![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 15 to 39 of 74. Go back in thread:
Posted by orbital on April 10, 2011, at 22:46:34
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2011, at 21:09:15
P, I found Ativan to be very smooth and effective. Unlike Xanax, which gave me bad headaches and withdrawal in between doses.
I think I'd keep the Valium on board (maybe lower the dose a bit) and slowly replace the Xanax with Ativan.. Figure out how much you need... my experience was that I needed Xanax three times a day, and Ativan twice a day (though sometimes I could get away with once a day and feel fine). HTH.
> Orbital in what way do you find ativan different as my xanax and valium no longer work? I was once told to switch to different benzo if they stopped working and have a full bottle of ativan? If on l0mg of valium and spilting dose of xanax lmg in thirds what would you do. I have permission from pdoc to do what I feel is right for me? Sorry hyjack. Phillipa
Posted by agomelatinehope on April 11, 2011, at 3:35:31
In reply to Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 9, 2011, at 10:35:08
I quit tobacco and Cymbalta (horrible withdrawals) but quiting Alprazolam is by far the most horrible withdrawal ever :(
Yesterday I took my car and I almost had 2 car accidents
Posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2011, at 18:42:10
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » Phillipa, posted by orbital on April 10, 2011, at 22:46:34
Orbital have a full bottle here I could trial substituting it for xanax as only take at night and the luvox is supposed to potentiate the effects of it. When first on Luvox was with ativan lmg. Forget how many mg's. Thanks for the advise and sorry to hyjack:( Phippia
Posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2011, at 18:43:18
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by agomelatinehope on April 11, 2011, at 3:35:31
Not good at all. So how are you doing today? Phillipa
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 11, 2011, at 20:03:33
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2011, at 18:42:10
> Orbital have a full bottle here I could trial substituting it for xanax as only take at night and the luvox is supposed to potentiate the effects of it. When first on Luvox was with ativan lmg. Forget how many mg's. Thanks for the advise and sorry to hyjack:( Phippia
Are you saying Luvox potentiates Xanax or Ativan? Luvox does inhibit the metabolism of Xanax, but I can't find any references to Luvox interacting with Ativan.
Posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2011, at 21:19:58
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by mtdewcmu on April 11, 2011, at 20:03:33
Ativan is fine with luvox it's valium and xanax and when they say potentiates they do mean it seems like a higher dose of the xanax and valium? That's the impression was always under. Think I can just substitute the .5xanax with lmg ativan and keep the valium for now with out anything happening? Thanks Phillipa
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 11, 2011, at 21:44:30
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » mtdewcmu, posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2011, at 21:19:58
> Ativan is fine with luvox it's valium and xanax and when they say potentiates they do mean it seems like a higher dose of the xanax and valium? That's the impression was always under. Think I can just substitute the .5xanax with lmg ativan and keep the valium for now with out anything happening? Thanks Phillipa
Luvox causes your liver to break down Xanax more slowly. Figuring out exactly what that does to your Xanax blood levels depends on a number of things and can get complicated, but it's basically like taking more. Benzo equivalence tables show 0.5 of Xanax equaling about 1.0 of Ativan, but when you factor in the Luvox, you may need more Ativan than that. Plus, each benzo is stronger in some effects and weaker in others, so there is probably no dose of Ativan that feels exactly like 0.5 of Xanax. So, 1.0mg of Ativan is a good place to start, but you'll have to judge for yourself whether it feels like enough.
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 11, 2011, at 21:52:00
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 9, 2011, at 21:09:15
Benzos have various different effects, such as hypnotic (sleep-inducing), muscle relaxing, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects. If I remember correctly, Valium is a relatively strong hypnotic, Xanax is stronger as an anxiolytic, and Klonopin is a strong muscle relaxant. I'm not sure what Ativan's "specialty" is.
Posted by Phillipa on April 12, 2011, at 0:01:38
In reply to Xanax vs Ativan vs Valium » Phillipa, posted by mtdewcmu on April 11, 2011, at 21:52:00
Thanks but boy it sure gets complicated wonder what google might offer? Phillipa
Posted by emmanuel98 on April 12, 2011, at 0:27:21
In reply to Xanax vs Ativan vs Valium » Phillipa, posted by mtdewcmu on April 11, 2011, at 21:52:00
I was having constant anxiety attacks and my p-doc prescribed xanax, 0.5mg, twice a day. I ended up taking 0.25mg once a day. I wanted to fall asleep an hour or so after each dose. The we switched to ativan 0.5mg qid. Within an hour, I would need to nap. I was in the midst of a crisis at work that made me so anxious, I could barely function, but the benzos just made me sleep. I never took them at work, when I was so anxious I couldn't eat oe funcion.
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 12, 2011, at 4:10:06
In reply to Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 9, 2011, at 10:35:08
I've decided to reduce by 0.125 every 3-4 days and still, I'm suffering a lot.
Is there anyway to make this nightmare last less time?
I'm unable to do anything in this state :(
Posted by orbital on April 12, 2011, at 10:32:49
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 11, 2011, at 18:42:10
P., I'd try 3mg Ativan to replace 1mg Xanax; or maybe 2mg, taking into account that you already have Valium onboard. My suggestion is to go by feel.
The conversion tables are useful for general reference and all, but they {obviously} don't take into account how each benzo feels for each person.
Personally, whenever I take a break from Klonopin, I need at least 7mg of Ativan in divided doses to fully cover for my usual 2mg Klonopin {quite higher than the conversion tables state}. But if I'm switching to Valium, 15mg will do nicely {much lower than the tables}.
It all boils down to how you feel, within reasonable limits. There's not much use in sticking to the tables if doing so will bring back panic, or have you feeling oversedated. HTH.
> Orbital have a full bottle here I could trial substituting it for xanax as only take at night and the luvox is supposed to potentiate the effects of it. When first on Luvox was with ativan lmg. Forget how many mg's. Thanks for the advise and sorry to hyjack:( Phippia
Posted by Phillipa on April 12, 2011, at 11:05:04
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » Phillipa, posted by orbital on April 12, 2011, at 10:32:49
Orbital that high? Wow that is a lot. As for anxiety my current benzos no longer work so still have pretty much non functional anxiety and fears so now don't know what I will do. This chemistry stuff is so complicated to me. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by Lou Pilder on April 12, 2011, at 15:31:29
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 12, 2011, at 4:10:06
> I've decided to reduce by 0.125 every 3-4 days and still, I'm suffering a lot.
>
> Is there anyway to make this nightmare last less time?
>
> I'm unable to do anything in this state :(Ago_hope,
You wrote,[...Help...I'm still suffering a lot...Is there any way to make this nightmare last less time?...unable to do anything...:(].
There is a way that I know for you to be free from the drug and its suffering that you are experiancing. If you could view the following videos, then I could go from there. The videos show something that I think could establish some reasoning as to why you took an addictive drug and you could question that and a lot of other things about psychotropic drugs that I think then could have us go on to the way to have you be free from the suffering.
Lou
To see these videos:
A. Pull up Google
B. Type in:
[youtube, The marketing of Madness part 7/18] Then when you view it, there is part 8/18 on the side to continue by clicking on that.
Now you will se a pic of a maan and the time is 10 min posted on March 11, 2010
Posted by mtdewcmu on April 13, 2011, at 11:53:34
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 12, 2011, at 11:05:04
> Orbital that high? Wow that is a lot. As for anxiety my current benzos no longer work so still have pretty much non functional anxiety and fears so now don't know what I will do. This chemistry stuff is so complicated to me. Thanks Phillipa
The chemistry can't tell you exactly how much to take, so you don't need to worry about it.
Posted by floatingbridge on April 13, 2011, at 12:48:54
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 12, 2011, at 4:10:06
> I've decided to reduce by 0.125 every 3-4 days and still, I'm suffering a lot.
>
> Is there anyway to make this nightmare last less time?
>
> I'm unable to do anything in this state :(Ago, are you in touch with your doctor?
Hey everyone, can we return the thread to Ago? (S)he needs help.
Thanks, fb
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 13, 2011, at 16:08:43
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by floatingbridge on April 13, 2011, at 12:48:54
I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow morning
Right now I'm on 0.625 of alprazolam and although I feel a lack of energy and apathy, the dizzinnes seems to have vanished.
I have no problem getting to sleep thanks to agomelatine but I have early awakenings and strange nightmares
Posted by floatingbridge on April 13, 2011, at 16:52:45
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 13, 2011, at 16:08:43
Well, let's see what the pdoc says.
Rebound sleep disturbance.
Early awakenings sounds like it's mixed with depression symptoms. Please let us know how it goes tomorrow. You're able to tell him or her your symptoms? (Meaning doc will listen ;) ?
fb
Posted by orbital on April 14, 2011, at 17:17:47
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 12, 2011, at 11:05:04
P., like mtdewcmu said, it depends on the person. I need a very high dose of Ativan (at least 6mg) to match my usual lowish dose of Klonopin (1.5mg), yet a relatively low dose of Valium works well enough.
As for your anxiety, you should ask your doc to switch to something else, or increase your benzo. I'd personally go for the first option, sometimes switching to something else for a while will make your preferred benzo work again. I hope you get some relief soon.
> Orbital that high? Wow that is a lot. As for anxiety my current benzos no longer work so still have pretty much non functional anxiety and fears so now don't know what I will do. This chemistry stuff is so complicated to me. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on April 14, 2011, at 20:32:26
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » Phillipa, posted by orbital on April 14, 2011, at 17:17:47
Orbital I do have that full bottle of ativan. I also needed more of it when started on luvox I think 4-6mg. Aren't benzos and all meds strange? And thanks for replying!!!!
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 15, 2011, at 9:10:52
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :( » orbital, posted by Phillipa on April 14, 2011, at 20:32:26
My Doc suggested changing to Noctamid (Lormetazepam) but it doesn't make sense to me since it's a short acting benzo and It will sure cause addiction.
Instead, I've created my own withdrawal schedule based on what I've read about benzo's equivalence.
Ratio: 1mg Alprazolam = 20 mg Diazepam
14-17 Abril
Alprazolam 0.25mg + Diazepam 5mg18-22 Abril
Alprazolam 0.125mg + Diazepam 7.5 mg22-25 Abril
Diazepam 10 mg25-28 Abril
Diazepam 7.5 mg28 Abril-1 Mayo
Diazepam 5 mg1-4 Mayo
Diazepam 2.5 mgWhat do you think?
Thank you!
Posted by floatingbridge on April 15, 2011, at 12:29:05
In reply to Re: Alprazolam Withdrawal HELP :(, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 15, 2011, at 9:10:52
Can't really comment. Phillipa or Ed_uk? Orbital?
I did take doxepin last night, and I could use it to taper a bit on my own xanax use. It seems to override the itchy-scratchy feeling, but can't say it will help with your dizziness. And I don't know if you want a sidecar taper. But man, did I sleep. Is dizziness still a problem for
you?fb
Posted by Agomelatinehope on April 15, 2011, at 14:10:28
In reply to re: your taper schedule » Agomelatinehope, posted by floatingbridge on April 15, 2011, at 12:29:05
I'm not longer experiencing dizzinnes (it seems diazepam takes care of that) but I'm starting to experience rebound insomnia and my apathy/anhedonia seems to have worsened.
Tonight I'm not taking agomelatine since I think it is actually not helping.
What I know for sure is that I'm not ever going to take serotonin antidepressants again...
Thank you
Posted by floatingbridge on April 15, 2011, at 17:29:52
In reply to re: your taper schedule, posted by Agomelatinehope on April 15, 2011, at 14:10:28
Hey. Sorry life is in the pits right now :(
If your taper schedule doesn't get an educated comment, maybe you can start a new thread. Sometimes a fresh post will bring in an answer. I wish I had something more useful to contribute.
I don't know what agomelatine is, though I think I've asked after it here. It is an novel antidepressant available in
Europe, yes? I'm very sorry to hear it isn't helping.fb
Can your doctor offer anything to get you through rebound? Then again, I have my own ambivalences about doxepin....
Posted by Phillipa on April 15, 2011, at 21:12:24
In reply to re: your taper schedule » Agomelatinehope, posted by floatingbridge on April 15, 2011, at 17:29:52
Well hate to say this but (although I disagree) a lot go by Heather Ashton of UK. Personally I can decrease doses much much faster why no idea????
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.