Posted by Ritch on January 1, 2005, at 14:25:19
In reply to Are Psyche meds Addictive? Can they be taken long, posted by BRC on January 1, 2005, at 11:58:04
> Hi,
>
> I have a question I was hoping some people could answer for me.
>
> I take Lexapro, Trileptal, Remeron, and Klonopin for Depression, OCD, and BP 2. I was wondering if these drugs are addictive. I know that the Klonopin can be addictive because it is a benzo.
>
> I never did drugs or drank alcohol before, so I have no history of substance abuse.
>
> But if I miss a single dose of my medication I become very sick--(physically I mean). I do not crave the medication, nor do I take more than I should. But if I miss even one dose I get horrible physical symptoms. Is my body being addicted to the medication?
>
> This kind of scares me because if I run out or get stranded somewhere without it I am afraid of what the consequences may be.
>
> Also I was wondering if this medication could be taken long term such as a number of years (I have already been tried on a number of meds for five years now). I am only 28 and all the doctors say I will be on the medication for the rest of my life. Is this safe? I am in otherwise good health
>
> Help to these questions would be wonderfully appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> BRCI doubt the reactions are from being *addicted* to the medication, but your body does adjust to the presence of the meds, and when you suddenly withdraw a med you can get a withdrawal reaction that is unpleasant. I say they may be unpleasant because sometimes on withdrawal people can experience euphoria as an effect. When I stopped Remeron I experienced a mild sustained hypomania for several days. The only med you list with a short enough half-life likely to provoke a withdrawal upon a single missed dose would be the Trileptal. I'm taking Depakote and it also has a relatively short half-life and if I miss my once a day dose of that I definitely feel it later.
poster:Ritch
thread:436330
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041228/msgs/436371.html