Has anyone had bad experiences with lithium combined with Klonopin, to sleep ?

Question

I don't even think, that I am bipolar, just that I suffer from anxiety and depression. On Lithium I am unable to concentrate or focus properly. I feel like eating and sleeping all the time and have repeated motions, ie: put milk in my cereal put the milk back in the fridge and repeated the action? (milk overflowing) scary, like a stepford wife!!! can anyone relate to this? have been on this for almost a month!

Answer 1

lithium inhibits the mind.

is the ulitma option.

I take 175mg of lamotrigine and I help with benzodiazepines for calm (lexotan, tavor)

you must absolutely not take the neuroleptics

because medicines are more harmful

hours for example I feel a bit about morals

and I think that tonight I can not sleep

but never again not take the antipsychotic

Answer 2

Is Lithium the first bipolar med you have been on?  Have you had your blood levels drawn?  It is easy to go toxic on Li when you are first starting as each person adjusts to a different level.  You need to get in and see your doc.

For some people with severe bipolar disorder, it is the only thing that works.  For others, the side effects are intolerable.  It sounds like this drug might not work for you.  There are several antiepeliptic medications on the market that can work as a mood stabilizer.  I also know BP friends who are on antipsychotics either as a mood stabilizer or sleep.  These are usually in much smaller doses than used for psychosis.

Did you ask your doctor why they dxed you as bipolar?  I know even with bipolar 2 (no mania) they stay away from antidepressants because they can trigger mania.  If you don't really have bipolar you might ask to try them (and I don't think the 'newer' non SSRI antidepressants all have the same effect).  Ultimately, the med decisions are between both you and your doctor.  Communicating your thoughts and concerns are important on finding the right fit.

There are always other options that could help: diet, exercise, sitting in front of a light box, sleep schedule and routine...  Of course if there is a biological imbalance those will help in your daily life but it will not correct the problem.

Also, don't go off the meds without consulting your doctor.  That could make you feel worse.  As for Klonopin, if you are taking the prescribed small dose, it should make you less anxious and nothing more.  For some people it will make them sleepy calm, but the half-life doesn't allow the time to keep you asleep the whole night and tired the next day.

I'm sorry you are feeling so horrible.

EDIT:

"Consumers should tell their doctor immediately if they develop lack of coordination, muscle weakness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, or an increase in tremors or shaking. These symptoms may be a sign of having too much lithium in the body which requires medical attention."