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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by salarmy4me on December 29, 2000, at 21:22:53
In reply to Weight gain and lamictal, posted by Coachnanci on December 4, 2000, at 12:05:18
I don't believe that there is any chance of weight
gain on Lamictal, assuming a person is not prone
to gain weight anyway from lifestyle.
Posted by shellie on December 30, 2000, at 8:43:47
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal » Coachnanci, posted by salarmy4me on December 29, 2000, at 21:22:53
> I don't believe that there is any chance of weight
> gain on Lamictal, assuming a person is not prone
> to gain weight anyway from lifestyle.What do you mean, "you don't believe.."
Glaxo Welcome--the manufacturer of lamictal provides data that reports that 25% of people over 12 who take lamictal have a greater or equal to 5% weight gain and 19% have a 10% or more weight gain.
(www.glaxowellcome.ch/gw/fr/neuro/lamictal/monograph/monograph009.html).I gained 9 lbs on lamictal and lost it within days after I discontinued that medication.
If I would you, I would check my facts, before offering my "beliefs".
Posted by SLS on December 30, 2000, at 10:20:13
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal, posted by shellie on December 30, 2000, at 8:43:47
Hi guys. Wellcome back.I believe that 300 milligrams of Lamictal equals 10 pounds of SLS.
I am sure that the holiday season equals 5 pounds of SLS.
- Scott
Posted by shellie on December 30, 2000, at 22:26:52
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal, posted by Coachnanci on December 6, 2000, at 8:23:20
> I just started taking evening primrose oil. I wonder, Shellie, if that might help with the weight issues. I also take L-Carnitine which helped me lose weight before all of this. I will let you know how it goes.
>
> NancyNancy-I talked to my gyn this week and she thinks primrose oil will make things worse because it stimulates estrogen. I know there is a lot written on primrose oil and PMS, but now I'm not sure I should be taking the primrose oil for this. She said to definitely increase intake of vitamin E, but I already take a healthy dose of it. So I'm pretty confused. Will set up a prolactin test for the end of this week or next. Did you get yours yet? Also, how long did it take for the lamictal to help and at what dose? Shellie
Posted by Coachnanci on January 2, 2001, at 9:25:01
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal, posted by shellie on December 30, 2000, at 8:43:47
Hi Scott and Shellie -
Nancy here again ... I went off the Lamictal and also lost the weight - but a little more slowly than you, Shellie. I am now on Depakote (500 mg suspended release) and Adderrall (for my ADHD). So far, I feel really good ... all the sleepy periods are gone and my attitude has been pretty decent. I know Depakote can cause weight gain - but I figure that I am on such a low dose plus the Adderrall should counter any weight gain. Here's hoping. In the meantime - I have started back to the gym with regular workouts plus I have cut back on the sugar.
Scott, I liked your "Wellcome Back" ... no pun intended of course < smile > ... great sense of humor ... happy New Year guys.
Also, the Pdoc's do tell you the lamictal does not cause weight gain ... that's what so funny ...
I don't believe that there is any chance of weight
> > gain on Lamictal, assuming a person is not prone
> > to gain weight anyway from lifestyle.
>
> What do you mean, "you don't believe.."
>
> Glaxo Welcome--the manufacturer of lamictal provides data that reports that 25% of people over 12 who take lamictal have a greater or equal to 5% weight gain and 19% have a 10% or more weight gain.
> (www.glaxowellcome.ch/gw/fr/neuro/lamictal/monograph/monograph009.html).
>
> I gained 9 lbs on lamictal and lost it within days after I discontinued that medication.
>
> If I would you, I would check my facts, before offering my "beliefs".
Posted by Coachnanci on January 2, 2001, at 11:05:02
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal, posted by shellie on December 30, 2000, at 22:26:52
Hi Shellie,
I have recently added soy isoflavones along with the Primrose Oil. I also take a healthy dose of E and C.
Regarding the Lamictal, I was on 25 mg twice a day and seemed to be fine on it. Every week got better and better. Only problem was the horrible sleepy periods that almost made me feel like I had narcolepsy. However, I talked with the Pdoc who also felt it could be part of the ADHD, etc. This whole thing is so frustrating at times.
As I said in an earlier post - I just started with Depakote. I am sure it's too early to tell about weight issues ... but I managed to not eat excessively over the New Year's weekend. If anything - I probably ate less do to some diahrea as a side affect.
Anyway - I will keep you posted. Here's hoping it works out.
Nancy
>
> I just started taking evening primrose oil. I wonder, Shellie, if that might help with the weight issues. I also take L-Carnitine which helped me lose weight before all of this. I will let you know how it goes.
> >
> > Nancy
>
> Nancy-I talked to my gyn this week and she thinks primrose oil will make things worse because it stimulates estrogen. I know there is a lot written on primrose oil and PMS, but now I'm not sure I should be taking the primrose oil for this. She said to definitely increase intake of vitamin E, but I already take a healthy dose of it. So I'm pretty confused. Will set up a prolactin test for the end of this week or next. Did you get yours yet? Also, how long did it take for the lamictal to help and at what dose? Shellie
Posted by shellie on January 2, 2001, at 17:53:42
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal, posted by Coachnanci on January 2, 2001, at 11:05:02
Hi Nancy. Thanks for the update. For now I'm sticking with lamictal, although after four weeks on it, I can no longer zipper my pants. But I am trying to do the treadmill for 45 minutes everyday and some other exercises, abs, etc. to compensate and hopefully lose the other extra pounds I have put on in the last year.I'm getting my prolactin tested at the end of this week. I'll be interested if it is high or if it's my estrogen levels that have climbed. Meanwhile I feel like I'm wearing someone else's chest and it's too heavy for me!
But I've tried so many meds in the last year that I've got to take a break and this worked for me last year so I'm trying (not succeeding) to not be upset about my weight.
later, Shellie
Posted by SLS on January 2, 2001, at 22:23:53
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal, posted by shellie on January 2, 2001, at 17:53:42
> But I've tried so many meds in the last year that I've got to take a break and this worked for me last year so I'm trying (not succeeding) to not be upset about my weight.
Don't worry. I'll still love you.
:-)
- Scott
Posted by SLS on January 2, 2001, at 22:32:09
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal, posted by Coachnanci on January 2, 2001, at 11:05:02
Hi Nancy.
> Regarding the Lamictal, I was on 25 mg twice a day and seemed to be fine on it. Every week got better and better. Only problem was the horrible sleepy periods that almost made me feel like I had narcolepsy. However, I talked with the Pdoc who also felt it could be part of the ADHD, etc. This whole thing is so frustrating at times.
Does this sleepiness occur at the middle or towards the end of a dosing period? If it does, you might want to try increasing the Lamictal to 100mg temporarily to see if you are not experiencing some sort of depressive relapse somnolence associated with an ebb of drug levels. I would suspect that this is the case if you get a "kick" immediately after taking a dose.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on January 2, 2001, at 22:36:42
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal » Coachnanci, posted by SLS on January 2, 2001, at 22:32:09
Oops. I guess you stopped taking Lamictal already.
Never mind.
I wish for you continued success with Depakote. I never gained much weight on it, even at 3000mg.
- Scott> Hi Nancy.
>
> > Regarding the Lamictal, I was on 25 mg twice a day and seemed to be fine on it. Every week got better and better. Only problem was the horrible sleepy periods that almost made me feel like I had narcolepsy. However, I talked with the Pdoc who also felt it could be part of the ADHD, etc. This whole thing is so frustrating at times.
>
> Does this sleepiness occur at the middle or towards the end of a dosing period? If it does, you might want to try increasing the Lamictal to 100mg temporarily to see if you are not experiencing some sort of depressive relapse somnolence associated with an ebb of drug levels. I would suspect that this is the case if you get a "kick" immediately after taking a dose.
>
>
> - Scott
>
Posted by Coachnanci on January 3, 2001, at 8:09:13
In reply to Re: Weight gain and lamictal » shellie, posted by SLS on January 2, 2001, at 22:23:53
> > But I've tried so many meds in the last year that I've got to take a break and this worked for me last year so I'm trying (not succeeding) to not be upset about my weight.
>
> Don't worry. I'll still love you.
>
> :-)
>
>
> - Scott... you are doing all the right things for yourself ... please keep me posted. Somtimes feeling better is more important than the weight ... I am learning, too ... and I love you, too ...
Nancy
Posted by FLMALE on March 15, 2001, at 16:59:12
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » FLMALE, posted by LesaH on November 29, 2000, at 23:49:43
Please note that I can no longer accept e-mails to any postings referencing FLMALE, as these posts contain my E-mail. The owner of this website has the power to remove it and refuses to do so. I am currently in the process of examining legal methods to have them removed but cannot stop any past posters/viewers from referencing my email address, nor those who have already obtained it. Please, again, consider this a notice to cease any contact to the email address associated with clicking on the FLMALE references held ANYWHERE within this website.
Posted by pat123 on March 15, 2001, at 17:38:11
In reply to RE: All references to FLMALE, posted by FLMALE on March 15, 2001, at 16:59:12
> Please note that I can no longer accept e-mails to any postings referencing FLMALE, as these posts contain my E-mail. The owner of this website has the power to remove it and refuses to do so.
You have the power not to post your e-mail address. If you post your e-mail address then expect to get e-mail at it or don't post it.
Pat
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 16, 2001, at 0:27:19
In reply to RE: All references to FLMALE, posted by FLMALE on March 15, 2001, at 16:59:12
> Please note that I can no longer accept e-mails to any postings referencing FLMALE...
This should have been, and any additional follow-ups should be, posted to Psycho-Babble Administration, thanks.
Bob
Posted by Jude on March 28, 2001, at 18:35:30
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » FLMALE, posted by JudithC on June 2, 2000, at 17:36:14
> Hi to all-
I too am withdrawing from Xanax. After almost 10 years, of being mis-medicated and never told about the highly addictive nature of the drug. I am being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. I changed psychopharmacologists at the suggestion of my regular therapist. New doc tells me I am addicted and Xanax does not treat symptoms of PTSS. I was on 4mg/day. I was switched to the Klonopine regime and have been detoxing for 13 months now. I have .5mg to go and the worst in terms of withdrawal symptoms. My doc also told me that I may never be able to be totally off the benzos, also he told me that withdrawal symptoms can last up to a year after you are off the shit. So far my detox, utilizing Klonopine in place of the Xanax has been ok. I can't figure out why the doc who originally prescribed and continued to do so has absolutely no responsibilty or liability for this. Anyone have any suggestions.
Thanks
>
> Flmale,I am confused by your/someone's/whomever's post so help me out here,please: are YOU the one asking for help about the Xanax withdrawal or are you trying to help someone???? I understand some of the context of this post,but only some....
>
> If you need to talk with a person who has withdrawn from a benzo then I will be more than happy to discuss this with you. I have been off of Ativan since the summer of 1997;however,I am suffering from "protracted benzo withdrawal" and with this in mind,if I may share anything such as difficulties in withdrawing or relaying info about other websites which are totally benzodiazepine directed then I will be glad to help you.
>
> JudithC
Posted by Jeff on March 29, 2001, at 16:31:07
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Jude on March 28, 2001, at 18:35:30
Hi Jude,
I'm doing the same with Valium and have had a tough time when not going slow enough. Did the Xanax work for you? If so why are you getting off. The Klonipine isn't much less of an addictive drug, but I guess it has a longer half life. Valium has one of if not the longest half life and I had trouble at first, but have since slowed my taper. I am assuming it is you dr.'s intent to get you on a drug with a longer half life while you detox. If the benzos give you your life back do be dissin' em. Later, Jeff> > Hi to all-
>
> I too am withdrawing from Xanax. After almost 10 years, of being mis-medicated and never told about the highly addictive nature of the drug. I am being treated for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. I changed psychopharmacologists at the suggestion of my regular therapist. New doc tells me I am addicted and Xanax does not treat symptoms of PTSS. I was on 4mg/day. I was switched to the Klonopine regime and have been detoxing for 13 months now. I have .5mg to go and the worst in terms of withdrawal symptoms. My doc also told me that I may never be able to be totally off the benzos, also he told me that withdrawal symptoms can last up to a year after you are off the shit. So far my detox, utilizing Klonopine in place of the Xanax has been ok. I can't figure out why the doc who originally prescribed and continued to do so has absolutely no responsibilty or liability for this. Anyone have any suggestions.
>
> Thanks
> >
> > Flmale,I am confused by your/someone's/whomever's post so help me out here,please: are YOU the one asking for help about the Xanax withdrawal or are you trying to help someone???? I understand some of the context of this post,but only some....
> >
> > If you need to talk with a person who has withdrawn from a benzo then I will be more than happy to discuss this with you. I have been off of Ativan since the summer of 1997;however,I am suffering from "protracted benzo withdrawal" and with this in mind,if I may share anything such as difficulties in withdrawing or relaying info about other websites which are totally benzodiazepine directed then I will be glad to help you.
> >
> > JudithC
Posted by Amy Blue on April 1, 2001, at 16:49:58
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Jeff on March 29, 2001, at 16:31:07
I am also getting off Xanax using Klonopin. My former pdoc prescribed me Xanax to take "as needed" for anxiety, which primarily began from a high dose of Prozac. But once the anxiety was up, I couldn't get it down. Some people can deal with Xanax better than others, it seems, but I got addicted VERY quickly and was taking it all the time, about 4 mgs/day, to escape from life. My former pdoc gave me what I consider a HUGE amount w/ refills for someone who needed "occasionally" for panic. (120 tablets .25 mgs/month)
My new pdoc never prescribes Xanax because she thinks the addiction potential is very great. However, she does prescribe Klonopin, Ativan, etc. She is very cautious with meds and I trust her immensely - so I would have to disagree and say that the addiction potential of Klonopin is not as great. Yes, it's addictive but the highs and lows (when the drug starts working and then is out of your system) are not as rapid with Klonopin as with Xanax. I am still having a very tough time getting off Xanax even though I haven't taken any for almost 3 months. I still crave it desperately at times. I had to give my boyfriend my Klonopin to "ration" it to me, because I was afraid to have too much in the house at one time.
Ramble... I guess my point, if I have one, is that Jude is probably better off getting off Xanax even if it did work wonders.
> Hi Jude,
> I'm doing the same with Valium and have had a tough time when not going slow enough. Did the Xanax work for you? If so why are you getting off. The Klonipine isn't much less of an addictive drug, but I guess it has a longer half life. Valium has one of if not the longest half life and I had trouble at first, but have since slowed my taper. I am assuming it is you dr.'s intent to get you on a drug with a longer half life while you detox. If the benzos give you your life back do be dissin' em. Later, Jeff
Posted by peterg on April 15, 2001, at 19:43:21
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Mary Jo on March 22, 2000, at 1:02:52
mary jo...i too am on 2 mg. per night of xanax and am having a very hard time reducing or withdrawing. i want to get off it completely. has anything worked for you since your last posting? thanx peterg
Posted by FLMALE on May 12, 2001, at 18:14:17
In reply to Re: RE: All references to FLMALE, posted by pat123 on March 15, 2001, at 17:38:11
> > Please note that I can no longer accept e-mails to any postings referencing FLMALE, as these posts contain my E-mail. The owner of this website has the power to remove it and refuses to do so.
>
> You have the power not to post your e-mail address. If you post your e-mail address then expect to get e-mail at it or don't post it.
>
> PatThank you for your VERY intelligent response. However, one has the right to be willing to assist others in areas but to change his or her mind in the event that E-mails become overwhelming or abusive. You need to educate your thoughts quite a bit more. It is amazing that you can be so sarcastic. I am sure it will take you far in life!
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 12, 2001, at 19:59:51
In reply to Re: RE: All references to FLMALE, posted by FLMALE on May 12, 2001, at 18:14:17
> You need to educate your thoughts quite a bit more. It is amazing that you can be so sarcastic. I am sure it will take you far in life!
Please refrain from unsupportive comments and sarcasm, thanks.
Bob
PS: Any follow-ups regarding civility, if not redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration, may be deleted.
Posted by ginger C on October 6, 2003, at 15:39:50
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal » JudithC, posted by FLMALE on June 2, 2000, at 18:48:26
Anyone out there ever had a problem with xanax withdrawal? One of my employees has been taking 3mg a day for 12 years. She had to change psychiatrists because hers retired and her new doc accused her of being addicted to it. He then brought her down to 0.5mg once a day every other day and she is about to go insane. she is having severe mood swings which include crying spells and depression and angry outbursts. She isn't able to sleep which is not helping either. Has she been dropped too much at one time? Is there anything she could do to help her get through this?
Posted by Bobbi on October 22, 2003, at 23:46:15
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by ginger C on October 6, 2003, at 15:39:50
I am 80 years old and have never been on medication until my blood pressure went up to 188. Dr gave blood pressure pills and xanax. I did not know what xanax was so I did not take as much as directions said. I never took it every day, sometimes three days in a row and then nothing for two or three days. This has only been a little over a month. I deceided not to take it any more and went without it for six days, what up set stomach I had, thought I was going to die. Read the directions and it said not to withdraw suddenly, which I had done. I took half a tablet and stomach settled down. I am getting off this substance. Drugest said to take half a tablet for two weeks and then half every other day for two weeks. I AM GETTING OFF THIS MEDICATION! I am so surprised that I was given this drug and upset that I took it and now cannot stop taking it when I want to. If doctors know it is so addictive why do they give it? Will let you know in a month if I have been successful in withdrawal
Posted by glenn on October 24, 2003, at 4:45:15
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Bobbi on October 22, 2003, at 23:46:15
I am very sorry to hear of your difficulties, you are absolutely right you should have been given much more and clearer information about xanax and your medics are responsible for that!
However xanax has virtually given me my life back after nothing else including exercise, meditation, therapy and cbt were absolutely useless, and it doesn't hit back at you by saying you are not trying hard enough or don't really want to get well!!
Xanax ain't for everyone but please don't dismiss it so out of hand!
Posted by ian24 on October 25, 2003, at 23:46:47
In reply to Xanax Withdrawal, posted by Phyllis Chandler on August 7, 1998, at 16:38:29
It is hard to come off of. It took me 8 months. But it saved my mind for 2 years. So the trade off is worth it. I am in AA and it didnt make me want to drin, even during withdrawl. I actually used AA to get off of it. To me its like you get an enormous beneift if you have sever e anxiety and you realize that wehn you stio it'll be hard
Posted by KayLen on November 11, 2003, at 18:27:45
In reply to Re: Xanax Withdrawal, posted by ian24 on October 25, 2003, at 23:46:47
I wish I could offer some advice on detoxing from xanax . I can't I need help also.
Has anyone on xanax ever experienced temporary paralysis after long term use of xanax? I lose the use of my legs , there is no pain ...no warning except weakness,but temporarily
I literally can not walk...sometimes it seems to go up to my arms also but I am not sure that it is because my arms get tired of holding myself up on something. Or of trying to lift myself. It has lasted overnight just once and I can walk a few feet or yards if I rest {sitting ..not using my legs at all}
I am seeing doctors but am in the first visits so they are not talking yet ..just testing.
thank you .and good luck to all...being an addict is no fun..
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