Benzo and Barbituate Cross Tolerance (RX'd both)

[stillirie]

Yes I've already read the threads on this site and I assumed there would be a cross tolerance seeing as they both hit the GABA receptors. but maybe the mechanical action of the drug is out of wack. Anyway, I'm prescribed: (due to chronic Benzodiazepene therapy of HPPD and PTSD, plus possible thyroid problems) I'm at a 'maximum' of (prescribed to take as a max. limit) 8mg of Klonopin a day, 30mg of Valium, and 4-6mg of Xanax. I do not take these prescribed amounts as I know they will zombify me unless I'm on an opiate like Suboxone or something.

So anyway, today I got a script for Bitobarbital (Floricet, not Floricet #3 with Codiene) and I took about 4 (equivalent to about 200mg of it) took my 4mg of Klonopin and 20mg of Valium today and some Suboxone. Feeling just like I took benzos for the first time though. It must be the chemical reaction of Barbituates...but my benzo tolerance had little to no effect on the feeling of the Bitobarbital I'm on right now.

On: (as of this morning, cumulative)

• 4mg Klonopin
• 20mg Valium
• 600mg Neurontin
• 200mg Floricet (Bitobarbital)
• Homegrown White Widow

Shit definitely fucks with your motor skills and like I said, I feel its almost the first time I took benzos. What concerns me though is my thyroid problems (which is why I had the migraines last week to get prescribed bitobarb) but I thought there was cross-tolerance. Is it each to his own in this process or did I simply take too much for this particular Barbituate? This is the first one I've been prescribed and the only one I think I'll ever be prescribed, and it's not like yoou can find them on the street anymore; incredibly rare to get prescribed a barbiturate because I'm already on Benzos.

It brings up a number of worries because I'm currently prescribed (due to Aura Migraines, HPPD, PTSD, AD w/o Agoraphobia, and OCD) I am taking this every day:

1. Klonpin 4mg/d (2x/d) (prescribed to take 8, don't need to) [HPPD Baseline]
2. Valium 10-20mg/d (1-2x/d PRN) [HPPD co-adjutant treatment for muscle spasms)
3. Gabapentin (fresh out of these though; 600mg 3x/d) (anxiety and energy source0
4. Alprazolam 2mg (PRN) (don't take unless I need, mostly sell these because they're worth alot; I function fine on my other two benzos) (used for panic only)
5. Bitobarbital/APAP/Caff (PRN) (For aura migraines)
6. Ventolin HFL Inhaler (For when lungs get clogged up)
7. Benzonatate 100mg (2x/d PRN) (To help numb my cough reflex)

I am taking Suboxone at the moment as well and smoking some really good White Widow my boy just grew (homegrown FTW) so I'm just chilling and relaxed after a full day of classes on this rainy, murky day. Probably getting something to eat soon though.

Anyway, I'd just like some fellow BL opinions on this..I'm prescribed ALOT, I know this. After my thyroid testing is clear (I've gained weight!) in the next few weeks because I was losing weight like crazy because of an inflamed thyroid, I will be able to know I am physically okay after getting all my bloodwork and a full physical. Nothing wrong with my X-Ray, MRI shows disturbances typical or precursors to Aura Migraines, and HPPD traits as well.

I am in need of this medication, but I can't help but thinking they are simply throwing me down a path of destruction. And yes I know I'm taking Suboxone on and off; it helps SIGNIFICANTLY with my studies.

That's all. Feedback appreciated, thanks.

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

I can't help thinking you're right

doesn't seem to be interfering with your writing, interesting

many would die from the combination you're on (assuming PRN is used)

 

[stillirie]

My tolerance is a monster, but it has gone down quite a bit. I managed to taper down to 10mg Diazepam a day when I was tight, from 2mg+ Klonopin daily. As long as you have Benzos in the bloodstream, you'll be alright I'm prescribed long-acting benzos (this barb is 30hrs half life though!). I also know Benzos are a tool, not a toy. I take them as prescribed and what I'm oveprerscribed I keep. A real benzo addict would not be able to exert my level of self-control, because I've had my run-in with them too, just never barbs) I also thought about giving these a test run to see what they are capable of, and I'm going to be VERY careful with them, for my health and for legal issues. (Bad enough I'm prescribed 3 Schedule IV substances and now a Schedule III because of my condition)

EDit: I realize people would die, and nobody should be taking downers like me, but when you've been taking 4mg+ Klonopin & 20mg+ Diazepam/daily there's a difference. (sometimes Alprazolam)

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

Have you thought about switching psychiatrists to someone who dishes out only what you need?

 

[stillirie]

Have you thought about switching psychiatrists to someone who dishes out only what you need?

Have you heard of tunnel vision or not being able to see straight when I don't take my meds? My personal doctor is the head doctor at Northern Michigan University...the only treatment of my hallucinations is Benzodiazepene therapy. And for the record I'm already seeing a counselor, thanks.

Not trying to come off as rude, but people are criticizing me like I will die and they do not know my levels of tolerance.

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

It wasn't rude so much as snappy. I wouldn't have gotten offended, we just try to help here.

You yourself indicated that you don't take as much as you're prescribed.

FYI people who are addicted to benzodiazepines are on a different level (usually) than other drug addicts. Many don't get high nor want to yet they need their drug in order to stave off withdrawal.

Your judgement must be at least a little skewed being benzodiazepine dependent. That said, I don't say nor never said you couldn't use benzodiazepines responsibly, only that you're being prescribed five, five GABAergic drugs at not small doses and are not using all your medications, both of which are disconcerting, and that you might want to think about switching doctors. It doesn't matter what credentials someone has, they can still be irresponsible.

Who's criticizing?

 

[stillirie]

It wasn't rude so much as snappy. I wouldn't have gotten offended, we just try to help here.

You yourself indicated that you don't take as much as you're prescribed.

FYI people who are addicted to benzodiazepines are on a different level (usually) than other drug addicts. Many don't get high nor want to yet they need their drug in order to stave off withdrawal.

Your judgement must be at least a little skewed being benzodiazepine dependent. That said, I don't say nor never said you couldn't use benzodiazepines responsibly, only that you're being prescribed four, four GABAergic drugs at not small doses and are not using all your medications, both of which are disconcerting, and that you might want to think about switching doctors. It doesn't matter what credentials someone has, they can still be irresponsible.

Who's criticizing?

I have, but I don't think I'd get too much of a different response plus tapering off of Benzos is a bitch. I'm going to be using my barbs as a mediating tool for (obviously when I have headaches) but for when I'm low on benzos or I'm not on opiates and feel like shit, which, tends to happen the first couple days after a long run with any opioid. That's why I stocked up and you're right, I'm on 4 GABAergic drugs but I'm not as tolerant as I would be if I took my prescribed dose every day. I take what's needed to silence my hallucinations and the rest I save. I do not sell or anything, and yes, it's taking me a while to type this, that's why there are few grammar errors. Just prescribed them doesn't mean taking them is a needed factor. I have a legitimate need for my medication.

You're right, it could be skewed; that's why I'm here asking for advice.

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

Ok. What would you like me to help you with, if anything?

 

[stillirie]

Are Barbituates and Benzos truly cross-tolerant, even though I felt like I had no tolerance when I took it? And if so, how high will they bost my tolerance? (4-6mg/klonopin/20mg diaz/d) Won't be taking these unless I really need them (except for today/tonight which was a test run [Bitobarb has 30hr half-life]). Because I'm feeling GOOD. Don't know if the white widow had to do with anything.

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

They are cross-tolerant. Its difficult to say how much it would boost your tolerance, but chances are it will quite a bit if you're taking them in conjunction. They have different mechanisms but still end the same (increased GABA binding).

Do you get anxious off of pot? It is known to decrease GABA which your other drugs increase so you may need more to counter-act this.

Health-wise, weed strikes me as being better than any of your GABAergics, though I don't know if you have any mental illnesses which it could exacerbate.

 

[stillirie]

Yes I do, the best in town. I'm quite picky about my buds in fact...used to live in Northern California for two years (went to 4 year t.University there as well) and it's my DOC. The GABAergic effects are nice because I haven't felt anxious for a long time (unless I wait too long in the morning to take my dose because I'm stoned or something else is in the way, plus my benzo's are long-acting so it rarely happens. That's why i could taper to that dosage, but I didn't feel likr myself)

Drinking some cappuchino to keep myself from noddin and watching some TV. Going to get something to eat soon but it's pouring out and I son'r feel like doing shit. It' sad that it's comer to this. If I get my thyroid issuess figured out I may begin a taper regimen but that will be hell...don't know if I'm ready for tham

 

[orange floyd]

Just reading this thread makes me want to quit drugs... These GABAergics have you so fried that your responses are barely coherent, and take a few times reading through to understand what you're even referencing. You aren't even typing in full sentences, and it scares me to think that if my own Klonopin dose was ever raised a little that I might end up in the same position. I don't know your previous drug history, but I'd try and improve your diet or take some nootropics or SOMETHING... What were you abusing so much of that you need to be on all of this now?

 

[Psychedelic Jay]

First question... Where the fuck are your antipsychotics for your HPPD?

Second... Why are you on so many drugs?

I feel you are doping up unnecessarily...

Your problems are only going to get worse.

 

[stillirie]

First question... Where the fuck are your antipsychotics for your HPPD?

Second... Why are you on so many drugs?

I feel you are doping up unnecessarily...

Your problems are only going to get worse.

I've been on Seroquel (as high as 400mg) Citalopram, Imipramine, Clomipramine, Zyprexa, etc. Nothing seems to work although I've named off more more anti-depressants than AP's. Anti-psychotics tend to leave me disoriented and way out of it; I can't take them while I'm taking 18 credits at school.. Now, why I'm on this many drugs. Have you ever woken up and seen your ceiling racing toward from you and the end of your bedroom falling away from you? Yeah, that combined with my PTSD flashbacks (I have HPPD from LSD, particularly a bad acid trip) it keeps me from itching in my own skin. It's a problem, but hopefully if my thyroid levels come back clean I'll be able to begin taper regimen.

Dude above me, be glad your not where I am plus you don't have these mental diseases I do. You don't have to deal with this kind of shit all the time. That's why I've been on LONG TERM therapy, (my doctor had to advise a board of doctors and treatment was approved) therefore tolerance increases so enhance efficacy of drug along with other benefactors = high doses of multiple benzos (1 strictly PRN) and a barb for aura migraines.

As far as the Suboxone goes, that's so I have energy and I can put in a lot of work. History major, Applied Ethics minor here at University living on one of the apartments on campus. Yes, I got tore up last night haha. But you guys are merely bashing me when I've seen people that have been WAY worse. I've been to rehab for Alcohol, but I don't drink anymore. I'm following my doctor's orders and my diagnosis is this:

Gray's Disease (possibly)
HPPD
PTSD
OCD
AD w/o Agoraphobia
Panic Attacks/Manic Attacks

I'm fine, I was just giving bitobarb a test run. You sleep very hard on that shit. (went to bed shortly after my last post) Great nod, but can't get work done. It's 7:06AM here, gonna smoke a bowl and get ready for my 8am class. Need money for a coffee too.

What are Nootropics and how can they help me?