Clonazepam

[Beelady]

I am still trying to make sense of someones (Tims) behavior. He has been on a LOT of meds - Cyclobenzaprine, Oxy, Clonazepam, Ambien and a few others. 2 meds for depression he had stopped taking in the week before his outburst. He was also cutting down on his Oxy. Then he started taking he antidepressants in a smaller dose. Does anyone know how this would affect a person?

I had a breakdown during this time dealing with my own issues. Now after 2 weeks to reflect as well as talk to trusted friends of ours (who were with me) I see that he really let lose and over exaggerated some things that made me look/feel like a real jerk. (Saying he called me multiple times and I never picked up - well he called me twice in a row and I called him back with 1-2 minutes. Saying I lied about having a few beers - I didn't lie, I tild him I had a few beers...it goes on)

I am wondering if he is going to re-adjust to his meds and rethink all of this. Or is he just going to continue to believe what he believes - no matter if it is right or wrong. Even though he was a real a**hat I keep wishing he sees the truth and finds some compassion.

Any thoughts on this? Anyone experience something similar?

 

[Beelady]

I should also say he has a lot of trouble sleeping - which certainly does not help and deals with chronic pain, tennis elbow...the list goes on. He tells me he cannot go into REM sleep. Sometimes I wonder if he was too absorbed in his medical stuff, not to be mean however the list was long. I know I am hammering this to death. Just grasping at anything to help understand.

 

[Ed Norton]

He should only readjust under medical supervision, it can be a mine field. Is the cyclobenzaprine for PTSD or muscle spasms? I heard of a study using it for PTSD that's why I'm curious. Even people with PTSD can be asses and indeed that may or may not be dependent on symptoms or meds. I don't like to delve too much into meds that I don't have personal experience with, especially since psych meds are very individual as far as results go. How dosage changes or med changes will play out can usually only be ascertained by experience.

 

[Ed Norton]

I do take klonopin, as needed for anxiety and it's helpful when I take it...actual prescribed dosage for me..ummm can vary but I don't tell my doctor every time I play a little with the dosage. He probably knows that I go my own way with the anxiety meds...mostly taking less though, occasionally more, especially in the past, and yes I have indulged in recreational excesses at times..not recommended.

 

[Beelady]

He had those for PTSD I believe. The oxy was for his chronic pain

 

[Ed Norton]

Did he change the meds or dosage or did the doctor? Klonopin, ambien, Oxycontin many antidepressants and flexeril all have some associated withdrawal symptoms

 

[Beelady]

He did it. He stopped with the psych meds and cut down his oxy - then he was having spasms so he brought his oxy up a little. Then we had this bog blow up and he kicked me out :( Now that I have had time to think, he really made his side of the story terrible. Putting blame/anger on me that he should not have. I guess I am looking for answers since it hurt so bad. Wondered if his changing his doses etc. may have messed with his head.

 

[Ed Norton]

I'm sorry that sounds very difficult emotionally. It may be due to an influx of PTSD and withdrawal symptoms due to stopping meds then getting stressed. Of course, I can't be certain of that but only that it's possible.

As an aside, the flexeril is better for spasms than oxy and it may help with PTSD too..there was a clinical trial for veterans with PTSD that featured cyclobenzaprine, I saw that during the Nami walk and asked for some details.

I admit on that one occasion I told the guy presenting 'not only veterans have PTSD and that you of all should know that'. That was not out of disrespect to veterans but my personal frustration with this PTSD shit.

Sorry for rambling and I hope that my response was helpful.

 

[Beelady]

being here to vent really helps. I am going crazy inside. Crazy about all of he ben stuff, why haven't I been able to be in a healthy relationship - then this with Tim is just the topper. I am the common piece and I've tried so hadr to be loving, giving and have a healthy relationship. My breakdown with Tim still makes me so angry at myself. Augh/ Today seems to be bad again. I have cancelled all of my work appointments, been praying constantly and just don't want to play this game anymore. I'm trying to be thankful for my home, job etc. however it doesnt mean much right now.

 

[Ocean5]

@Beelady I was prescribed Clonazepam (Klonopin) daily and anti-depressant/anxiety medicine. I'm still trying to get off Klonopin, and I took less than prescribed. Just me, but learned it's not good to reduce both at once. At least for me.

It was far easier to gradually reduce anti-depressant/anxiety medicines (SSRI) than Klonopin. And I've been on several SSRIs. Major withdrawals with Klonopin.

I'm not a doc and new to this in past couple years. But from what I researched you need to give your brain and body time to adjust.

Depending what anti-depressant he was on I can't image just going cold turkey. Did he consult p-doc about reduction schedule? (not that they always know what they are talking about.)

 

[Ed Norton]

Yes, indeed slow tapering is important klonopin withdrawal like alcohol can be very dangerous. Many people can just stop with few effects but it's not recommended. Benzodiazepines are one of the 3 potentially dangerous or life threatening withdrawals.

I don't know why he's behaving that way.

 

[AngelEyes1980]

He had those for PTSD I believe. The oxy was for his chronic pain

I am a veteran and took oxazapam 30 mg for 12 years. I have severe PTSD from years of torture and beatings and I don't sleep without it. I also have a very painful spinal cord injury that effects my I tire CNS causing pain. The oxazapam also helps with pain and muscle spasms and sleep. I had no side effects but the VA refuses to prescribe anything but SNRI's now for ptsd. They cut me off cold turkey. I was lucky and didn't have withdrawal (took 2-4 a day) the SNRI's put me in a coma allergic reactions and they still insist that that is the preferred treatment. PTSD does not mean there is a chemical imbalance so their doctors I'm convinced are trying to kill off disabled vets. Now I have to take pain pills that aren't strong enough and they say they are worried about us committing suicide. Pslph! Right! I'm not depressed I'm mad and confused. Anyway all of that just to say maybe oxazapam would be a better choice than clonaxapam. It a long acting benzodiazepine that's why they normally give it to people like me who go 7-9 days without sleep until I start passing out for a couple minutes at a time.