Posted by Simcha on September 27, 2003, at 12:45:14
In reply to klonopin and neurontin, posted by platinumbride on September 27, 2003, at 10:42:38
I have a couple of questions for you since I've been on Klonopin and currently I'm on Neurontin.
How much Klonopin are you using each day?
How much Neurontin are you using each day?
I think that the dosages would be important to know because Klonopin can create biological dependency at high doses. It seems that the threshold for high doses is different for everyone. I never used more than 1mg per day. When it came time to leave the Klonopin behind in favor of the Neurontin it was easy for me to get off of Klonopin. I was using Klonopin for more than a year. I think dosage and duration of use have much to do with dependency experiences.
I've never heard of being addicted to Neurontin. I'm curious about your experience since I'm now on this instead of the Klonopin.
I need the Neurontin to take care of teeth grinding and restless legs at night when I sleep. Klonopin used to do the trick. The current psychiatrist decided to switch me to Neurontin because it does not interfere with sleep architecture. I've been an insomniac most of my life. Neurontin at 600mg at night seems to take care of teeth grinding. It does not make me sleepy anymore. That side effect has worn off.
The conditions for which I've been treated with Klonopin and now with Neurontin are anxiety disorders. To me I know that there is a difference between medical dependency and addiction.
For me the difference is that I need the Neurontin and I needed the Klonopin to treat a physical condition. These drugs helped me to get to a baseline in my anxiety levels where I could sleep well like most people. I feel that if I were to increase my dose independently and seek more of either drug, this would indicate addiction for me.
I know this does not apply to everyone. I know that there are cycles for people who have Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I know that people who experience this have times where they need more of whatever drug they are using to get through the day. I'd be very careful in calling these people addicts. Then again, I believe the real test is if the drug is interfering with someone's life.
You have talked about how these drugs have made it impossible to drive. I experienced slower reflexes on Klonopin. I had a few accidents on Klonopin. Probably I should have not have been driving. On Neurontin I don't experience this to the same degree.
Then again I did rear-end someone the other day. There was no damage and she and I talked and we decided not to exchange info or call the police. (Here in California the police do not get involved unless the damage is greater than $500 and/or there are injuries.) Well, it was an honest mistake and she was fine and so was her car. It was a tap. It is a reminder to me to really watch myself on the road because I'm on medications which might interfere with my driving. My Celexa and the Neurontin have warnings about driving. Unfortunately I need the car to get to work and school. Therefore there is not much of a choice about driving.
I hope you find what you need here. I know it is hell to abuse substances. If it were me I would go to a psychiatrist to get an evaluation. There are other meds for anxiety which may not cause addiction for you like Buspar. I'm not a doctor or an expert so take this with a grain of salt.
Blessings,
Simcha
poster:Simcha
thread:263719
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20030903/msgs/263738.html