klonapin and methadone

[mouse309]

Please help. My 21 yr old son is taking MEthadone. The Dr put him on 4 mg of klonapin daily with the Meth. His pupils are like pinpricks, he is edgy, falls asleep, eyes sometimes roll up, is clumsy, argumentative - his persopnality completely different. I can't take him out in publlic. I am scared to death. He does not even notice that he is not himself. I monitor his Klon intake but don't if he is taking somesothing else -- pot? I want to cut him back on the Klon. Would the Klon and Meth produce this behavior? Or is it something else.  PLEASE help -- I am so afraid he is going to overdose.

[sadinmichigan]

How many mgs of methadone is your son on?? It sounds like either the 2 meds are not working together..(which is a benzo) and they are typically not supposed to be taken together. How long has he been acting like this..it definitley could be something else he's doing. I was on methadone and I didn't nod out while I was on it..I also took xanax .He is maybe taking too much Klonopin..how long had he been on that..

[mouse309]

He is taking 90 Meth. He has been acting like this since going on the Klon - about 3 days ago.. He is in complete denial regarding his behavior. I only gave him 1/2 of Klon today (1mg). He is beyond pissed at me. He would act like this when he was taking xanax (not prescribed) and smoking pot with the Meth. I cannot get him to even consider detox and rehab. Help.

[sadinmichigan]

As much as you want to help him..there is nothing you can do..If he doesn't want help there is absolutely nothing you can do except..do not enable him to continue this way. I know your worried..Does he live with you? Is he working? I would say it is time for some tough love..I have had to do it and it's hard..but if he can get away with that behavior with you..he will continue. I am sorry he is on methadone..that is a wicked med..can I ask why he is on such a powerful and addicting drug>.

[mouse309]

He lives with his dad - who is angry and not much help. I see my son daily and keep in close contact with him. He started Methadone a month ago for Oxy abuse. By the way, I have an older son who is also started MEthadone same time - he has been in countless rehab programs (over the last 7 yrs), jail, etc. He is doing great right now but it has been very long and painful process. He says this is the besst he has felt and is prospering. Younger one works but I don't how he is holding onto his job. I am sad and completely burned out from this road. Thank you so much for helping.

[sadinmichigan]

I am so sorry that you are going through this. It's not easy being a parent is it..I have had my share of **** with mine too..sometimes you think it could kill you. But..they make their own decisions and it's hard to just sit back. The only thing you can do is be there for them when they want help or to make things right..Hang in there..your welcome to pm me anytime if you want to talk..

[mouse309]

Bless you. I have been struggling with this on my own. You feel so helpless. It's your child and as a parent its in your makeup to try and protect/save/etc. In the meantime, you have to earn a living, try to have relationships with other people....Again, thank you.

[sadinmichigan]

it is a very helpless feeling. And of course the hardest thing is to let go..My daughter is 22 and has been missing now for almost 8 months..she didn't leave on bad terms..I have stuff in my journal about it..it's tough..it really hurts deep inside..and can bring a grown man to his knees..but we have to stay strong ,so we are able to be there. and..your welcome hun..I cry many nights..

[wannabefree330]

wow you two, powerful stuff!!!

that dose of klonopin is a high dose. The usual starting dose is 0.5mg three times a day.  This is then increased every few weeks by 0.5mg-1mg to see how it is tolerated.  The maximum daily dose is 20mg.  So he's at a hefty dose to start w/.  You are wise in lowering the med, but the doctor needs to know.   If you think the behavior started at the time he started that med, then chances are that's whats causing it.  I think the combo of the two-methadone and klonopin- are reacting and causing it.  In some people, meds have the opposite reaction.  What should make him calm and collected, can aggitate him.  If you can, notify the MD about it ASAP.  I bet he stops the med.  Ohh, i'm so sorry you are having to deal with all this.  We as addicts just don't have any idea what we do to those who love us.  He is extremely lucky to have you.  My parents didn't give a damn about me, so he's so lucky!  I think sadinmichgan is right, gonna have to show some tough love.....easier said than done.  I'll be praying for you and your son.

[oceanfamily1992]

I'm so sorry you have a child who is addicted to meds.. My oldest is but 14, but I can well imagine the sense of powerlessness and fear you must be experiencing.

I wanted to tell you that while taking pain meds (prescribed by a dr. for pain), I couldn't see myself clearly, and couldn't see the impairment others saw.  I thought I was fine to drive when I really wasnt.  My sleepiness was just "i'm tired."  My eyes are always pinpoint on pain meds...that is a normal thing.  You know your son better than I, but it's possible that he's not in denial as much as he is blind to himself.

If he's been this  way since jst since starting the klonopin is 3 days ago, then logic says it's the klonopin causing these symptoms.  Mixing anti-anxiety drugs with methadone is risky business, says my doctor, but done if the patient needs relief from symptoms. The patient should be monitored, and under the regular care of a physician.  In my opinion, your son seems too sedated, and I would suggest he take less of the klonopin.

God bless you.
Catherine

[FriaryGrad]

I'm so sorry that you're having such a hard time.  Have you considered finding an Al-Anon meeting, which is the support group for family members of addicts?  You'll find a lot of people who understand what you're going through, will never judge you or your son, but will try to help you deal with all that is going on in your life. I'm the addict in my family, but I know they found Al-Anon helpful in understanding addiction, but also in understanding what would and wouldn't be helpful for them to do, if they really want to help me, but not enable me. It worked, too.  With all of us pulling together, I'm approaching 4 years clean and sober.  I will pray for you and your son, and hope you will consider finding a way not to shoulder this huge burden alone.  Take care,

[mouse309]

To everyone-
Thank you so much for all your support. I woke up this morning to all of your support. I have felt so frustrated and alone and now feel like I have a 'family' that understands this. My son was over last night demanded his prescription of Klon - I held firm. He got fired from his job yesterday and was especially angry. God Bless all of you - thank you so much for your prayers.

[FriaryGrad]

Just hang in there....hum Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" under your breath if you need to. My favorite part is the stanza that says "If I have to I can do ANYTHING" -- I Am Woman.
You're doing the right thing by your son, but don't forget to take care of yourself, and remember when it comes to his addiction, you didn't cause it, you can't control it, and you can't cure it.  Only he can do that.  You CAN take care of yourself -- and MUST>