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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bark2323 on May 4, 2003, at 8:41:11
Ok, Ive been on klono at 4mg for a while, in addition to being on it or other benzos a lot in the past, all of which helped a lot, but I want to go lower. I dont think I will get off, since even when Ive been on ADs and/or APs, I still eventually need it. Even a previous psychiatrist, who sent me to rehabs a couple of times for other drugs and who knew I ahd used his DEA # to forge scripts (not for benzos, I never found them abusable at all), eventualy had me on it. Its numbing effect is why I am tired of it. Zyrexa, which Ive been on for a little more than a week and also been on before, does have anxyiolytic (sp?) properties for me, in addition to mood stabilizing and antidepressant properties (again, for me at least, though documented also for others), does not have this numbing, sort of anhedonic, effect. So I want to taper down to 3mg of klonopin, and hopefully 2. And yes I know about all of zyprexa's potentially serious side effects, though I do believe these are substantially lower for the atypical APs, not to mention Im on a low dose, and really even lower since Im a smoker, which substantially lowers its concentrations, so I dont really want to talk about why I shouldnt be on antipsychotics. So Im asking about peoples attempts at tapering klonopin, since Ive read anywhere from 10% a day to having it forcefully done at .5mg a day from 3mg (which was too fast), to lowering by similar doses per week. I am eager to do it fast, and Im thinking .5mg lower for about 3 or 4 days, then another .5 for that amount of time to a target dose of 3mg and evaluating that for at least a week and a half before going lower (or having to go up again). I will be seeing my doc tomorrow and will obviously have advice from him, but I wanted some personal experiences. I know my plan is a bit fast and will have some negative consequences, but I am on some anticonvulsants in addition to the zyprexa which should all help a bit. If you want to see other meds Im on, you can look at my post above this. Oh and if it helps Im BP II, (or at least thats the most common diagnosis docs have all given me, and the one I believe the most). Any comments or advice will really be appreciated!
thanks
matt
Posted by Willow on May 5, 2003, at 12:44:29
In reply to Klonopin and Zyprexa, posted by bark2323 on May 4, 2003, at 8:41:11
Hey Bark
Sorry I don't have any advice re tapering your klonopin, only a question. Is there any harm in tapering down slower?
I am having success with klonopin at a low dose, 0.25mg once a day, for the physcial syptoms of anxiety and very generalized anxiety, (meaning I get anxiety about everything.) My father takes zyprexa, 5mg once a day, for schizophrenia. It is the only medication that he has taken orally consistenely over the course of his illness, during the past 25+ years. The reason for this is that it helps and hasn't caused any negative side-effects for him. The most significant positive affect that I have noticed is the lowering of his anxiety and a more positive attitude (less apathy.)
So what's my point? I'm not sure anymore, just that don't worry about how the med is classed. If it works for you great!!
BEST WISHES
Willow
This is the end of the thread.
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