Antibiotic vs. benzo

[requiemblue]

I have a very pressing dilemma. I am 10+ years dependent on (now) 6mg of Klonopin per day for major panic disorder/ agoraphobia. My problem is this: I have a severe urinary tract infection and they cultured it and it requires a fluoroquibolone. I've been prescribed Levaquin and Cipro. I refuse to take them because they INTERACT horribly with my K. They put me in withdrawal, I don't understand.

I don't know what to do. Cure the UTI or not go into w/d, electric shocks, myoclonus? Someone with knowledge of pharms, please help me. Sorry for the disorganized post. I have a fever. Thank you.

 

[requiemblue]

Ps I've told my doctors this and they say it's "all in my head" and they don't interact and to shut up and take them. Won't give me something else.

 

[pasha]

homeless -> basic drug discussion

 

[Kittycat5]

It is well known that quinolones can cause CNS side effects. Dizziness, tremors, anxiety and even seizures have been reported. While not fully elucidated, it seems that they have affinity for GABA receptors and NMDA receptors as an antagonist of the former and an agonist of the latter. This could very well be why you are experiencing those symptoms, but to be honest have never heard of a quinolone causing benzo w/d.

Levaquin seems to cause less CNS effects in most and is a broader spectrum antibiotic. Not treating a UTI could be bad news. Did the culture show susceptability to anything besides quinolones?

 

[Leegrow]

^This sounds true

 

[requiemblue]

Kittycat, thank you so much for responding. They said it is "gram negative" (?) and I requested Bactrim, but they said that won't kill it.

I fear I may have to bite the bullet and take the Levaquin; as I'm getting pains in my back and I know that could possibly be my kidneys. It saddens me I'm so dependent on the benzo I notice any interaction.

 

[Kittycat5]

I am thinking this is probably an infection caused by E. coli. It is gram negative, causes 75-90% of UTIs and resistance to Bactrim is increasing rapidly. If so, Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) may be an alternative. Now of course, you need to talk to your doctor to find these things out but it is worth a phone call.

But please, do not use my post as a reason to not take the Levaquin. They did culture the causative organism so it is not like they are using empiric therapy. But saying it is all in your head is also unacceptable in my mind.

 

[requiemblue]

Kittycat,
I just wanted to update you on the outcome. I started vomiting and getting confused last night so I am now writing to you from the hospital where i am getting (forced, lol) IV antibiotics (quinolones) and hefty IV Ativan because the admitting doctor reiterated exactly what you said: about CNS hyperactivity w/ these class of meds.
He said they compete on the GABA receptor for space. Thank you for validating me and answering me.
I think this is important for benzo dependent people to know when it comes to these antibiotics.

 

[Kittycat5]

Sorry you had to go through this whole ordeal, requiemblue. I really hope the quinolone was the only choice as I would hate to think breezing over a patients concerns may have lead to a hospitalization. The only saving grace is that if anything further arises, you will have a whole healthcare team to treat you. Take care and get well soon.