drug interactions

[Chunk215]

I have been on xanax 2mg/day for 5 years. I am tapering off, medically supervised. I am now prescribed .5mg xanax 2times a day 20 mg of valium at bed time along with lexapro and trazadone (if needed). I am also prescribed 100mg neurontin 3 times per day in between the xanax to help with withdrawal symptoms.
Is this a safe cocktail and is it hard to get off neurontin?

[nursegirl6572]

First and foremost, it's great that you're doing this under the supervision of a doctor.  There aren't any major contraindications, but of course, one always has to be cautious, especially when taking multiple meds, especially psych meds.  Of course, any questions or concerns should always be directed to your doctor.  Never be hesitant to contact your doc with questions or concerns.  The biggest concern for me would be that many of the drugs can cause drowsiness, so until you see how you will react, be careful driving (and operating heavy machinery....no bulldozers!!  lol)

Valium is commonly used to help a person taper off another benzo.  All of those meds are medications that should be tapered off if a person has been taking them regularly for any period of time.  The Neurontin should also be tapered off when you're done with it, unless you were only taking it for a week or two.  

I'm assuming the Trazadone is being prescribed as needed for sleep?  If you're only taking that here and there, it shouldn't be an issue when it's time to stop.  I would recommend trying to only take it when you really need it.  I'm a believer that less is more when it comes to meds, so if you can minimize the amount of meds you're taking, it's better for you in the long run.  

The Lexapro is a med that takes time (about 4-6 weeks) before a person will be able to see obvious improvements.  Sometimes too, a person will end up needing a higher dose to achieve the desired level of efficacy, so it's important to continue taking that as prescribed and give it time.  Sometimes, it can take a few months until a med like Lexapro is working to its full capacity, and to determine an appropriate dose.

"neurontin is a weaker form of lyrica "

That's not accurate.  While the meds are SIMILAR, they are not the same.

Good luck to you!  Remember to keep in touch with your doctor!

[poopieskoopie]

The mix is completely safe. The only drug in the cocktail that is physically addicting is the valium but absolutely neccessary right now because your dose of xanax is cut in half. Although it is another benzo it is far weaker than the xanax and given to prevent seizures  during detox. The trazadone is a mild psychotropic with anti-depressant properties largely prescribed for sleep. The lexapro is another anti-depressant with anti anxiety qualities. The whole approach from your doctor is to treat your anxiety without the use of benzos. I'm sure he will reduce the amounts slowly as the other meds have time to to take effect. Neurontin (gabapentin/a chemical already found in the brain) will simply enhance your brains ability to produce dopamine which in turn produces a calm and well being more naturally than a benzo. As with any detox the slower you go the better. Now would be a good time to learn some stress/anxiety coping skills so you can succeed without the meds. Good luck.

[VICourageous]

Yes I would say it is a mix. What I do not understand is why the Xanax and the Valium together?? They both are a benzo. I took a benzo at night to come down from my drugs during the day. I know they use the Trazadone for sleep during the detox off of other meds. And they use the neurontin for the RLS coming off the drugs. BUT the benzo and the sleeping pill does not seem to be a good mix at all. I do not know you history but I would wonder why such a cocktail of meds to come off of One..And the lexapro is a AD right? So I just do not know why but maybe your Dr knows why?? I wish you the best.
Bless

[meegWpaw]

Ok, I see.  Yeah I know people who have taken that but I do not know much about it personally.  I still think those are a lot of meds to be on at the same time.

[Chunk215]

neurontin is a weaker form of lyrica

[meegWpaw]

Chunk there is hardly anyone on line right now here, so you might have to wait.  I don't have a lot of knowledge about Neurontin, the rest of the meds sound pretty intense to be taking all at the same time imo, but I am not really qualified to answer fully.  these are all prescribed by the same doctor?  if not, is there one doctor who knows your complete medical history?