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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by alesta on September 7, 2004, at 19:16:44
hello:)..
well, i have to start a new job soon, and i plan to try l-theanine first for my social anxiety. if this is not powerful enough, i plan to move to klonopin.
the only remaining questions i have concerning K are really just to satisfy my curiosity. i've heard that some people become depressed on klonopin, and i've also heard of a "flat affect". are these side effects common, and, if so, why do they occur? any input on either of these phenomena would be appreciated!:)good day!:)
amy ;)
Posted by woolav on September 7, 2004, at 19:43:58
In reply to klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by alesta on September 7, 2004, at 19:16:44
I just wanted to say I will be starting a new job soon too. and I am going to see my pdoc monday. I was going to ask her about klonopin. She has had me on xanax for years, but I feel it doesnt do enough for the social phobia part. All it does is ward off panic attacks. Anyway, I was wanting to ask you if you are taking anything else? Or plan to. Because If I get on klonopin, I will continue my prozac and lamictal so I dont get depressed again too..
S
Posted by alesta on September 7, 2004, at 20:47:15
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by woolav on September 7, 2004, at 19:43:58
hi, sandy,:)
i started rhodiola for my depression 3 days ago, and i am doing better already! after really researching antidepressants lately, i find natural remedies to be the answer for me. (i may take klonopin for anxiety though, if l-theanine doesn't work.) they're cheap, they work just as well or better than most ADs, no side effects, no fear of sharp spikes in blood pressure, i don't feel "high," etc.
i also really think people with depression should make sure they don't have nutritional deficiencies, hormone levels that are off, thyroid disorder, or other problems.
i have found that the *key* with these supplements is to alternate them. for instance, i plan to take the rhodiola for a few weeks, and then take a week off. during my week off i will take either tmg or l-theanine instead. with l-theanine, however, i don't think you need to alternate, as i don't think it "poops out".
phew! :)
amy:)
Posted by Joy on September 8, 2004, at 10:00:33
In reply to klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by alesta on September 7, 2004, at 19:16:44
My pdoc says klonopin can cause depression and recommended xanax [alazopram] for me. I don't take it often, but it works well and no depression [I also take Prozac]. You just have to get the right dose, and take first one on weekend or at night at home. I take .5 mgs and have never went up on this dose in several years.
You can try the Klonopin, but there's alternatives. Good luck.
Joy
Posted by dJinnicht on September 8, 2004, at 16:03:57
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by Joy on September 8, 2004, at 10:00:33
i can't stand klonopin. i like my benzos WHERE YOU CAN FEEL `EM. but anyway, i can see klonopin causing a flat emotional effect possibly:of all the benzodiazapines, klonopin alone raises serotonin levels.
so i suppose it is possible one could come to have a flat affect on clonazepam. that's how the SSRI's work. [...]i'm over here, the dark cloud is over there, and i could not care less [...]
dJ
Posted by alesta on September 8, 2004, at 16:15:18
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by Joy on September 8, 2004, at 10:00:33
thanks for your reply, joy!:) glad you've found something that works for you!:)
i'm partial to klonopin b/c it has fewer negative effects on memory/cognition than the other benzos. so even if it does cause depression, i think i'm gonna go with it. i'll just raise my herbal antidepressant dose if necessary. but i just wonder why it causes depression (in some)...
take care and best of luck to you:),
amy
Posted by alesta on September 8, 2004, at 16:24:16
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by dJinnicht on September 8, 2004, at 16:03:57
i see, serotonin increase huh? hmmm...i really don't want any extra serotonin with my herbal antidepressant that already increases serotonin (and other neurotransmitters)...i wonder how much K increases it..guess i'd better look into that...
as for not feeling the effects of klonopin, i like that..i want to feel normal, not drugged...
thank you for that info..:)
amy:)
Posted by woolav on September 8, 2004, at 17:01:50
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect? » dJinnicht, posted by alesta on September 8, 2004, at 16:24:16
Hey, I was reading you all's posts. I was actually thinking of switching from xanax to klonopin. Because I read that it was better for social phobia than xanax...but I dont want to feel numb again. For some reason the prozac I take is making me feel emotions again, where as paxil, zoloft, effexor etc..zilch...But now, I am unsure about klonopin.....??????????
Sandy
Posted by djinnicht on September 9, 2004, at 0:39:03
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect? » dJinnicht, posted by alesta on September 8, 2004, at 16:24:16
you are most welcome.
i can't say that you will feel *normal* on it (long half life) -- i'd rather mine be of the short variety and know when they are in/OUT so to speak. but anyway, of the people i know on klonopin, the most satisfied are those with GAD, the more intense the GAD the more "miraculous* they find the klonopin, which; to use a stupid metaphor, is more of a deep inside job, whereas the others, such as tranzene, restoril, xanax, are just paint on the canvas.
all the best,
dJ
Posted by Atticus on September 9, 2004, at 15:16:23
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect? » alesta, posted by djinnicht on September 9, 2004, at 0:39:03
I've been taking klonopin in combination with various ADs (currently Effexor XR) for eight years. I've definitely noticed a flatlining of emotions associated with it. Sometimes that's good, as when I'm particularly anxious or teary. But sometimes, it's frustrating, as I just don't take the same level of pleasure in things that I enjoy. Based on my experience, it's definitely a trade-off. But Xanax and other short-term benzos haven't worked well for me; I seem to burn through them way too fast and when the anxiety returns, it's like a kick in the gut. There always seems to be so much weighing of which is worse -- meds or symptoms -- with benzos and with ADs. It's such a tightrope walk. Atticus
Posted by alesta on September 9, 2004, at 16:07:57
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by Atticus on September 9, 2004, at 15:16:23
thank you, atticus! that is very helpful.:)
l-theanine is sounding real good to me right now.:) but if that doesn't work i guess i'll just have to put up with the side effects of klonopin...a tightrope walk, indeed...take care,:)
amy
Posted by Jasmineneroli on September 9, 2004, at 19:36:55
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by alesta on September 9, 2004, at 16:07:57
Hi Amy: I didn't notice any emotional blunting at all with Klonopin...maybe that effect is dose dependant?? As you know from my previous posts, Klon. has been the ONLY thing to help with major portion of my GAD and I'm inclined to agree with djinnicht that GAD ppl seem to get the most out of it.
BTW, the serotonin effect is very small. It's often prescribed alongside an SSRI or SNRI. I take a small dose of Celexa (10mg) with it myself, at the moment, and emotionally/mentally am functioning better than I have for some months :).
Regards, Jas
Posted by alesta on September 9, 2004, at 20:08:43
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by Jasmineneroli on September 9, 2004, at 19:36:55
hi, jas,:)
perhaps it is dose dependent...i was thinking of that as a possibility, too...thanks for letting me know of your experience with it!...i'm surprised you don't feel any emotional numbness on celexa...that's great, though...anyway, thanks for contributing!
amy:)
Posted by alesta on September 9, 2004, at 22:25:40
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn?Im confused...., posted by woolav on September 8, 2004, at 17:01:50
i'm with you, sandy, i'm still confused on this issue..:)if i were you i think i'd go ahead and make the switch..but it's up to you...:)you never hear of warnings of serotonin syndrome from mixing klonopin with antidepressants, so the increase in serotonin can't be that great, and may not even really occur at all at low doses..who knows..i'd go for it! but that's just me...:):)heck, you can always switch back if you don't like the klonopin after giving it a few weeks' trial..
good luck!
amy:)
Posted by Glydin on September 10, 2004, at 9:31:11
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect? » alesta, posted by djinnicht on September 9, 2004, at 0:39:03
> i can't say that you will feel *normal* on it (long half life) --***I actually do feel normal on Klonopin.
i'd rather mine be of the short variety and know when they are in/OUT so to speak. but anyway, of the people i know on klonopin, the most satisfied are those with GAD, the more intense the GAD the more "miraculous* they find the klonopin,***That miracle status is the finding for me.
Posted by Starlight on September 10, 2004, at 17:41:54
In reply to klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by alesta on September 7, 2004, at 19:16:44
I cannot take Klonopin, it makes me depressed. Really depressed. Sends me spiraling down.
starlight
Posted by invisiblemanpa on September 11, 2004, at 17:03:27
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect? » dJinnicht, posted by alesta on September 8, 2004, at 16:24:16
Hi! I just switched from Ativan to Klonopin 10 days ago. The Ativan after a year and half was starting to poop out and I felt the need to take more, plus I felt to many ups and downs with anxiety. I had no problems switching and so far I am very happy....as I have heard it described here before...it is a much smoother ride......I have been on Xanax a few years back.......it was to enjoyable....It does work...but I think it is the most addictive of the three.....but the benzos do work for those of us with sever GA or SA....
Posted by starlight on September 12, 2004, at 11:35:45
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by invisiblemanpa on September 11, 2004, at 17:03:27
"Hi! I just switched from Ativan to Klonopin 10 days ago. The Ativan after a year and half was starting to poop out and I felt the need to take more, plus I felt to many ups and downs with anxiety. I had no problems switching and so far I am very happy....as I have heard it described here before...it is a much smoother ride......I have been on Xanax a few years back.......it was to enjoyable....It does work...but I think it is the most addictive of the three.....but the benzos do work for those of us with sever GA or SA.... "
I really wish it worked for me in terms of anxiety. See the thread "Average Bipolar Person on 7 Different Meds" New pdoc, was talking about putting me on Abilify even though I'm totally high functioning, but still have occasional anxiety. But if I could just add a little klonopin, I'd feel much better about it. It seems to make me depressed, but maybe I should break it in half or something. Ideas? Does the depressive aspects of it dissipate?
starlight
Posted by invisiblemanpa on September 12, 2004, at 12:04:08
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by starlight on September 12, 2004, at 11:35:45
If you only have occassional anxiety and have no issues with abuse I would definatley try Xanax. It comes in a number of mgs as they all do and it definately works and works quickly. Plus I never ever experianced any increase in depression. Ativan does work to and I am sure you might benefit from it for occassional anxiety. Don't give up hope....benzos for anxiety do work...just find what works for you...going through life with anxiety is no fun and not neccessary! A little anxiety is ok......overwhelming anxiety to the point where you can't function is not!
Posted by alesta on September 12, 2004, at 22:31:24
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by invisiblemanpa on September 11, 2004, at 17:03:27
hi, invisiblemp,:)
i am so glad the klonopin is working well for you! so are you saying that you experience no depression or emotional flatness on it?? i appreciate your input so much!!:)
also, i have to start a new job soon, which i am pretty anxious about..if i take klonopin will it interfere with my memory to the point where I have a hard time learning all the little details that a new job requires? there's so much short-term memory needed when stating a new job that i'm wondering if i should wait a few weeks before starting the klonopin...
amy:)
Posted by alesta on September 12, 2004, at 22:33:42
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by Starlight on September 10, 2004, at 17:41:54
> I cannot take Klonopin, it makes me depressed. Really depressed. Sends me spiraling down.
> starlighthi, starlight!:)
wow! do you know why this is? what was your dosage?? many thanks for your input!amy:)
Posted by invisiblemanpa on September 13, 2004, at 9:22:09
In reply to also, will klon. interfere with learning new job? » invisiblemanpa, posted by alesta on September 12, 2004, at 22:31:24
Everyone's reaction to any of these medications is different as we all so well know! Klonopin has not effected my depression but it has helped with anxiety symptons. As a suggestion try starting with .5 mg and go from there. Benzos haver really helped me get through interviews, starting new jobs, giving presentations, etc.. Good Luck!
Posted by invisiblemanpa on September 13, 2004, at 9:28:21
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect? » Starlight, posted by alesta on September 12, 2004, at 22:33:42
I am taking 4 1 mg. tabs a day. I was taking 3 or 4 ativan a day and they just quit working and I was definately feeling the roller coaster in between dosages. I hope to lower my klonopin dosage down the road after a few major bumps in life's road are taken care of. Some people can take .5 mg of klonopin or Xanax and feel wiped or just right......5mg would not have any effect on my system. I don't know what the differance is...I am 45 and otherwise good health and fit and trim..?? Why can some people take paxil, or zoloft and for me I was climbing the walls! Maybe we are all just making the drug companies rich!
Posted by alesta on September 14, 2004, at 22:57:14
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect?, posted by invisiblemanpa on September 13, 2004, at 9:28:21
thanks again, invisible, for responding to my questions! appreciate it!:)<Maybe we are all just making the drug companies rich!
here, here. what is that quote.."when in doubt, follow the money"..or something..:) that's definitely the case with some of these drugs and the lack of use or knowledge by doctors of natural remedies and nutrients where they'd be beneficial..
take care,
amy :)
Posted by invisiblemanpa on September 15, 2004, at 8:21:49
In reply to Re: klonopin cause depressn or flat emotional affect? » invisiblemanpa, posted by alesta on September 14, 2004, at 22:57:14
You are Welcome Amy! Good Luck with finding what works the best for you. This webpage has been a great help....I wonder though how many of us posting and reading get caught up in the drug reactions / side effects of others and make them our own or at least worry just a little bit to much.. Effexor, which is part of my current cocktail is a perfect example..Psy meds are obviously not the only meds with side effects that some can't tolerate. I had ACL reconstruction on both of my knees from sports injuries and the most of the pain meds made me very very sick.........so again I hope you find what works best for you and don't abuse it! So easy to do with benzos for some people.
E
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