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.
poster:Chris A.
thread:33625
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000508/msgs/33653.html