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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by gloria on May 16, 2000, at 11:16:43
Tell me about Klonopin. How is this the same or different than Neurontin? Is Klonopin a benzo or antiseisure med? What are side effects and does it help with falling asleep at night? Will it make you drowsy during the day and is there weight gain? I have panic attacks and depression how does it work on these?Thanks Gloria
Posted by Noa on May 16, 2000, at 13:21:02
In reply to Klonopin, posted by gloria on May 16, 2000, at 11:16:43
It is a benzo, not a seizure med, so it is different than neurontin. I haven't taken it, so I'll leave anecdotes on how people experience it to the others.
Posted by Noa on May 16, 2000, at 13:24:51
In reply to Klonopin, posted by gloria on May 16, 2000, at 11:16:43
for more info:
http://www.mentalhealth.com/fr30.html
Posted by Greg on May 16, 2000, at 14:05:33
In reply to Klonopin, posted by gloria on May 16, 2000, at 11:16:43
Gloria,
I've had Klonopin suggested to me as an alternative for Xanax for my anxiety. I've seen comments that it has worked well for depression and panic, others say it just helps them sleep. Like most meds I suppose, works well for some but not for others. Sorry to be so vague, but I don't have any first hand knowledge, yet. Are you taking Neurontin? If so, has it been helpful? I take 800mg day now. Some days it works....Hope this helps.
Hugs,
Greg
Posted by Gordon on May 16, 2000, at 14:37:49
In reply to Klonopin, posted by gloria on May 16, 2000, at 11:16:43
> Tell me about Klonopin. How is this the same or different than Neurontin? Is Klonopin a benzo or antiseisure med? What are side effects and does it help with falling asleep at night? Will it make you drowsy during the day and is there weight gain? I have panic attacks and depression how does it work on these?Thanks Gloria
Klonopin was developed as an anti seizure drug and is still primarily used as such, although in much higher quantities than used for anxiety/panic. It can have somewhat of a depressant effect for some people so if you're depressed anyway, discuss that in detail with your doc. Any sleepiness it causes should disappear in a few weeks; although it does have more of a sedative effect than Xanax or Ativan. I take the majority of my daily dose just before going to bed and think it's great. Best med for my anxiety I have found so far.
Posted by Chris A. on May 16, 2000, at 15:34:24
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by Gordon on May 16, 2000, at 14:37:49
Gloria,
It gets a little confusing: Klonopin belongs to the pharmacological class of the benzodiazepines and the therapeutic class of the anticonvulsants. It is also used for anxiety, panic, mania and insomnia.
Currently I'm taking 0.5 mg at HS along with my Ambien because there was a period where I wasn't sleeping, which is a red flag for those of us who are bipolar. My pDoc also has me taking .125 mg during the day time.
It has helped with the sleep. If taken in larger doses it can cause day time drowsiness. Other side effects are unusual weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, clumsiness or unsteadiness. I haven't experienced any of those side effects, but then my dose is miniscule. There is enough concern about benzos contributing to depression that I was planning to ask my doc about it when he returns from Chicago, as I have been struggling. It can't be taken eighteen hours prior to ECT due the anticonvulsant effect. Neurontin is in a different pharmacological class (l-aminomethyl cyclohexoneacetic acid) but is therapeutically considered an anticonvulsant. The side effects listed are similar. I tried it a couple of years ago as a mood stabilizer and noticed no effect at all from it. You never know until you try. Best wishes in your search for an effective med.Chris A.
Posted by bob on May 16, 2000, at 18:13:40
In reply to Re: Klonopin, posted by Chris A. on May 16, 2000, at 15:34:24
Hi Gloria,
There have been a few folks who have posted here describing Klonopin's capability to worsen depression. For people like me, the anxiety and depression are so closely linked, tho, that it can have the opposite effect.
I take 1mg in the AM with my other meds (100mg desipramine, 20mg ritalin SR). It may seem funny that I'm taking a benzo and a stimulant together, but they work on different things. 95% of the time, that 1 mg removes the constant buzz vibrating my nerves that I've lived with for as long as I can remember. From the time I first took it, that buzz has been missing and it's absence has been one of the best feelings I've ever had. The other 5% of the time, when I'm really getting nailed with stress, another 1mg can set things straight pretty quick. Otherwise, I guess I'm rather fortunate in that I really haven't noticed any side effects from it at all.
Good luck
bob
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