I recently got an alert on drugs.com saying that benzodiazepines can exacerbate depression. I take klonopin which is a benzo 1mg in the morning and 1mg at night. In the morning I also take a beta blocker and my lexapro(20mg) to treat my depression anxiety. Could the klonopin be contributing to the symptoms I've been feeling lately mainly fatigue, and not being my positive upbeat self. I wanted to try and reduce meds so my psychiatrist said we would start decreasing the klonopin gradually over the next 8 weeks to see of the lexapro alone keeps the anxiety under control. Any good or bad experiences with any of this or advice?
Benzodiazepines And Depression?
Question posted by jblt83 on 19 May 2010
Last updated on 26 May 2010
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Answers
Inactive
26 May 2010
Yes! i believe benzo's can cause severe depression when i was taking xanax i felt like my husband didnt love me and everybody hated me and i just felt blah. After i stopped taking them i didnt feel this way anymore i have also taken klonopin and i had similar feelings as i did on the xanax. Keep reducing them if your starting to feel this way i would say just stop them all together but i dont know if you will have withdraws cause i dont know how long you have been taking them.
jblt83
26 May 2010
I was actually already being treated for depression and anxiety with lexapro before starting the klonopin. I've already talked to my psychiatrist and are going to try tapering me off to see if the lexapro alone will keep my anxiety under control. I've been taking klonopin for about a year with my dosage gradually being increased. Originally it was just to treat my periodic limb movement disorder. Basically I'm reducing my klonopin by a half miligram until I'm completely off by my next follow up with my doctor.
Inactive
26 May 2010
Sounds like a good plan i hope it all works out for you good luck.
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Further information
- Klonopin uses and safety info
- Klonopin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Klonopin (detailed)
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