Can clonazepam make you angry/irritable and inhibit the ability to absorb new information?

Question

Hey team!

Just to start off with a little background, I have had previous episodes of depression, where I wouldn't get out of bed and sit in my room and wallow and become sad. Recently my anxiety got so bad that my frontal lobe was constantly throbbing to the point of extreme pain that I could only hold my head. I wouldn't be able to run outside, or even leave my room, with the irrational belief that someone is watching me. I am also on antidepressants, but I can confidently say I am not depressed (my major is Psychology) At this stage my frontal lobe is hurting quite a bit, this is the area of the brain that is associated with executive functioning and planning. I go from periods of anger about my current situation (living back at home aged 25, no girlfriend, ON MEDICATION, and haven't felt comfortable around being with friends). Personally I think I have been making the excuse of seeing my friends as an anxiety issues. This was true, as at one stage I had a panic attack before going to a friend's event. But today after returning to university I feel that my memory, recollection of events, even simple things like what I did in the day (when my parents would ask me what I did) I would have trouble recalling it, then I would worry about my memory fading then I would start crying. I also find that listening and concentrating to what people say has been proving difficult. I have always had an issue with this, ever since a little child, I've had tutors to help me out with subjects. I am extremely angry at the moment after coming out of a lecture, that my encounter with a new friend I just met (which seemed genuine) didn't make me feel positive at all after. On top of that, after writing a bajillion notes of all the lecture material I feel I haven't learnt anything - LIKE NOTHING IS GOING IN. I've also known to be a positive, outgoing person, who is easy to get along with and hang around. But I feel this medication is making me do the opposite. I fear I have a learning/attention/concentration disability which is also affecting my memory. I am very away of the self fulfilling prophecy, and that your thoughts are what you are. This might be true as I do tend to think a lot at times, so much so that I almost nearly gave up on life, because I thought of myself of just a lazy, stupid sod who isn't doing anything. Another side effect of the drug I've noticed Is a slight loss in balance, the stumbles and mild postural hypotension (that dizzy feeling you get when you abruptly stand up). What are your guys thought? I'm seeing the psychiatrist at the end of the week and I will copy this transcript for him to read. I've always been against medication however I am aware that it is needed in certain situations to alleviate symptoms of anxiety/depression or any other disorder. But this is just still constantly making my head hurt, my speech is becoming slurred at time, my voice breaks when I talk sometimes. So maybe my anxiety is manifestation in a different form, the form that I feel I am not confident or intelligent enough to speak aloud. This mere post is a representation of my anxiety of not being able to properly express and order my thoughts face to face like a normal human being.

Sorry to ramble on and moan but I was just interested in seeing what your thoughts are on these side effects.

Cheers,

Daniel Le Fevre

Answer

Hi Daniel,
I agree with kaismama, any benzodiazepine can cause memory problems. I've been on and off of Xanax for years and years, my memory is horrible, really bad, but when I taper off Xanax, my memory is as sharp as a tack. Memory loss is just part of the deal with benzo's.

One of your sentences caught my attention, "the irrational belief that someone is watching me." Does your pdoc know about this feeling that you are experiencing? It's very important that you share ALL of this, just like you indicated, especially that bit about feeling as though you are being watched. There may be different meds that would help you and those meds may not be antidepressants.

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I feel for you in regards to anxiety, whether it be social or general anxiety disorder, it's all horrible. I'd rather deal with memory issues than feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin, but that's just me. I know what you mean about new info coming in, or learning or I should say a possible learning disability. Could this exist because you are so very preoccupied about your mental status? Just chew on that idea for a few minutes, it may actually be the case, or I may just be full of beans. What say you, could it be preoccupation that is keeping you from truly concentrating and "being in the moment?"
I wish you only the best and hope your situation gets better with each passing day,
Lara

Votes: +2

Answer

Being on meds like this doesn't do allot for our memory. Have you ever been checked for adhd? The psychiatrist needs to evaluate your meds and if they are helping you. You're under a lot of stress with school and having to be living at home. If you can squeeze in a therapist they may be able to help you.

Answer

Well. A few questions come to mind. How much clonazepam are you taking, I.e. What mg? And how often are you taking it? And what other meds are you taking?

I currently take clonazepam. And I've taken it in the past as well. For me it is a lifesaver. I have anxiety and panic attacks. I get fearful to go to public places after I have an attack.

I have found that the clonazepam works best for me if I give into it. At first the clonazepam would be taking me down and I would fight it. Sometimes I feel odd when I immediately take it although this passes later. Also yes I feel unbalanced when I take it but this too passes. All of these drugs seem to have some side effect.

I've tried other benzodiazepines and clonazepam was best for me. It was lomg lasting. The others were quick in and quick out.

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Take the pill at a good time. This could vary for everyone. But I would not for example take the pill then immediately ride the subway. Also eating small snacks and eating smaller meals more often tends to make me not so cloudy feeling.

I did have a cousin that took clonazepam for a seizure disorder and it did make him hostile. Very hostile and agitated. I believe this is a rare side effect. But it sounds to me like you are just nervous?

I also took Lexapro. With the clonazepam. And in the first few weeks the lexapro gave me crazy anxiety. So that is why I ask what else are you taking.

I'd say talk to your DR. Some drugs work for some and fail for others. Also sometimes your dosage needs to be adjusted. Obviously do not try this on your own!

Hope you feel better. Anxiety is the worst. Mine flares up every few years. I've been unable to leave home to go even see the DR. However the clonazepam has really helped me a lot.

Votes: +1

Can clonazepam make you angry/irritable and inhibit the ability to absorb new information?

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