17 replies to this topic

[Bianca]

Is it true that these two are not suppose to be rx together?

[null0trooper]

Bianca, on Apr 26 2006, 10:48 AM, said:

Is it true that these two are not suppose to be rx together?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Think about it: the classic upper and a standard downer (i.e., a speedball)
Their main effects would be to counteract each other, so normally I
think you'd do better to decrease one or the other instead of trying both.

I could see it used in the place of a Wellbutrin/klonopin combo where there's
a seizure risk.  Maybe.  Even extended-release amphetamine salts clear too
fast to really use as a 24/7 antidepressant (maybe that's just me) except as
a last resort after several AD failures and maybe some mood-stabilizer trials.

I'm not a doctor so I just can't see it as a first-line combination. Several ways
to fall back to it, and you'd be dealing with One Unhappy Patient.


I bet there'd be a huge abuse risk or at least a lot of irritating scrutiny and
second-guessing by the ins. company or DEA.

[Bianca]

Yeah my doc didn't suggest it I was just wonering what other people thought.  He's not too fond of aderall.

[realitytest]

Bianca, on Apr 27 2006, 11:10 AM, said:

Yeah my doc didn't suggest it I was just wonering what other people thought.  He's not too fond of aderall.

Gee, I take them together and never thought of it as a problem.   Klonopin is against panic and Adderral is for focus.  For me.  I like focusing and not panicking at the same time.   But then I guess I'm getting to be a street junkie as the third element in my witches brew* is a  narcotic. Lortab.   Supposedly for back pain but really so I don't feel like offing myself all the time - non-panicky, focussed and all.

These things are all prescibed by docs who are aware of the combo.  It's that or the Big One.   And hey, it works!

I have to get that palette  just right and at the right time,  is all.  Come to think of it I mostly take the K-pin when the Adderral's wearing off.  

(I know it's far from ideal,  but it's the best I can do for now. Treatment Resistent Atypical Depression being what it is.   Fatal Black  Goo).

rt

*Not counting scads of stuff I take around bedtime and gradually upping the Lamictal with my fingers lightly crossed.

Edited by realitytest, 01 May 2006 - 02:57 AM.

[Moon Jaguar]

I've been on Klonopin for five years straight; it's been something used for controlling my epilepsy off and on in the past too.  I was recently put on Adderall and I haven't noticed any oddness going on with that (or the Neurontin and the asthma meds).  I more have to watch myself seizurewise in case the Adderall lowers seizure threshold but so far, no problems.  

Having a brain can be a real pain in the ass, I tellya, when there's multiple different things going on.

[Sunshine]

I'm not aware of any contraindications (and it didn't come up in the drug interaction checker I just consulted).

I've been on Adderall for 6-7 years and Xanax XR for over a year. They don't seem to cancel each other out in any way (though the Adderall may be the primary reason Xanax doesn't make me sleepy). I take the Adderall for ADD. The Xanax was originally prescribed to counter-effect the edginess I was getting from Wellbutrin, but my pdoc has always thought much of my depression was anxiety-based and has kept me on it even though I've since stopped taking Wellbutrin.

While both medications have a high potential for abuse and addiction, if used as prescribed, they are no more harmful than any other prescription medication.

[null0trooper]

CATE, on Jul 29 2008, 09:17 PM, said:

Another thing I've noticed is it's easier for me to fall asleep since taking it.  Since it is an upper, this is strange.  But maybe because it is supposed to be taken for ADHD, that means I have it. . .  since people who use it for recreational purposes usually get really jittery and can stay up all hours of the night.  This just slows my brain down, my thoughts become organized. .  but obviously it hasn't solved my tendency to type novels when explaining things. .  .heh. heh.

Well, it can't hurt to talk about this with your doctor to see if it's worthwhile to be evaluated for ADHD.  Even if you don't actually have it, the eval might identify some things to work on through therapy, self-help, etc.

The bad new is that just about every medication that helps ADHD raises blood pressure, heart rate, and can increase sweating - most of the physical symptoms of anxiety (There's a reason noradrenaline and adrenaline are referred to as "fight or flight" hormones) The good news is that you really don't need to be taking any more than is needed to improve your task-mindedness, concentration, and sleep.

Aside from stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, the noradrenergic ADs like Wellbutrin, Strattera, reboxetine, and desipramine may also provide some help.  One caution - each can cause anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. However, they carry warnings about "operating heavy machinery", just like the sedatives, because for a few percent of the population they can strongly induce sleep. (You would not want to be driving a vehicle when you find this out)

[Anna]

There is nothing wrong with taking klonopin and a atimulant together if they are taken correctly and under doctor's supervision.  I myself will take provigil for attention, and klonopin when I am wacked mood wise to calm me down and avoid a manic episode.

if I get rid of the provigil it does nothing to remove my M.E., just makes me drive around in circles whilst being hypomanic.  Which is horrible.  i've finally convinced the doc I see that this is the right approach FOR ME.   the operative words here being FOR ME.

If you find youreslf abusing either med or craving euphric additive effects or other such warning signs, it is at that point time to talk to doctors.

There is inherently nothing wrong with controlled substances, jsut what some people choose to do with them. I say that as someone with a former perscription drug problem by the way, so i am especially careful with my meds and things work smoothly and well for me now.

Anna

[mcjimjam]

When I was on Ritalin I would take Valium as needed. Often I'd take them together. It's good to be focused but that wired feeling is not so great when you're anxious as well.

I don't think they cancel each other out. Perhaps they cancel out the wired feeling from the stim and the dopey tranq feeling but those are side effects!

[alienonite]

I'm (recently) on Adderall and Klonopin. I've found that the Adderall actually sedates me somewhat, so I feel as if I just took a few Klonopin. Isn't that weird? Does that mean that I definitely have ADHD?