Klonopin Pooping Out?

[papertrees]

I've been taking 2mg clonazepam for abou 2-3 months now... However, it does't seem to have an effect on me, sleep-wise. Can I safely tale 4mg tonight? I alread took a half tab of clonazepam and 1mg of risperdal for agitation issues. I tried contacting my pdoc but he's not answering. I want my lamictal increased to 150mg or 200mg. I've been getting depressive episodes for the past few weeks. Will this help? OR has clonazepam pooped out on me?

[tryp]

Hey,

When you called pdoc, did you make it clear that it was an emergency? Because if you're hitting your PRNs that hard and not getting any relief, it's an emergency. If I were you, I'd call back and make it clear that you need to speak to pdoc ASAP.

ETA: Oops - it's the middle of the night where you are. Call in the morning.

I'm not sure about the Klono - that sounds like a lot, but maybe someone with more Klono experience will have something to say about that.

[Phoenix_Rising]

hi papertrees,

I wouldn't say it's "pooping out" per se.

I can think of a couple of reasons that its not helping as much as usual.

Are you more symptomatic than usual? You mentioned that you're having more depressive episodes. In that case, it could be that your normal dose of klono (or one of your other meds) isn't quite enough to keep up with the additional symptoms.

You could also be developing a tolerance to that dose of klono. In either case, you and your pdoc can make adjustments.

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Peace,

Phoenix

[papertrees]

thanks tryp... I don't know when he'll answer. He's always been that way... I just want my lamictal upped to 150mgs to fight this bipolar depression

[tryp]

I still think that when you get a chance you should call pdoc again and make it quite clear that it's URGENT. If you're thinking about cutting (I read your other thread) and your PRNs aren't touching it, you need to be up his ass until he calls you back.

I'm sorry things are so horrible right now I'm not really comfortable saying anything about the meds, because I've never been on Risperdal and I have limited experience with Klono, but I'd lean towards a little more of each rather than a whopload of Klono. But that's just me.

[chimpmaster]

Unlike SSRI antidepressants, benzos dont typically poop out.

You do, however build tolerance to them quickly, especially if the usage is daily or more frequently.

Your dr may well approve an increase in dosage. 2mg is not that much.

However its important to remember that the more you take the more you will need to take in order to feel less anxious.

I personally take 10mg diazepam (5mg does nothing for me) PRN, ie as required. In practice I only take it about 3 times per week, sometimes less. In the past 3 weeks I have only used it once - I am lucky that my other meds are working well.

Good luck and keep us updated on your progress.

[papertrees]

I'm still here. Agitated and depressed. I took the other half of my klonopin and the other half of my risperdal already. And that seemed to help. Pdoc is still not replying. Thanks for all your responses. I think I'll try another time about this adding of meds. I'm just concerned because I am already on 2 antipsychotics and won't 3 be an overkill?

[tryp]

I think right now, you need to do whatever you can to get through this rough patch. Not a good idea long term, taking old meds and messing with dosages, but right now just survive until you can hear from your pdoc.

[papertrees]

jut an updtae: I went to see him last night and he prescibred me 30mg remeron. Tempoararily, because I might switch to maina again.

[tryp]

Glad you finally got a response from pdoc. I was on 30 mg of Remeron for a while, and it treated me pretty well.

[papertrees]

Thanks I'm optimistic of this drug because I've tried it before. IT helped me alot... But I'm using it for short term only becasue Imight switch to mania.