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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sonya on August 26, 2005, at 20:54:47
In reply to Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2005, at 19:27:34
Klonopin made my depression much worse, and I got addicted to it to boot.
Posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2005, at 21:00:11
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by rjlockhart98 on August 26, 2005, at 20:00:19
Yes Matt I am but Wildcard and I just wanted to know what other posters think. When do you start school? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by willyee on August 26, 2005, at 21:42:17
In reply to Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2005, at 19:27:34
A benzo taken daily,as a primary drug will become horridly depressing,prob all of them.Not only that but tolerance would devololp quickly and worsened anxiety.
A benzo is best used to accompany a medication,to act as a stablizer when u have a maniac type high,brain races,crying spell,viloent outlash,then a small pieace of a benzo can be a life SAVER and act as not only a anti-anxiety agent,but a stablizer as well.
Also concurrent with a medication a very very smalll dose of a benzo works good to treat chronic general anxiety.
If u have a episode the most a hosptial will do is give u a anti-psych med or a benzo,but im sre u knew that.So to me its how u use the medication,can it possess depressive tendacies,absolutly,if used correctly can it actualy feel like a life saver,yess i think so.
Last but not least if u find urself in a important situation with heigntened anxiety a small pieace can become very helpful.
In most of these instances i doubt youll find a benzo to actualy depress u,youll be too staisfied with the anxiety relieaf to think that.
However using the benzo as a primary med taken consistently,then yess it would accumalte quickly and also not work as well as when u take it when u need it.
Posted by Glydin on August 26, 2005, at 22:54:24
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by willyee on August 26, 2005, at 21:42:17
I certainly think they can be for some people but I don't believe it's true for everyone.
I was monotherapy with Klonopin for three years and did not experience depression that I related to it's use singularly. I did (still do) have depressive symptoms when my anxiety was (is) ill controlled. These symptoms occurred during the few times I did a weaning and washout of Klonopin. When I resumed use controlling my anxiety symptoms improved my depressive symptoms. For me, anxiety is the primary issue and depression is a secondary in the chicken versus the egg question.
I have always thought anxiety disorders as a stand alone diagnosis are under rated and if one searches and observes - ALOT of folks struggle greatly with anxiety related symptoms that are quite impacting on quality of life. That's not to say they aren't comorid with other disorders but it's certainly appears to me to be a very big deal for alot of people.
Benzo's are CNS depressants as their mode of action and it's, quite frankly, how they work and how they are effective.
I don't necessarly avocate the use of a benzo routinely as a singular med for treatment but I do think it can be done and done well by some.
Posted by Declan on August 26, 2005, at 23:05:18
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by willyee on August 26, 2005, at 21:42:17
Hi Phillipa
Yes I think they are depressing. I also think they (probably) aggravate anxiety while also relieving it.
Since they are among the best and safest drugs we have it's not a reassuring line of thought.
But what to do??
You could be taking something worse, I guess.
Declan
Posted by rjlockhart98 on August 26, 2005, at 23:19:44
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by rjlockhart98 on August 26, 2005, at 20:00:19
I start school this Monday. I getting my degree in buisness. I have to go to this junior Collage, Tarrant County Collage. I only have two classes, Buisness Speech and BCIS (computer class).
I am really not having a good time in my life right now but i know ill get out of it. I feel i have already died another life, shedded my past.
Ill pull myself together, somehow.
I need some Valium before i go crazy.... joking.
Well thanks Phillipa for being here all this time.
Matt
Posted by wildcard on August 26, 2005, at 23:20:01
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Declan on August 26, 2005, at 23:05:18
I am so glad u asked that PJ...Nick thought it *could* be a factor with how i felt. I dont know why i didnt think to post about it?? But thanks for askin and thanks for all the input every1...i appreciate it.
Posted by Racer on August 26, 2005, at 23:48:43
In reply to Re:Advice, posted by wildcard on August 26, 2005, at 23:20:01
The delicious Dr EyeCandy prescribed Xanax for me for sleep for months -- up to 4mg per night to send me to LumLand -- which led to the expected result. Withdrawal was hellish.
A few months later, needing to sleep and not having a prayer, I took 1mg to sleep. Sent me to sleep right away -- and I woke up more depressed than ever. Didn't think anything of it until it happened a second and then third time. Every time I took a Xanax for any reason, I'd be more depressed.
My guess is that it's another case of mileage varying, though. Some people can probably take them safely, but others will be more sensitive to their depressant effects.
Just my own opinion, and you know what they say about those...
Posted by wildcard on August 26, 2005, at 23:53:39
In reply to I know they can be for me..., posted by Racer on August 26, 2005, at 23:48:43
thanks...i never thought that when i quit my effexor xr cold that i cld. depress myself by taking much more klonopin than usual (to sleep as well), even if for a short time. Makes sense though. ; )
Posted by DoYouKnowHim? on August 27, 2005, at 1:39:45
In reply to Re: I know they can be for me..., posted by wildcard on August 26, 2005, at 23:53:39
They calm me down.
Posted by tecknohed on August 27, 2005, at 5:32:11
In reply to Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2005, at 19:27:34
I suppose I react oddly to alot of meds. But I actually find Valium somewhat mood-elevating. I feel calm yet talkative. When taken with Lofepramine (a noradrenergic med) its a very pro-social mix. I was on this combo when I first started living at a 'dry-house' to curb the initial social anxiety. Potentially addictive mind you! Just as well my doc limited my supply!
On the rare occasion when I've taken temazepam, I find that stimulating too, at least for the mind. I become very takative!
When I was prescribed chlordiazepoxide (Librium) for coming off alcohol, all I wanted to do was go for long walks! Though this may have been partly due to the 'withdrawal' effect from the alcohol (an over-reactive central nervous system - which if left untreated can lead to the DTs).
But I guess I am simply 'a bit odd' lol.
regards.
Posted by linkadge on August 27, 2005, at 6:21:02
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing? » Phillipa, posted by tecknohed on August 27, 2005, at 5:32:11
I find clonazepam depressing, kind of bit of a feeling of personal worthlesness.
Linkadge
Posted by linkadge on August 27, 2005, at 6:22:10
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by linkadge on August 27, 2005, at 6:21:02
That is when it is taken alone. If I take clonazepam with an AD, sometimes it helps it work better.
Linkadge
Posted by wildcard on August 27, 2005, at 10:34:56
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by linkadge on August 27, 2005, at 6:22:10
i'm back on effexor til i see my doc in two weeks and taking much less klonopin if any and i do feel better. i've also started looking into supplements that work well for a friend to increase energy so we'll see...thx again.
Posted by Kon on August 27, 2005, at 12:32:29
In reply to Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2005, at 19:27:34
Work great for anxiety for myself and aren't at all depressing for me. Though I never had depression...just anxiety. I always wondered if benzos are more likely to cause depression in those who suffer from both anxiety and depression.
Posted by SandyWeb on August 27, 2005, at 15:26:57
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Kon on August 27, 2005, at 12:32:29
For me, Ativan rounds the edges when taken as needed.
But clonazepam stimulated me....helped me to be social....would yak your ear off (which is the reverse of my quiet self!).
Sandy
Posted by Declan on August 27, 2005, at 15:33:56
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by SandyWeb on August 27, 2005, at 15:26:57
Depression's the rag bag, isn't it? It's a big category.
I just feel that when I use more benzos I feel worse.
Which is why I would be using more benzos to begin with.
So I try to use a little less than I otherwise might.
And when I go on my walking holiday and get away from this computer and the kids, I might be able to take less again.
Declan
Posted by 4WD on August 27, 2005, at 16:58:23
In reply to Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2005, at 19:27:34
The most depressed I've ever been in my life was after a period of several years of taking Ativan for sleep. I wasn't on any AD at the time. It was horrible and withdrawal was horrible.
I came off the Ativan and started imipramine at the same time. It was like waking up and seeing the world in color for the first time in years.
I can now take Klonopin okay but I use it very judiciously. .25 mg a day mostly.
Marsha
Posted by zeugma on August 28, 2005, at 5:55:22
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by 4WD on August 27, 2005, at 16:58:23
Constant anxiety is depressogenic. Clonazepam tones down the anxiety a little bit, making me less prone to anxiety-induced depression.
-z
Posted by zeugma on August 28, 2005, at 6:03:43
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Kon on August 27, 2005, at 12:32:29
I always wondered if benzos are more likely to cause depression in those who suffer from both anxiety and depression>>
I have both anxiety and depression, and clonazepam has not induced depression, although other medications have.
Clonazepam has no intrinsic AD effect as far as I can tell, other than its prophylactic role in suppressing anxiety episodes that lead to depression. Buspirone on the other hand has a discernible AD effect, but a poor anxiolytic one.
-z
Posted by Mr.Scott on August 28, 2005, at 17:45:26
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Sonya on August 26, 2005, at 20:54:47
May I ask how you got through all that (depression,addiction)???
Scott
Posted by Paulbwell on August 28, 2005, at 23:58:56
In reply to Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2005, at 19:27:34
> Just had a conversation with a friend and we wondered if you thought benzos were depressing or just relaxing. Thanks in advance for responses. Fondly, Phillipa
Hi Ya Phillipa,
Having spoken to 20+ Pharmacists it depends, if you are feeling low, and take Benz then they will lower your mood more, if manic they will lower Dopamine and even out mood.
"it all depends how you are feeling while taking benz" OK?I'm on Benz, Stims, and Booze, often so it's complicated.
1 Pill takes you up, one takes you down, one keeps you numb eg: SSRIs
Cheers
Posted by Jedi on August 29, 2005, at 3:08:47
In reply to Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Phillipa on August 26, 2005, at 19:27:34
Hey Guys,
I take 1mg of clonazepam daily to augment 75-90mg of Nardil. I find it helps with my social and generalized anxiety. I have never had trouble in the past withdrawing the med when I didn't think I needed it. Nor have I had much of a tendency to escalate the dose, except when going through very stressful times. I find that at a constant dosage, clonazepam will soon lose it's sleep inducing side effect and I don't even really feel the medication. But it is still working on the anxiety. I believe that the long half-life of clonazepam makes it a better long term med than some of the shorter half-life benzodiazepines. I haven't noticed an increase in depression while on the med, but everyone is different. I believe that people with substance abuse potential should be very careful taking the benzos. They can be addicting for certain people.
Take care,
Jedi
Posted by Paulbwell on August 31, 2005, at 20:53:32
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Jedi on August 29, 2005, at 3:08:47
"I believe that people with substance abuse potential should be very careful taking the benzos. They can be addicting for certain people.
Take care,"Thats a given-Alcoholics wanna get outa it, and chomping on Benzos will help.
I took Clonaz for near 2 years(4-6mgs day) and found it VERY effective for panic, but it made me depressed, and have terrible, excess salivation, to the point where i would dribble down my chin :(. mmmmmm
Valium now and working on things.
Posted by Jedi on September 1, 2005, at 0:12:32
In reply to Re: Are Benzodiazepines Depressing?, posted by Paulbwell on August 31, 2005, at 20:53:32
> I took Clonaz for near 2 years(4-6mgs day) and found it VERY effective for panic, but it made me depressed, and have terrible, excess salivation, to the point where i would dribble down my chin :(. mmmmmm
> Valium now and working on things.Hi Paulbwell,
Here is an abstract of a Canadian study which recommends that for long term use of the highly potent benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam) dosage should be limited to 2mg per day in long term use. I've been taking 1mg of clonazepam for social and generalized anxiety with no side effects. I realize of course that some doctors will use a much higher dose. However, I believe this is where the side effect problems come in. Also: dependence, rebound anxiety, memory impairment, and discontinuation syndrome become more of a problem at higher long term dosages.
Link:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15078112&query_hl=3
J Clin Psychiatry. 2004;65 Suppl 5:7-12. Related
Issues in the clinical use of benzodiazepines: potency, withdrawal, and rebound.
Chouinard G.
Centre de Recherche Fernand Seguin, Psychopharmacologie, Departement de Psychiatrie, Universite de Montreal, Hopital Louis-Lafontaine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. psychopharm.unit@mcgill.ca
...
" High-potency benzodiazepines have replaced low and medium potency benzodiazepines in all benzodiazepine clinical indications due to their greater therapeutic effects and rapid onset of action. Differences in distribution, elimination half-life, and rate of absorption are important considerations when choosing a high-potency benzodiazepine. Typically, a benzodiazepine with long distribution and elimination half-lives is preferred. A maximum dose of 2 mg/day of any of the high-potency benzodiazepines when given for more than 1 week is recommended. Although as a class benzodiazepines act rapidly and are well tolerated, their use presents clinical issues such as dependence, rebound anxiety, memory impairment, and discontinuation syndrome."
Take care,
Jedi
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