Posted by ricker on August 2, 2008, at 23:13:28
In reply to Re: Taking Klonopin for severe social phobia » ricker, posted by Phillipa on August 2, 2008, at 20:28:16
> Rick been on benzos for over 35 years and they still work for you? First panic attack at age 24 in 60's now and back on valium. Pdoc just gave a script for xanax. I once became suicidal although I wasn't on klonopin. Can you direct me as I've googled so much to see if I could find something on klonopin as a mood stabalizer. My depression started with lymes disease and thyroid disfunction . Thanks Phillipa
Hi Phillipa,
Can you imagine if we had todays support system back then? Internet chat rooms, an educated public .... I often thought I was the only person in the world with this strange "freaking out" disorder!
I was certain I would not fly over the the cuckoo's nest, I was heading straight for the funny-farm!Anyway, I really believe rivitrol is as much a mood stabilzer as it is a sedative. Granted when I first started on it, there was no doubt I felt a calming effect to that of valium, but to a lesser degree.
I found that with continued use over many years, it's primary function was that of a stabilizer.
That's not to say I don't experience the up's and down's of typycal chronic depression, rather I am able to rationalize my thoughts in a healthier manner.
I am cautious whith the term "benzo" for to me it represents a certain class of drug that will deliver a sedating effect for a given period of time.
Valium and zanax fit that bill, for me. I was on valium in the 70's for my panic attacks. I used zanax in the late 80's, but keep in mind I did not suffer from depression at the time.
As I previously mentioned, the onset of my depression began shortly after my 3 month illness...mono.
Since then, I noticed a direct link with my "intensive" depressive episodes and benzo's.
It seemed all the positive A/D results were somewhat hindered by the benzocycle?Rivitrol does not act in that manner for "ME". Yes, at first there was a slight benzo effect then as time passed, I had noticed that I'd probably get more of a buzz from coffee than the rivitrol. I'm serious when I refer to it as my "brain vitamin". It is not a benzo. for me. :)
So, my biggest challenge is finding the right A/D's to supplement my brain vitamin? I'm certainly no different than other suffer's.... poop-out, bad reactions etc.
I usually get a couple of years out of a cocktail before the dreaded poop-out but it seem there's more choices comming down the pipeline, thank God!
It has been my experience that up to 90% of my anxiety is managed by the right A/D's. The rivitrol aides in the process simply by "stabilizing" my mood. At least that's my theory, and I'm sticking with it. :)
Over the years I've tried eliminating the rivitrol while on different A/D's. I probably could of pulled it of while on Paxil but that didn't last due to the chronic nausea I encountered with Paxil. I certainly needed it while on Effexor, anafranil and zoloft.
The only time I was able to discontine rivitrol was during Luvox.
I must say though, while on Luvox, it was all I could do to stay awake during the day...extreme chronic fatigue.I guess we have something in common in that we suffered with an anxiety disorder for years prior to the onset of depression, that reared it's head after a lenghty illness.
I apologize if I "babbled" to much. I hope I didn't make matters worse for you. If I can be of more help, please don't hesitate to ask. Here's a link to rivitrol as a mood stabilizer.
http://sciencelinks.jp/j-east/article/200320/000020032003A0617820.php
Regards, Rick
poster:ricker
thread:843763
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080727/msgs/843844.html