Posted by Viridis on April 3, 2003, at 22:01:32
In reply to Anxiety causing Depression? SBOATRN, posted by bretbe on April 3, 2003, at 10:25:46
Hi Bretbe,
I can relate to that -- I experience episodes of extremely agitated depression during which it's almost impossible to sleep or eat, and I worry obsessively about problems that at other times I might just shrug off. I've always been this way, but since starting Klonopin a couple of years ago at a low dose (1 mg/day), I just don't get into that state of mind any more. I also use Xanax occasionally, if things are really stressful. For me, small amounts of benzos make a huge difference.
I also experience another "kind" of depression, less focused and more hopeless-feeling. It isn't nearly as bad as the anxiety-based depression, and comes and goes even when I'm on benzos. A small dose of Adderall (actually prescribed for ADD) really helps with this. The Klonopin-Adderall mix is very good for me. I also take Neurontin, which doesn't seem to do much, but my pdoc thinks it may help with stability. It has no side effects for me.
BTW, I had a terrible time with Wellbutrin and SSRIs. I haven't tried Ritalin; my pdoc and I discussed it, but he predicted that it would be too "harsh" for me, whereas he guessed that Adderall would be a better fit (and it's worked very well). So, just maybe, a trial of low-dose Adderall with Klonopin would be worth it for you. I also did quite well with Provigil (Modafinil) plus Klonopin; it was energizing yet not anxiety-provoking, just didn't help enough with concentration. Several people here find it has good antidepressant effects, and I'd certainly use it again.
These are just some ideas, since your situation sounds similar to mine. There's a very high probability that some combo will prove effective; the trial and error is just so frustrating, but worth it when you finally find the right treatment. Good luck!
poster:Viridis
thread:214700
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030402/msgs/216033.html