Posted by Rick on November 6, 2001, at 21:03:48
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Depression » pat c., posted by SLS on November 6, 2001, at 12:04:08
While I see many recent reveiews that allude to Klonopin's beneficial serotonergic properties (though far outnumbered by reviews that warn of depression risk), recent sudies are few and far between -- for obvious economic and bias reasons. And as Scott personally attested, Klonopin really *does* seem to increase depression for some people even as it may help alleviate it for others. (Of course, I like to point out that if you look at the complete adverse effects list for any antidepressant, you'll always see depression!)
While there are several recent Medline abstracts suggestive of Klonopin antidepressant effects based on small open trials (the most recent studies were on individuals with chronic physical illnesses), the lab analyses of serotonergic effects were indeed older. And to the extent I can understand them, there wasn't exactly a consensus. Below are a few exmples. (First, though, is a small 1988 study of Klonopin for refractory depression.)
Rick
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3279721&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2415867&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2580249&dopt=Abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2418653&dopt=Abstract
> > Yeh, I definitely need to pursue the possibility Klonopin acts as an antidepressant.
> >
> > I'd love to live life without it, but I
> > can't be a hero. I'm tired of suffering.
> >
> > Klonopin works great with me (big-time atypical
> > depressant).
> >
> > I'd be interested in reading some of the references, that you mentioned, that indicate
> > that Klonopin works on Serotonin, as well as
> > GABA.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Pat
>
>
> Hi Pat.
>
> For me, Klonopin definitely has the ability to make me feel more depressed.
>
> Klonopin has been attributed pro-serotonergic properties for quite a few years. I remember this being the case as early as 1988. I believe you will find sufficient references on Medline.
>
> How sure are you that Klonopin is acting as an antidepressant for you, and why? I have no reason to think otherwise, but I am curious. I think Rick's perspective on the use of benzodiazepines is applicable, and I would not think of Klonopin as being some kind of demon if it is working for you. If it somehow leaves you more vulnerable to abusing other substances, that would be a different story.
>
> While we're on the subject, have you ever tried buspirone?
>
> Did Nardil poop-out on you, or did you discontinue it only because of weight-gain? I gained 40lbs. when I took Nardil as monotherapy. However, I experienced some weight loss when it was combined with desipramine. I believe that there is some reduction of appetite. Also, for me, there is a noticeable increase in basal metabolism as is evidenced by lipolysis, thermogenesis, and weight-loss when I experience a significant remission of depression. Although I have bipolar disorder, my depression is predominantly atypical with respect to vegetative features. However, there is no mood-reactivity.
>
> Do you experience mood-reactivity?
>
>
> - Scott
poster:Rick
thread:83124
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83390.html