[Willow]

My prescriptions ran out in the middle of waiting to get into a counseling service. I have decided that since they are such low doses that I am gonna just let them run out and wait. I already have been off wellbutrin for a week and it hasn't been too bad. The chlonazepam is gonna bite though because sometimes I can't sleep without it. If the counseling center doesn't come through soon... I guess I'll have to go back to my former counselor and let him recommend me to a psychiatrist. The GP that prescribed these meds is OK, but I'm not sure they are exactly the right meds for what I need. I'd feel more comfortable if I could find a good psychiatrist that specializes in this stuff.

It's a wild world, but someone's gotta ride it!

[splash]

Willow,

Did you let the prescribing doc know that you've run out of meds? Even if you decide not to continue on them, if you do have any problems associated with discontinuation, it might be helpful to have a physician know about it, even if the doses are low.

I agree about having a psychiatrist prescribe psychiatric meds. After all, they're the ones that specialize in that sort of thing.

Take care, Willow.

splash

[darkeyes]

GP's just don't "cut it" when it comes to prescribing the medications used for psychiatric disorders, even mild depression, the quickly scribble out one of the various SSRI's and send the patient on their merry way. One needs care from a doctor whose expertise is in psychiatric disorders, people also need to remember this man is an MD also,but has years of additional training.etc. too! Personally I believe a person should seek the kind of doctor most suitable for that particular ailment. Some people that are depressed or fell they have mental disorder sometimes feel ashamed about it and go to their GP with hopes of skirting the reality, the doc may give you a script for some medication, but he really isn't qualified to work with you through this and he may even not know the proper medication to give you. . . stick to the right doctor for the right disorder, that is my personal opinion.
Best of luck,
"darkeyes"

[Willow]

Splash,
I haven't communicated with that particular doctor in several months. I am most likely going to change GPs. I have a counseling appt. this thursday and am holding out until they can advise me further. They may be able to get me in fairly quickly to a psychiatrist. If not, I'll consider seeing my old GP for an extension on my prescrip. I just hate to travel the same expensive ground twice.. ya know?

It's a wild world, but someone's gotta ride it!

[Willow]

darkeyes.... I have discovered your opinion to be true on GPs for psych disorders. I don't want the stigma added to my insurance record of seeing a psychiatrist, but hell... if they cut me off for that they are not worth having anyway.

It's a wild world, but someone's gotta ride it!

[darkeyes]

There is no stigmas in this any longer, I know from personal experience and secrecy laws are much stronger than a few years ago, agencies are more liable and can be sued if they hold prejudices towards patients/covered members of insurance. One should never feel ashamed or embarressed of getting professional help regardless of the type of illness. Today mental illness, etc. is more widely accepted, you see more comercials on TV and in magazines advertising antidepressants, various meds for ADD/ADHD, etc. This is a sure sign things have come a long way and now insurance companies cover portions of psychiatric and therapist fees, years ago they wouldn't cover anything related to mental health, another sign that more and more people need help that probably denied themselves of getting, worried about a stupid thing called "stigma". Many people still afraid try to rely on their GP for the same treatment and sure they'll try to it is another source of income for them, but the truth is they are NOT psychiatrists and do NOT hold a degree or necessary knowledge to give proper treatment and/or support.
Sorry, just my 2 cents.
Take care,
"darkeyes"

[Willow]

hey... don't apologize. I appreciate the feedback!

It's a wild world, but someone's gotta ride it!

[bptoo]

Willow,

I have three questions and please answer them as soon as you can.

How long have you been taking the Clonazepam (Klonopin)?
What dose of the Clonazepam (Klonopin) are you on?
When was your last dose?
Do you have any left?

OK, why I'm asking. Klonopin can be very addictive for many. Many doctors prefer it over Xanax because it has a much longer half-life. While Xanax will work 3-4 hours, Klonopin can last up to 12-14 hours. While this is good for your anxiety, it is also good if and when you decide to titrate off the med because you can do it slowly with little withdrawal. However, if you stop cold turkey because of it's long half-life you may feel fine for the first few days, but then start to experience some withdrawal symptoms.

I don't mean to scare you with any of this, I'm just concerned about you. A lot of this is dependant on my questions. If you haven't taken it long, there probably won't be a problem. If you're on a low dose, any withdrawal should be very minimal. If it's already been several days and you haven't had any symptoms, then you should be ok. If you still have some left, then we can put you on a schedule to help you taper down slowly.

If it's only been a day or two is there a chance that you can call your GP to get an rx called in even if it's just for the purpose of tapering down? I hope I'm over-reacting here dear, but I do worry so about my friends and you know you one of my closest, right?

I'll keep checking in until I hear back from you.

A worried and nosey,
bp

"A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart."

[Willow]

BP,
I still have about 3 chlonazepam's left. The last one I took was 2 days ago. After that the prescrip is dead. I've been taking it for about a year. The wellbutrin prescription is still good so I got it refiilled. I thought it had ended with the chlonazepam prescription. The new counseling center called mea couple days ago and I have an appt. thursday. They can probably help me get in to see a psychiatrist... not sure how long it takes, but I'll let them know about the chlonazepam. I take the smallest dose it comes in. I can't remember what it is tho.

Thanks for caring. You're a good Bro

Willow

It's a wild world, but someone's gotta ride it!

[in_shock]

Willow, how many milligrams of Wellbutrin do you take a day? I am curious, because I am on it as well, but I'm thinking I may be on too low of a dosage to do anything. It hasn't helped one bit.

[Willow]

I'm on 150 MG a day. The doctor upped it to 300MG and that was too much. Actually.. I have been halfing the 150 MG. It does work for me, but it makes me jittery without the chlonazepam to go with it. I am hoping to go off of it completely soon. It just winds me up too much. I have a terrible amount of anxiety and don't need any meds that boost it instead of reducing it. I was hoping to ask my doc about switching to celexa. Celexa is supposed to be a double cure for both depression and anxiety-related disorders.

What are you on wellbutrin for? I think it may be one of the milder antidepressants with less side effects.

[13beans]

bptoo- (or anyone else who might be able to heeeelp!)

Hi! I am new to this website and having a difficult time figuring out how to start a new post but at the last minute found a reply from you to someone else regarding klonopin and tapering off, etc. I would like to ask you a question since you seem quite knowledgeable of the subject. Hope you do not mind...

My mother has been on Klonopin for the past 3 years (usually taking 3 mgs/day)...Due to some health problems she is having to get off. She tapered 1/2 mg per wk. until 3 weeks ago, leaving her at 1 1/2 mgs about 3 weeks ago. She claims to have very bad pain all over her body, which she thinks is still coming from withdrawals...or at least she is wanting to know if this is what it is from. She is having some very unusual visual disturbances, which frequently coincides with walking into the house from outdoors, and particularly when walking into stores, malls, etc. She was diagnosed with POTS (many doctors don't even recognize it yet as it is just now being acknowledged as a real problem for many people...) ..so we don't know what is coming from WHAT!! We would greatly appreciate any help that any readers could offer us. She seems consumed with these symptoms and is very scared. I know it would be a terrific relief to her to hear that these visual disturbances and pains are still attributable to the klonopin, if this might be the case. Thanks and many positive thoughts go out to all of you out there suffering. May the coming new year be a beginning of wellness and happiness for you.

[bptoo]

13beans (remind me to ask you about your name someday)

Your Mom was on a benzo for a long time and at a decent dose. It's not surprising to me that she is experiencing withdrawals. I can't say that all of her symptoms are from the Klonopin, but some certainly could be. Some of the ones I've experienced are nausea and vomiting, tremors, trouble concentrating, aches and pains in my joints, blurred vision, and a general lack of energy. The vision problem she is having could be a withdrawal, but she should have it checked out by a doctor to find out for sure. While I'm on that subject, I'm not in the medical profession at all, and these are just my personal experiences. Anything I say should be taken with a grain of salt...

It sounds like your Mom may be becoming sensitive to sudden changes in light. Has she had a complete eye exam recently? Might be worth it to have them checked. Withdrawal from meds can do all sorts of weird things to our bodies. I'd be sure that her doctor knows exactly what is going on, he/she may be able to do something to help.

Please tell your Mom that I will keep her in my thoughts, and I hope this all passes for her very soon. You take care of yourself too.

All my best,
bp

"When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance."

[13beans]

bp,

Thank you for getting back to us, I do so appreciate the info, as well as your caring nature! ( I can tell you make a difference in many lives. )
I hope that you are well, and that you have a grand NEW YEAR!! Best regards, SL

[CamW]

".... While I'm on that subject, I'm not in the medical profession at all, and these are just my personal experiences. Anything I say should be taken with a grain of salt...."

C'mon beep! You're being too modest, and I know you better than that! You know more about medications used in bipolar disorder than many pharmacists that I know. As I have said, practical experience trumps book knowledge many times over. Also, you are very observant and have wisdom and compassion beyond your advanced years; you are definitely no dummy (even for an American).

Uh oh, now I'm going to get it!

Your answer to 13beans is bang-on! Geez, you really do read my posts .... then add more than I usually do. Way to go buddy! I'm proud to call you a friend! (seriously).

Sincerely, from a close friend and admirer. - Cam