advice, posted by alan on January 20, 1999, at 0:51:54
> > This string of messages scares me. I have been on 1 mg of Klonopin for 8 years and am unable to get off it. Even minute reductions (say to .87 mg) bring such dark feelings that Ihave to go back to 1 mg. I had been on it before and went into a treatment center (for other psychological issues -- sexual abuse memories etc.) and the center took me off cold turkey. I had a rough first two weeks there but never attributed it to Klonopin withdrawal. Went back on several months later when my marriage broke up. That was 8 years ago and I have not been able to get off of it yet. Started Celaxa an antidepressant under a doctor's care as a prelude to getting off this. It was a disaster. (See my post under Celaxa thread). I am angry that people didn't know how addictive this stuff was. I was told 10 years ago by a responsible psychiatrist that it was non-addictive unlike valium which Ihad been on previously. THat proved not to be true. I don't want to live in a world where I am obsessed with my feelings and mmy medications. I am just expressing myself here, not particularly looking for advice. I have other things I want to do with my life than live in a closed world of mental concerns.
> 1. If you stay at 1 mg./day for the rest of your life, so what? Don't sweat it all that much.
> 2. One of my old tricks. Take the tab and give it a tiny scratch on sandpaper; after a wek, two such tiny scratces; then three, etc.. Eventually this will take some dexterity, but I bet it might help. Best of luck.
Does anyone else out there have any other hints to help withdrawal?
Posted by bipolar man on February 13, 2000, at 15:04:17
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc, posted by Klonogirl on December 29, 1998, at 0:57:10
I have to agree, dont believe all that you her. I am bipolar I, takin neurontin,seroquel, and klonopin AS NEEDED not all the time. Sounds like to me that a lot of the people here dont have a good relationship with their pdoc. Some meds are to be takin all the time, benzos can be dangerous, if you dont need it dont take it. Talk to your pdoc and see if you can take AS NEEDED. works for me, and i am a dual diagnosed patient.
Posted by KW on March 2, 2000, at 16:41:15
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Hanl on January 20, 2000, at 19:30:55
Hello,
I just recently began taking Neurontin, after having a most horrible & psychotic & near suicidal episode whilst on Depakote (and then withdrawing from it was very noticeable & uncomfortable if not deablitating). This--so far--has a much nicer feel although I remain a bit worried about possible side-effects--especially long-term problems (I'm very sensitive to medicines and tend to develop most bad reactions immediately). Other than this though, I really have no qualms (as I once did) about staying on meds for the rest of my life if they are helpful.
--KW
Posted by Melissa on March 3, 2000, at 9:06:59
In reply to Re: mood disorders/klonopin,depakote,neurontin etc...., posted by Hanl on January 20, 2000, at 19:30:55
I was very glad for the psychological benefits of neurontin. I started to take this drug as a potential replacement for klonopin, to which I am extremely addicted, even though I am taking only 1 mg. I have been on it for nearly 10 years and have been trying various ways to get off it for 5 years. I have tried taking a variety of anti-depressants, which failed because they made me extremly tired and triggered compulsive overeating and rapid weight gain, even though the psychological benefits were very good. My doctor suggested trying neurontin next. At first it seemed great. No compulsive overeating, in fact the opposite was true. My eating disorder seemed relieved. My mental health felt very good. But as the days progressed I started feeling an increased speedy effect, teeth clenching and by the end of the second week I was unable to sleep at all through the night. I was tired and less functional not because of the drug but from the extreme sleep deprivation and feeling speedy anyway. I tried reducing the dosage to 25% of the recommended amount (30 mg), I tried taking it every other day, but the clenching of teeth and the inability to sleep just progressed further. People said I looked the worst they had ever seen me look, and I have looked pretty bad as I have experimented with various medications. It has taken three days off the drug for teeth clenching to stop, and for the last two nights, for the first time in two weeks, I have slept through the night one night and woke up only once the second, though I was having some difficulty getting to sleep the second night. The neurontin also seemed to trigger my menopausal symptoms which are also feeling speedy at night and nights sweats. That seems to be subsiding now as the drug wears off. But my eating disorder is back with a vengance. I can tolerate a little bit because I lost about 5 pounds during the neurontin period, but I hope it will return to just the normal struggle not to overeat. (I am in overeaters anonymous.) I am really sad that neurontin didn't work. Of course I was taking the klonopin the whole time...but there is nothing I can do about that. I can't start the withdrawel until I am stabilized on something else. But for those people who have had problems with weight gain on anti-depressants, I must say the neurontin did not have that effect on me. I really felt it was a wonder drug except for this speediness and sleep deprivation. I feel almost ready to resign myself that I will be taking klonopin the rest of my life like diabetics take insulin. I wish my doctor had not put me on it 10 years ago. I believe neurontin was available 10 years ago and I may have been better able to tolerate it then. I think I am much less able to tolerate changes in my system because of being my age which is soon to be 52. This is in spite of a very healthful diet, regular exercise and a rather youthful appearance (I usually pass for in my late 30's...that is when I am not looking exhausted.) Hope this info is useful for all you out there. Melissa
Posted by Jill on March 17, 2000, at 17:02:31
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by Melissa on January 19, 1999, at 0:27:49
> This string of messages scares me. I have been on 1 mg of Klonopin for 8 years and am unable to get off it. Even minute reductions (say to .87 mg) bring such dark feelings that Ihave to go back to 1 mg. I had been on it before and went into a treatment center (for other psychological issues -- sexual abuse memories etc.) and the center took me off cold turkey. I had a rough first two weeks there but never attributed it to Klonopin withdrawal. Went back on several months later when my marriage broke up. That was 8 years ago and I have not been able to get off of it yet. Started Celaxa an antidepressant under a doctor's care as a prelude to getting off this. It was a disaster. (See my post under Celaxa thread). I am angry that people didn't know how addictive this stuff was. I was told 10 years ago by a responsible psychiatrist that it was non-addictive unlike valium which Ihad been on previously. THat proved not to be true. I don't want to live in a world where I am obsessed with my feelings and mmy medications. I am just expressing myself here, not particularly looking for advice. I have other things I want to do with my life than live in a closed world of mental concerns.
I been on Klonopin for 10 years now. And it is not working anymore for my anxiety. I have been on the same dosage. Now my new Dr. wants to up my dosage to 3mg a day divided up. I was on .5mg 3x a day. I haven't experiene weight gain or loss of appetite on the lower dosage. Did you gain or lose on the higher dosage? How about appetite? I hope someone can help me with my questions.
Posted by Melissa on March 17, 2000, at 17:40:19
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by Jill on March 17, 2000, at 17:02:31
> I been on Klonopin for 10 years now. And it is not working anymore for my anxiety. I have been on the same dosage. Now my new Dr. wants to up my dosage to 3mg a day divided up. I was on .5mg 3x a day. I haven't experiene weight gain or loss of appetite on the lower dosage. Did you gain or lose on the higher dosage? How about appetite? I hope someone can help me with my questions.
I have just stayed on my usual dose of klonopin 1 mg at night. My doctor put me on neurontin to serve as a substitute for klonopin. I would try that if I were you instead of uping the dosage of klonopin, which is so heavily and dangerously addictive. Neurontin is also an anti-convulsant that is used to treat anxiety as klonopin is but it is non-addictive. When I took it I found it far more effective than klonopin and though I usually have weight gain issues on almost any drug, I actually started to loose weight on neurontin because my compulsive eating was lifted. I could not stay with nerontin however because it made me incredibly in my bones tired and I started to not be able to function. The positive psychological effects were tremendous however and if I could have stayed on it I would have. So I suggest you try that first for a couple of weeks (while staying on your current dosage of klonopin) and if there are no intolerable negative side effects then wean yourself off the klonopin very slowly. It is a dangerous drug to get off of. It can cause epileptic seizures if the withdrawal is done too quickly. And I believe my doctor was going to prescribe Beta blockers (if I have the term right) if I had been able to move forward with the neurontin. That was to help with the withdrawal from the klonopin. But I never got that far. Good luck!
I also meant to ask, have you switched from klonopin to a generic of it? The generics are not as effective and don't work the same or as well. If so I would go back to the brand name klonopin. It is more expensive and insurance plans don't seem to cover the excess but I had to do that.
Posted by Anne on March 17, 2000, at 20:01:41
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by Jill on March 17, 2000, at 17:02:31
I was on Klonopin for anxiety and told it wasn't as addicting as valium. I looked it up and found it was and asked to be put on buspar which ironically made me more nervous. If you want to get off of it you can by lowering the dose by cutting it in quarters and taking at first the whole and then 3/4 for about 3 weeks and then 1/2 for about 3 weeks and then 1/4 for weeks and then to nothing. This worked for me. You may experience some psychological withdrawal but not too much that way. I would also flush it after that. Occasionally I take ativan. Maybe .5 of 1 mg. I've been taking it occasionally for a few years and don't feel addicted to it but then I'm on a neuroleptic now and that is a sort of major tranquilizer yet not terribly hard to withdraw from if need be. I know the psychological part can be especially hard if you have physiological symptoms of withdrawal, too, but if you really want to get off of it I would keep reminding myself of it and the favor I'm doing myself without an addictive drug every day. I would try something else for anxiety if you need it. Klonopin is close to valium in my opinion in regard to dependencey and strength. But, of course, I am not a doctor. I'm just a pill consumer! Anne
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