Posted by Rick on December 13, 1999, at 10:19:43
In reply to Re: Clonazepam Trial for Social Phobia, posted by Louise on December 13, 1999, at 6:42:43
> Rick,
>
> I honestly don't understand why people get so
defensive when I and others point out this
potential side effect with Klonopin. No, Klonopin
can actually cause depression in some people. I
didn't know anything about Klonopin until after
several successful years of taking Xanax and
deciding that I wanted to try the longer-lasting
Klonopin. My pdoc placed me on Klonopin with
absolutely no information or warnings about it.
>
> If I were depressed, my pdoc would have me on
anti-depression medication, but that has never
been my problem. I have general anxiety disorder,
and even though I have always done adequately
socially, my social life has greatly improved
since the anxiety is under control.
>
> Why can't you just tell people that for some
reason depression can be a potential side effect
with a small percentage of people who take
Klonopin? It bothers me greatly when people
assume that only those who are "depression-prone"
will get it. That simply is not always the case.
>
> Louise
>
>
Louise -Why does it always seem we're always arguing when we bascically agree? Again, I concur that Klonopin can indeed cause depression in some people. And yes, it is more likely to do so than, say, Xanax. I was just trying to put some relevant context around this fact, namely that the people in whom Klonopin induces depression already suffer some kind of chronic mental disorder (GAD would certainly qualify) or physical illness, which -- as any pdoc would agree -- makes them more prone to depression a priori. Why else would they be taking Klonopin?
Do you know some study of the side effects of Klonopin on volunteers with no chronic physical illness, mental disorder, or history of illicit drug use? If so, please share.
P.S. Unfortunately, I won't have any time to "babble" for awhile, so if you wish to continue this discussion, I won't be able to respond.
----
> > Louise -
> >
> > I don't think my phrase "depression prone" was
wrong so much as redundant. Anyone with a chronic
disorder or illness, be it mental (panic disorder,
social phobia) or physical (heart disease,
diabetes, Pakinson's) is statistically more likely
to have or develop clinical depression. And if
you're taking Klonopin, then you certainly have a
chronic illness or disorder of some sort. So, in
a sense this POTENTIAL side effect of Klonopin is
more precisely a "potentiator" than a "cause".
And that certainly is a valid consideration (one
of many) to throw in the hopper when choosing
meds.
> >
> > From medical journal articles I've read, the
general wisdom seems to be that panic sufferers
are among the most prone to this potential side
effect. Isn't that what you were taking Klonopin
for?
> >
> > Several related ironies:
> > -- Klonopin is often used short-term to
potentiate anti-depressants
> > -- Depression is listed as a possible side
effect
> > for most anti-depressants. One study of
240
> > panic sufferers showed a fairly high
> > incidence of depression as a side-effect of
> > SSRI's (incidentally, Klonopin did not
induce
> > depression in any of the subjects).
> > -- Many other drugs list depression as a
possible
> > side effect, including beta blockers and
> > dopamine agonists used in Parkinson's (and
off-
> > label for psychotropic purposes).
> >
> >
> > Rick
> > ----
> > > Rick,
> > >
> > > I'd like to point out that Klonopin doesn't
necessarily *encourage* depression in
"depression-prone people". By all accounts I've
read and every pdoc I've talked with, Klonopin can
actually *cause* depression in SOME people.
Although I don't take an A/D and never had ongoing
depression previously, I developed severe
depression while on Klonopin. According to a pdoc
whose opinion I respect, the percentage rate for
developing depression on Klonopin is fairly high.
I'm not trying to scare anyone who wants to try
Klonopin because it can work wonders, but if you
do try it be aware that depression can be a
potential side effect just in case it happens to
you.
> > >
> > > Louise
> > >
> > >
> > > > I'd stop here, but must add one very
important note: Unlike you, I do not suffer from
depression. Klonopin alone certainly won't treat
depression, and in fact in some depression-prone
people may actually *encourage* depression after
extended usage. Have you tried Serzone or Manerix
(not available in U.S., but doc can order from
Canada)? These tend to have fewer side effects,
especially sexually and weight-related, although
some people find Serzone sedating; have both
supposedly shown some degree of benefit for Social
Phobia; and can both be used with Klonopin. Also,
if you are not sensitive to its side effects (such
as dizziness or fatigue -- NOT sexual problems)
the GAD med BuSpar is said to be an effective
*antidepressant* at high doses (min 60-90 mg).
Indeed, there is some anecdotal evidence that
HIGH-DOSE BuSpar can help alleviate Social Phobia.
> > > >
> > > > Good luck to you.
> > > >
> > > > Rick
> > > > -----
> > > > > Hi,
> > > > >
> > > > > Have spent the weekend researching
new/old meds for my GAD/Social Phobia/Depression.
I have tried just about all the SSRI's. Effexor
was probably gave me the least amount of effects
however if the benefits had been good I would
still be on it. I have gone for a long period
without medication and am now ready to try again.
> > > > >
> > > > > I would sure appreciate info on
clonazepam, dosages, effects, withdrawal,
long-term use, benefits. I am interested in this
one because it is the least upsetting to the
system. I am just in no mood to deal with weight
gain, dizzyness and all that crap again.
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks guys for your support.
> > > > >
> > > > > Michele
poster:Rick
thread:16763
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991212/msgs/16819.html