Posted by Phoenix1 on January 13, 2008, at 23:28:50
In reply to Re: Klonopin/Clonazepam worsens my depression??? » Phoenix1, posted by SLS on January 13, 2008, at 20:47:48
> > Hi all,
> >
> > So I am basically off clonazepam. I can go 2-3 days with 0mg clonazepam and not feel any ill effects. But I still take it when my anxety gets really high, every once in a while. I find I need 2mg to do anything about anxiety.
> >
> > But my post is regarding something I've noticed. When I do take Clonazepam, it relieves my anxiety, but the next 2 days or so my depression comes back quite badly. It's like it cancels out the Nardil. Can anyone explain this?
>
> I don't have a quick answer as to how it happens, but it does happen. I found that clonazepam was depressogenic for me.
>
> It has been quite awhile since I studied the mechanisms that might be responsible for this, but my guess is that it is the "mood stabilizer" and anti-manic properties of this drug that might be responsible for its worsening of depression.
>
> My brain didn't seem to like clonazepam the last time I took it with an MAOI (clorgyline). It flattened my affect and made me feel more depressed.
> This occurred within hours of taking my first dose.
>
> > What's going on?
>
> What's going on is that your brain is reacting to clonazepam by making you feel depressed. Kind of a "duh" answer, I know. Just know that you are not the only one for whom clonazepam is depressogenic. Perhaps Ativan or Xanax would be better choices for you. If I recall, clonazepam has some pro-serotonergic effects. This might cause the depression in dopaminergic neurotransmission noted for this compound.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>Scott,
Thanks for that (very) thoughtful follw up. I appreciate it. Clonazepam is definitely depressogenic for me, and it lasts for at least 24-48 hours. Not good when trying to recover from depression and srt out whther the Nardil is working optimally.
I think I'll ask the Doctor for prn Ativan prescription instead of the daily Klonopin... For some reason in Canada, Xanax is a leper that is prescribed by no doctor. (that i've ever seen).
The problem is, that my pdoc will see this as an opportunity to remove me off benzos completely (his #1 goal, and I have mixed feelings) and will probably give me 10 x 0.5mg Ativan which will do nothing for anxiety. But that's another issue.
Again, thanks for your thoughts. You're so knowledgeable, and I know you don't have a lot of time to post, so I appreciate your response.
Phoenix1
poster:Phoenix1
thread:806239
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080105/msgs/806311.html