Posted by Ritch on June 16, 2003, at 13:16:57
In reply to Re: valium vs klonopin? » Ritch, posted by chloe on June 16, 2003, at 11:36:04
> > Chloe, the short half-life (12 hrs?) of Ativan (lorazepam) might be a problem for sure. The only other benzos I've taken chronically previously were chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and Valium and they both last much longer. OTOH, if I just take it at bedtime for sleep, and don't find the rebound anxiety (or rebound hypomania) annoying during the day that would suit me find. Too bad you had that paradoxical reaction-interesting that you didn't have that trouble with *others*. I am wondering about your thyroid situation as well. You may need to get an endocrinologist involved with your pdoc to straighten those out. Let us know how your appt. goes with the pdoc about the Klonopin----good luck---Mitch
>
> Hi Mitch,
> I think Lorazapam has a half life of about 8-24 hours, depending on how you metabolize it. It also peaks in 3-4 hours. So, like you said, perhaps taking it at night, you could avoid any rebound or crash. I believe, for the "average" user!, it is far less sedating and depressive than librium, valium or klonopin.
>
> Do you see you med person soon? I know you are thinking about also adding some lamictal (eventually) to the mix too...
> Chloe
Chloe, I'm holding with Depakote 250mg ER + Klonopin .5mg HS, and a microdose of Effexor in the AM, and added 3.75mg buspirone last visit as an experiment for GAD sx and to boost the Effexor (without needing to increase it). It made my early morning awakening WORSE when I took it at bedtime. Switched to taking it only first thing in the AM. That has helped some. I will give it a full two-three weeks and if there isn't a clear trend towards improving sleep (startup effects?), it is going to get ditched. Then perhaps we'll talk about the possible lorazepam switch. I have a feeling that using low-dose lorazepam as a sleeper will work better than the clon. and I will have more energy the next day. Lamictal? I don't want to tinker with that idea until this upcoming spell is fully over with (when I'm stable in the fall). I'm already gaining weight and having carb craving, YUCK!
poster:Ritch
thread:233756
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030614/msgs/234349.html