Just trying to make it through the day!

Oh how I hate anxiety. I was doing great on all my meds (150mg Wellbutrin, 7.5mg remeron for sleep, and .5mg twice a day of Clonazepam for anxiety). I got really sick a couple of weeks ago with a sinus infection. Did not go away so I had to go back to the Urgent Care got perscribed Levaquin for a respiratory infection. That is the worst antibiotic ever. I was fine for the first couple of days then on the 3-5 day my whole body started to hurt. By day 8-9 I had body aches and stomach upset. I didn't take my 10th day pill. I was healed but a couple of weeks later I started having uncontrollable anxiety. I spoke to my Psych doctor and she said that was the worst medicine the doctor could have given me. Now I have to try to get my body back to normal. I am now taking .5mg of Colanezpam 3 times a day and she has increased my Remeron to 15mg. I am  still having anxiety...just not as bad! Not sleeping as good as I want since she increased my dose of Remeron. It is less sedating in higher dosages plus I have crazy dreams all night. I just started this new regimen 3 days ago. Do you think it might take a week or two for my system to calm down and also adjust to the meds. I called in sick from work yesterday and today since I am overloaded with anxiety! Also, my doctor mentioned once I get back on track that she is going to cut back my Clonazepam. Is there a reason why I can't be on this med too long? That's just going to give me anxiety all over again.

[lynn57]

Sorry for all your trouble.  I took an antibiotic once that screwed up my whole system.  Took awhile to get back to normal, but you will.  Your doctor was probably talking about cutting you back to your regular dose of Klonopin 2X per day.  After you are feeling better the old dose should be OK.

[BluCrystal]

Hi.  I have recently been switched from ativan to clonazepam.  I now take zoloft 100mg 1x a day, clonazepam .05mg 2x a day, and still tapering off the ativan.  All of these kinds of meds can take up to two weeks to begin working correctly, as it takes awhile for your brain to adjust to the new chemicals.  Also, it is important to remember that all of these meds can have a negative interaction with many other drugs, even some OTC ones.  Always tell your doctor what you take already, and ask your pharmacist about interactions before purchasing a new drug.  I do this religiously, and have avoided several bad ideas because I got the right information.  Melatonin (OTC 1mg) is an excellent sleep aid and does not interact with the drugs you take.  It is the natural chemical your brain produces when it's time for sleep, and adding a bit more doesn't hurt.  Do not take more than 1mg of Melatonin at a time, as this can cause nightmares.  You can add by 1mg at a time if you feel it's not working.  As far as clonazepam, I have been told by my doctor that it is okay to take long-term.  It stays in your system longer, so keeps you steady for a longer period of time (about 12 hours).  Your doctor may feel that lowering your dosage of this will be enough to control your anxiety without causing negative effects from having too much in your system.  I hope this helps! - Blu