Posted by Viridis on August 3, 2003, at 23:10:09
In reply to Re: New on Klonopin, posted by Capri on August 3, 2003, at 21:57:13
Hi Capri,
Well, my official diagnosis is panic disorder and major depressive disorder, and I do have periodic clusters of genuine panic attacks when not on benzos. But really, it seems to be more a pattern of escalating anxiety (GAD?), eventually leading to panic and then severe depression. This is complicated by a diagnosis of ADD, for which I also take meds (Adderall and Strattera).
My psychiatrist and I pretty much agree that the "flow diagram" is: ADD -- leads to anxiety -- gets worse and worse, with obsessive tendencies -- causes major, agitated depression. The pattern repeats without meds, and has done so fairly predictably since I was about five years old (i.e., as long as I can remember). I had a very nice childhood and have a highly supportive family, so it's not some trauma issue etc.
Klonopin is the key to stopping the cycle, and the other meds I take just make things better all around. I'm a big advocate of K, since it's so effective (for me, at least) for anxiety, and has no side effects beyond what I experienced in the first week or two. I've had my share of substance abuse problems in the past and discussed this extensively with my pdoc, but benzos have absolutely no appeal for me re: recreational use. At the right dose they work, and any more makes me sleepy. I don't buy the "addiction" nonsense at all -- some people no doubt abuse them, but this is rare, and inconceivable to me. They just do their job, and that's it.
As I've mentioned before, every AD I've tried has had severe side effects, and my pdoc agrees that these meds (SSRIs and Wellbutrin at least) are simply not appropriate for some people.
I'd give K a try (for at least two weeks, because you may feel a bit spaced out at first), and my guess is that you'll feel a whole lot better.
BTW, I declined Depakote too, based on the reports of emotional blunting and weight gain. My pdoc was cool with this, and is very pleased with my reaction to Klonopin.
Good luck!
Viridis
poster:Viridis
thread:247545
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030802/msgs/247918.html