Med. Cocktail

Hi All,

I have a question/rant. I've been on Klonopin for over 10 years now (1 mg/3 times a day). In addition to Zoloft and Inderal (a beta-blocker for the physical symptoms of anxiety). While I know I will experience extreme withdrawal from Klonopin, I feel no relief from it, which makes sense, since I've built up a tolerance over these years. It is my opinion that Klonopin has contributed significantly to depression.

My life has been a waste for a long, long time. I hardly do anything but sleep and cry. I have an appointment in about 3 weeks (the soonest who'll accept my insurance). I want to tell this woman I want off Klonopin-I feel as if I'm driving on the highway with the emergency brake on. I think I need a stimulant but don't want to appear drug-crazed. Also, I know I can't go off this myself, it's dangerous.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I know you're not docs, but I consider those taking the drugs the real experts. I'm really isolated, in large part because I'm so embarrased about who I am.

Thanks.

Uck! Never mind. I've had such bad luck with this place. The ratio between what I give and what I receive is abysmal. Thanks for your support,

Always better to give to receive...right? I'll take it as rant

Anyway - I've been on the same dosage of Klonopin for 2 1/2 years...it keeps my anxiety in check and I've been told by my T (not positive on this one) that it has some effect on my mania...

When I lowered the dosage and upped the anti-depressant under docs watch - I went up...I find I'm much closer to normal when taking the 3 mg per day...

Anyway I do know that over time it can become less effective...and it would be good to talk to your doc...but with a phone call to him you could discuss tritrating down the dosage...

hey know how you feel about this and other forums. ask about adderal-stimulant or ritalin or my fav provigil. helps with energy with out the stimulant effect on you body. been on it for 2 yrs aprox. realy help with out it i am a big puddle. well pm if you feel like ranting or just talking.-onyx

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Apis said:I want to tell this woman I want off Klonopin

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Please tell her. The best approach is to work as a team with your doctor. When I went to my doctor last month for meds, she said at one point, "I can't make you take anti-depressants," and I loved her for that. Because I didn't want anti-depressants and she was acknowledging that as a patient, I have the final say. Instead, we explored other options and settled on first trying some non-AD meds for my symptoms. So hang in there. It's your body and you're in control. Please do not hesitate to tell your doctor your concerns about Klonopin and request a good protocol for getting off of it.

Dear Direction, Onyx69000, and Sunrise,

=) Thank you soooo much for replying to my post. Your replies mean the world to me-I'm having a hard time and feeling alone, as I'm sure you all figured out. I'm grateful for all of you and appreciate the thought that went into each of your posts. A gazillion thanks!

I have an appointment in a few weeks. Because I'm switching doctors, this will be the first time seeing her and I am going to make it my top priority since I sense this is contributing to my lethargy and depression.

You guys are the best and I hope the blessing I feel comes back around to you!

Have a great weekend, hope everyone is well. Thank you!
xo
Emma

Hi Emma,
I'm sorry you felt ignored earlier.

I was on Klonopin for years too. I agree with you that it contributed to my depression and also disinhibited me to where I made some poor decisions.

Getting off of it was difficult for me. I had a seizure and had to be put in the hospital to safely, completely get off of it.

I take Neurontin instead and there is no addictive potential with this. Also, thankfully, no side effects either.

Much luck with your new doc. Getting off benzos can be difficult but SO worth it all the way around.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like particulars.
Take care,
Okie

I understand your predicament. I have been on a roller coaster of meds for 14 years only to be slammed dunked cold turkey by a new doc after my doc of 14 years closed his practice.

This new doctor is calling my old one a total quack pill pusher who did the unthinkable..prescribe Xanax and antidepressants together. He claims Xanax is a depressant that will counteract the benefit from your antidepressant.

I am so friggin confused as to what to do at this point and very afraid I'm going to slip into some mass of depression/anxiety/panic I won't be able to function.

I've tried to find another doc but they are scarce as hen's teeth around here. Most are not seeing new patients, others will not take insurance...AT ALL. I guess they are just for millionaires.

No one will talk with me. It is as if docs are afraid of patients like me. I have never sued nor complained nor mistrusted but now I feel all alone in a totally uncaring environment not knowing which way to turn. I need professional interest and I cannot find any.

This doc a saw is a rubber stamper. He asked no questions, did not want to know a thing about me, just prescribed Zoloft and kicked me out the door. I just about lost it from cold turkey Effexor withdrawal. That was pure misery. Now I've quit the Zoloft due to stomach problems. I feel like a time bomb about to blow.
jb

Hi Pescador,

First, I'm really sorry for the delay. I've been away and am just seeing this now.

I know you feel alone, and I can understand why. But you're not. I get your frustration, it does seem as if the psych. community banks on the apathy of people with mental illness. It's hard to complain, or question your treatment when you can't get your *** out of bed or stop crying long enough to even make a phone call. I can try to help you out. I'm sure a lot of people can relate, although this community is somewhat reserved.

How long did you take the Zoloft? I'm taking it, and while I know that the Klonopin is counteracting the benefits, it has helped (believe it or not ). I know different meds, diff. people, but are the side effects bearable enough to give it a few weeks or is it something completely intolerable? Zoloft helps with both depression and anxiety-depending on your anxiety level, you may not need an adjunct med.

I have a few questions-are you still on Xanax? Do you have a primary care doc?

I don't understand how your new psych. can criticize another psych and then, in essence, do the very same thing (scribble and send you on your way).

I care. Please PM me and we can figure something out. If all else fails, this is something that warrants an ER visit. I'm assuming you qualify for free care.

Hang in there. I *NeVeR* thought I would find a therapist, esp. through an Internet search, but I did. I know this is somewhat off topic, I mention it to show you that you can't give up on yourself and that there is hope.

I'm going to check psychcentral tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully you'll have read this. Keep the faith.