New Study I might be in

I was interviewed over the phone today to see if I qualify for a study on benzos and psychosis. It involves more interviews and 3 fMRI scans -4 weeks apart- and two blood draws. They are calling me back in two weeks. Of course I will have to hold the Klonopin for 5 days before each scan but this is going to take 6-8 weeks to complete.

The initial form I had ro fill out says …

The GABA Study is a research study at the University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry.

We are looking for people aged 16-60 with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, psychosis, or bipolar with psychosis to participate in an fMRI study. We are also looking for people aged 18-60 with no past or current history of mental illness. Involvement includes an interview, filling out questionnaires, two noninvasive brain scans, and a one-time dose of an FDA approved medication (Ativan/lorazepam). Participants will be paid for their time dedicated to the study.

To learn more, please respond to the questions below, and a member of our team will review your responses and contact you regarding next steps.

Interesting, I wonder if psychosis activates unique brain regions is my first thought. And if antianxiety medications cover those regions. I'm sure there's way more complexity than that though!

Hopefully they pay and treat well, pretty cool to be helping out science

Are you ok with holding the klonopin? I can't imagine doing that. Do they monitor you while you are off it? I thought that going off a benzo without tapering could cause seizures (I could be wrong)?


Good luck!

I went off benzos twice, cold turkey, without noticing it (once it was Lorazepam and once it was Klonopin). Everyone is different. I think most people, from what I can see reading this board, experience a very unpleasant withdrawal.

@Moose72, I keep myself available at the Stanford clinical studies list but I still do not qualify for any study. It is one thing or another, but I keep trying and am found unfit.

I did participate in a Parkinson's research study last summer. I carry a gene mutation of Parkinson's. They flew me to Portland, Oregon for free (I had never been there before and it was a short vacation for me to explore the beautiful city with an amazing rose garden and majestic Northwest waterfalls) and paid me $200 for the study. They are now looking for healthy controls for this study (people who do not carry a mutation). If you would like to fly to Portland, Oregon, I will provide the email address to connect you with the study coordinator. The study involves a blood test and a spinal puncture. The puncture did not hurt.

I’m on day 4 of 5 of my taper. I’ve got so many appointments coming up. My liver dr sent me to a nutritionist because I have fatty liver and am overweight anyway. I live in Michigan and we had terrible storms last night- tornado warning. Cars were crashing on the freeways, semis were flipped over trees were just uprooted. Lots of people lost their homes. My entire apartment complex is without power. I spent the afternoon with Ariel at home. Luckily it was only 70 degrees today so the breeze was nice with my balcony door open.

I have one more half dose of Klonopin to take tomorrow then I’m officially weaned off. My biggest fear is my anxiety coming back.

My rent went up a lot lately so I hope I can still afford my bills. It will be tight.

I went through the Starbucks drive through this morning and just as I was exiting the drive through some one whipped around a corner in the parking lot and very nearly hit me! Luckily I have quick reflexes and I slammed on the brakes. Well my drink went flying out of the cup holder and all over the floor and onto my phone and purse! What a mess! The parking lot was full except I manages to grab a spot. Apparently the other two nearby Starbucks were closed and that’s why this Starbucks was slammed. I did go inside to get a replacement for my drink.

Im praying that they hurry up and fix the electricity and that my food hasn’t gone bad. I haven’t opened the fridge at all so that should help.

I hope your anxiety doesn't come back, moose!

I do too! Thanks! I just brought my important foods over to my mom’s- they have power and extra fridge and freezer space. I think I might have to throw out what’s left in the fridge.

The study people want me off the Klonopin by the 29th but I don’t know why because the fMRIs aren’t even scheduled yet. I’m just doing what I’m told. Keeping all my appointments straight isn’t easy even with them in my iPad calendar.

good luck to you moose!
you are wonderful to participate in this very important study!
bizi

Thanks! I do another zoom interview on Tuesday.

The zoom meeting got cancelled again! I’m waiting to see when she reschedules it.

Rats I say.....
bizi