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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tom_traubert on June 6, 2015, at 1:35:47
Hello,
I was diagnosed OCD many years ago and then suffered 2 acute manic episodes that may have been caused by high levels of Anafranil, as more reports have surfaced linking tricyclics to antidepressant-induced mania. I have not had a manic episode in over 16 years.
Although I managed (barely) to live medication-free for 5 years, panic attacks and fear of a manic episode brought me back to therapy, where I decided to start a regimen of Klonopin, 0.5mg 2x/day. Luckily, I had finally found a brilliant clinician who helped me work through many of my fears, and for 10 years now I've remained on the exact same dosage of Klonopin.
My pdoc is mostly convinced that I am not truly bipolar, but he mentioned that Klonopin may have anti-manic properties. Although I believe I'm in a position to challenge myself and see if I can habituate to life on lower levels, eventually tapering off, I'm concerned.I apologize for the long post, but any and all information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
tt
Posted by Christ_empowered on June 6, 2015, at 9:08:12
In reply to Does Klonopin prevent mania on its own?, posted by tom_traubert on June 6, 2015, at 1:35:47
yup yup. Klonopin was used as an anti-manic back in the day, when they were still using old school antipsychotics and mostly lithium for mania. Its still commonly used in bipolar people who also have anxiety.
Posted by tom_traubert on June 6, 2015, at 11:52:19
In reply to Re: Does Klonopin prevent mania on its own?, posted by Christ_empowered on June 6, 2015, at 9:08:12
Thank you for your response--would you happen to know if Klonopin is ever used as a standalone drug for BP or is it always administered in conjunction with mood stabilizers/anticonvulsants?
I've read that it is used to help treat acute mania, but I haven't found any literature that shows its use at long-term prevention of manic episodes on its own.
I know it's difficult to tease out its effects since most BP episodes call for additional medication, and I realize there's probably not a simple answer, but I'm grateful for any and all info / personal experiences from members of the forum.
My main concern is that after 10 years of Klonopin 1mg/day [and nothing else], I'm trying to determine whether I run the risk of a manic episode if I decide to try tapering off Klonopin and eventually discontinue use. What I'm really doing is calling my past BP diagnosis into question to see if it is truly accurate in my case, or whether my episodes were indeed triggered by antidepressants. I appreciate the fact that I'm very lucky to only be on such a small dose, and maybe I should leave well enough alone, but after 10 years, I'm trying to build up the confidence to test out whether I can make additional progress.
Thanks again!
tt
Posted by Christ_empowered on June 6, 2015, at 15:34:43
In reply to Re: Does Klonopin prevent mania on its own?, posted by tom_traubert on June 6, 2015, at 11:52:19
If 1mgs/day Klonopin keeps you on an even keel, you're probably not Bipolar, at least not I, probably not type II, either.
My only suggestion would be to consider asking about a switch to Valium and then taper off of valium, not klonopin.
Posted by tom_traubert on June 7, 2015, at 1:11:23
In reply to Re: Does Klonopin prevent mania on its own?, posted by Christ_empowered on June 6, 2015, at 15:34:43
That's very helpful, thanks for responding so quickly.
Cheers,
tt
Posted by SLS on June 7, 2015, at 8:20:16
In reply to Does Klonopin prevent mania on its own?, posted by tom_traubert on June 6, 2015, at 1:35:47
Klonopin (clonazepam) does have antimanic properties, although not necessarily effective against depression. Thus, it is not a true mood stabilizer. However, if you can prevent the mania, then one is less apt to plunge into a depression. Bipolar disorder often has an oscillatory course. Before Depakote (valproate) arrived, Klonopin was often combined with lithium. This combination worked against mania when lithium alone did not.
- Scott
Posted by Jeroen on June 7, 2015, at 23:48:30
In reply to Does Klonopin prevent mania on its own?, posted by tom_traubert on June 6, 2015, at 1:35:47
it helps, also against pannick attack
Posted by tom_traubert on June 19, 2015, at 0:02:50
In reply to Re: Does Klonopin prevent mania on its own? » tom_traubert, posted by SLS on June 7, 2015, at 8:20:16
Thank you for the information--I didn't know Depakote was an improvement against mania, making Klonopin less necessary. Very interesting.
I'm still looking to see if it's ever used on its own, not just as anti-anxiety, but to specifically guard against mania
I understand my experience is not common so I don't expect an easy answer, but I'll keep looking.
I really appreciate your help--thanks again,
tt
> Klonopin (clonazepam) does have antimanic properties, although not necessarily effective against depression. Thus, it is not a true mood stabilizer. However, if you can prevent the mania, then one is less apt to plunge into a depression. Bipolar disorder often has an oscillatory course. Before Depakote (valproate) arrived, Klonopin was often combined with lithium. This combination worked against mania when lithium alone did not.
>
>
> - Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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