Posted by Polarbear206 on September 18, 2008, at 8:16:31
In reply to Re: PLEASE HELP ME!!! (I'm Desperate), posted by streetsk8er794 on September 17, 2008, at 23:17:20
> Polarbear,
>
> I definitely believe that my depression is a direct result of my long term klonopin use. I've been on 2 mg a day for over 6 months. Before the klon, I was not really depressed. Depression seems to only be a problem when I'm in active addiction, or on any medication.
>
> In jail, where I got no meds obviously, I got to really analyze myself without any drug (prescribed or legal), to really analyze myself.
>
> The ONLY reason things like going to work, or getting visits, or talking on the phone were such a chore, was because of my social anxiety. I did not find it hard to get out of bed. I COULD enjoy things.
>
> It all boils down to this: I cant just quit klonopin cold turkey, and I need the stimulants to counter the sedative/unmotivating side effects of the klonopin in order to function at work.
>
> I just ran for about 3 miles, and I feel so motivated, less anxiety, more confident, more relaxed. I will keep running daily, but I dont know what to do about my meds.
>
> The stims have made me break out with pimples everywhere (not good for confidence), made me lose tons of weight (I used to weigh a healthy 175 lbs, now I weigh 138), and made my OCD significantly worse. But, they have helped me tremendously to stay sober, do well at work, and get more things done in general.
>
> The klonopin was great for anxiety at first, and its still helping somewhat; but I dont like how its creating depression.
>
> Maybe i should just wean down to 1 mg klon per day, keep the stim dose, and add an anti-depressant like Lexapro or Nardil.
>
> And yes, I have been looking into bipolar II, I'm just not sure I have it yet. I need to do some more research.
>
> All I know is that my P-Doc appt is coming up soon, and I NEED to know what to tell him. I do not feel like waiting yet again another month to try something.
>
> Input.Can you give me a list of drugs that you have taken in the past?
If you feel you need the stim, I would go with something like Concerta instead of something like Ritalin. Give Lexapro a try. Don't completely wean off the klonopin while your adding new meds. Do it very slowly. Yes, 2mg a day can contribute to some depresssion. I only use it on a as needed basis when I get a little wired and can't sleep. I take Effexor and it has been the best AD I have ever been on. You really should keep a daily journal and keep track of your sleep, mood, anxiety levels, energy, etc... It really helps to get more of a clear cut picture of whats going on. It also helps your doctor to know all of this. I did this and would take it along to my appointments. How many times do we forget to tell the doctor things after we leave?? I know I have in the past. I also went jogging yesterday. Exercise is a great stress buster. Keep doing it!!
poster:Polarbear206
thread:852205
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080915/msgs/852620.html