Posted by Alan on July 18, 2001, at 9:23:28
In reply to Switching from benzos to Neurontin, posted by Molly Straight on July 17, 2001, at 21:07:48
> What advice do you all have for my son who wants to get weaned from klonapin and ativan? He has been on both for panic disorder for over a year now. He is also on 300 mg of tofranil at night for depression. His psychiatrist believes he is likely actually Bipolar II. He has developed high blood pressure and is only 21. I believe his psychiatrist will suggest Neurontin. Thanks.
You might want to try this link for xanax but it still applies to the benzos that your son are on:
http://lexington-on-line.com/naf_xanax.html
Slowly is of course the name of the game. Go by how it feels, not necessarily by a strict regimen (but you of course will want a strategy of tapering to start). It might take a month or two, or it might take a couple of weeks - it is highly individual. Any sign of panic, keep the dose where it is for the moment or go back up in a small increment.
You might suggest to your pdoc if they suspect BPII that ADDING neurontin would make sense because if your son has an underlying panic disorder, keeping benzos in the picture (even if it is in a slightly moderated format than now) is sometimes more effective than just neurontin and an MAOI.
Or the other alternative is to eventually take the benzos on just a PRN basis (as needed) when he feels that breakthrough panic is about to surface.
Best,
Alan
poster:Alan
thread:70552
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010714/msgs/70620.html