Posted by Chinaski on April 19, 2007, at 1:10:52
In reply to Benzo induced anhedonia, posted by falconman on April 6, 2007, at 15:32:11
> Hi,
> I've been taking Clonazepam(Klonopin) for about 6 years at 2-4mg/d. Do you think this could be the course of emotional numbing.
> ThanksI am convinced Ativan has worsened my anhedonia symptoms. I take 4-5mg of Ativan a day for around 15 months now, plus 3mg of Lunesta to sleep is worthy of mention as well. Unfortunately after literally trying everything else (all SSRIs, tricyclics, remeron, wellbutrin, luvox and even the atypical anti-psychotics) nothing worked to relieve my plethora of anxiety symptoms with OCD being the biggie. I noticed immediately when I started the ativan and especially as the dosage was increased a noted lack of ability to enjoy things. It's a double edged sword as someone else so accurately said in this thread.
Lately anhedonia symptoms have been more troublesome and a lengthy discussion was had with my psychiatrist about it recently. I know going off the benzos would result in a much worse alternative as my OCD and other anxiety issues were unbearable, much worse than dealing with the anhedonia. Adding an anti-depressant would make sense if you can find one that works and doesn't have awful side effects. Personally I haven't found one yet, and it wasn't the sides that were the problem, they all just made me feel awful and usually with worsened anxiety. I really just don't handle psychotropics well.
Like others said you can also play with the dosages and that may help, and also consider switching. Klonopin is known for causing some depression and I know I felt it in my brief usage of it. Maybe even split it with half klonopin and half ativan/xanax. Obviously discuss with your doctor.
Please post back about your results trying to combat the anhedonia.
poster:Chinaski
thread:747588
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070413/msgs/751258.html