I'm given Klonopin prn which I do not take very often, but I've come to notice when I do take them I become depressed for a little while, (say, a few days). I didn't attribute it to the Klonopin until recently and thinking back, my "bad days" tend to come soon after taking Klonopin. It is significant enough for it to mess with my daily activities.

To be safe, I'm not taking it now (and I'm fine -- if a panic attack arises, I don't know what I'll do, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it) -- but I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience? I don't know if it's just in my head that it correlated or if there is some truth to it. Just curious to get an opinion.

[bioChE]

It’s not just in your head. Mild depression is a well-documented side effect of Klonopin. Doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s very real.

[Wild Coyote]

I've also gotten more depressed if/when using higher dosages of klonopin.
I also have this happen with other (usually sedating) drugs.


WC

[emgreen]

I'd never drawn a correlation, but I take 1mg twice daily. Depression is my primary issue here in my old age, so I wonder if my klonopin use might be kicking up the depression a bit. Thanks for the question.

[Guiness187055]

I know I get rebound depression from all benzo's.

[~Christina]

All benzo’s are depressants so feeling depressed is common.

It sucks that something to help anxiety can cause other problems

Have you ever tried Buspar? It didn’t help me but it’s been a lifesaver for my daughter.

[99fairies]

My pdoc said that when you have anxiety and depression and then take something for the anxiety, whats left is just the depression. I'm not sure if I agree but that's what he told me.

[Guiness187055]

Originally Posted by 99fairies

My pdoc said that when you have anxiety and depression and then take something for the anxiety, whats left is just the depression. I'm not sure if I agree but that's what he told me.

Interesting never looked at it like that before.

[RedDawn]

Benzos can definitely cause depression.

They're great drugs, when they're really needed, but they're over prescribed.

There are actually a lot of other options when it comes to dealing with anxiety.

[xRavenx]

My pdoc also said that Klonopin can cause depression. This is why she won't raise my dose of Klonopin, especially since I've been really depressed. Out of anti-anxiety meds, I notice my mood is better on Ativan or Xanax, rather than Klonopin, but my pdoc does not like the short-acting effects of them, so I am kind of stuck. Klonopin helps me to a point, but I can't take it every day, or it will start causing me to feel more depressed. I think the added fatigue is something that plays a contributing role. I am on other meds that cause sedation, so Klonopin can make me more cranky and tired on occasion.

[taybaby]

I am prescribed .5mg per day as needed, I usually take half a pill before bed to help me sleep.. I have been pretty depressed lately so maybe I will try to stop for a little and see if I feel any better.

interesting question, thanks

[raspberrytorte]

I've noticed it can make me mildly depressed. But I'm used to it, so it doesn't bother me anymore. I take 2mg a day, scheduled.

I've had numerous doctor's tell me that klonopin can make you depressed.

My pdoc won’t prescribe klonopin or any benzos. I was against it until I was so strung out on anxiety I couldn’t take it anymore. Then I was ready for any kind of relief. She still said no to benzos. So the pdoc prescribed gabapentin, which is super effective on me. I only need half the dose I’m prescribed.

They give me a slight buzz, more pleasant than a pain pill. They are supposedly not addictive, but they can be abused for the buzz I’ve read.

[~Christina]

How are you feeling ?

[ComfortablyNumb5]

Originally Posted by Brentus

I'm given Klonopin prn which I do not take very often, but I've come to notice when I do take them I become depressed for a little while, (say, a few days). I didn't attribute it to the Klonopin until recently and thinking back, my "bad days" tend to come soon after taking Klonopin. It is significant enough for it to mess with my daily activities.

To be safe, I'm not taking it now (and I'm fine -- if a panic attack arises, I don't know what I'll do, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it) -- but I was wondering if anyone else has had this experience? I don't know if it's just in my head that it correlated or if there is some truth to it. Just curious to get an opinion.

Klonopin does this to me so badly. Last time I took a tiny dose of kpin l, I felt so horrible that I just went to bed before dinner time. I’m on Ativan now and if I take my full dose for about 2-3 days, it makes me depressed as well. I’m trying really hard to cut back but the holidays suck for me.