AmorFati
01-13-2008, 09:17 AM
Hi everyone!
I've been diagnose with bipolar disorder about a year ago. I'm currently on Lithium, Divalproex & Clonazepam. Everything seems to be going pretty well since I've been taking this "cocktail" regularly except for one aspect, memory. I'm realizing more and more that I got a real problem with some memory lost.
I fell that I'm getting more and more forgetful. I was joking at first with my girlfriend about that but now... I must say that I found this very troubling. I did some research about Clonazepam and I don't like what I've read. In fact, I'm not even sure why I should be taking this medication. I spoke with my specialist about this issue (memory lost) and he didn't seem concern about it.
I would be curious to know if anybody else here is taking the same combination of drugs and if they have encounter the same problem. Is it the majority of BP patients who are taking Clonazepam or am I in the minority? Any information/experience would be welcome.
Thank you in advance for your replies!
Amor Fati
(I'm taking 2mg/day before going to bed.)
I've been diagnose with bipolar disorder about a year ago. I'm currently on Lithium, Divalproex & Clonazepam. Everything seems to be going pretty well since I've been taking this "cocktail" regularly except for one aspect, memory. I'm realizing more and more that I got a real problem with some memory lost.
I fell that I'm getting more and more forgetful. I was joking at first with my girlfriend about that but now... I must say that I found this very troubling. I did some research about Clonazepam and I don't like what I've read. In fact, I'm not even sure why I should be taking this medication. I spoke with my specialist about this issue (memory lost) and he didn't seem concern about it.
I would be curious to know if anybody else here is taking the same combination of drugs and if they have encounter the same problem. Is it the majority of BP patients who are taking Clonazepam or am I in the minority? Any information/experience would be welcome.
Thank you in advance for your replies!
Amor Fati
(I'm taking 2mg/day before going to bed.)
Sponsor
Llama
01-13-2008, 09:56 PM
I am taking clonazepam (I think this is also known as klonopin, right?). I take it for sleep. I'm not sure how much longer I will be on it though because my pdoc says it is addictive. I'm not so sure. I don't even take it every night. Maybe 4 nights a week.
I would keep bringing up your concerns about the memory problems though to your pdoc. I know I've had to do that several times with a problem. Sometimes I just think that they don't listen at first.
I would keep bringing up your concerns about the memory problems though to your pdoc. I know I've had to do that several times with a problem. Sometimes I just think that they don't listen at first.
seaturtle
01-13-2008, 11:07 PM
Hi,
So many of the psych drugs have this side effect. The Divalproex can cause this, as well as the benzos (Klonipin).
Klonipin is used often in BP, for sleep and anxiety and agitation.
Ask your doc if you can find a substitute. He may not be concerned, but you are, and you need to make that clear to him.l
I've been taking Xanax and Ativan for years, and have noticed just a very small memory problem. I increased Lamictal recently, and was alarmed at the short-term memory loss, but with time, that got better.
How long have you been on these meds? It may be time for an adjustment.
Sorry you are having this trouble, but you're not alone at all. Many of us struggle with that. It's a constant challenge to find the right meds.
So many of the psych drugs have this side effect. The Divalproex can cause this, as well as the benzos (Klonipin).
Klonipin is used often in BP, for sleep and anxiety and agitation.
Ask your doc if you can find a substitute. He may not be concerned, but you are, and you need to make that clear to him.l
I've been taking Xanax and Ativan for years, and have noticed just a very small memory problem. I increased Lamictal recently, and was alarmed at the short-term memory loss, but with time, that got better.
How long have you been on these meds? It may be time for an adjustment.
Sorry you are having this trouble, but you're not alone at all. Many of us struggle with that. It's a constant challenge to find the right meds.
AmorFati
01-15-2008, 12:33 AM
I've been on thoses meds for about 15 months. When I was diagnose for the disorder, I did a lot of research on BPD and only some on lithium. It's only lately that I realize that I was getting really bothered by the memory loss so I did some research and what I read about clonazepam kinda scare me.
I did mention the memory loss to my psychiatrist several time, the only thing he ever did was to increase the lithium from 600mg to 900mg because the blood result was showing 0.6 and he believe that this is still too low. Honestly, I feel so much better since I'm on the meds, I don't even think that the lithium increase was necessary. From what I read, I think that my dosage for the clonazepam is too high.
This forum is great, I'm learning a lot when I read the other threads. I don't know anyone else who has BPD so reading what you peoples are writting and discussing is really an eye opener.
Thanks for your input!
I did mention the memory loss to my psychiatrist several time, the only thing he ever did was to increase the lithium from 600mg to 900mg because the blood result was showing 0.6 and he believe that this is still too low. Honestly, I feel so much better since I'm on the meds, I don't even think that the lithium increase was necessary. From what I read, I think that my dosage for the clonazepam is too high.
This forum is great, I'm learning a lot when I read the other threads. I don't know anyone else who has BPD so reading what you peoples are writting and discussing is really an eye opener.
Thanks for your input!
AmorFati
01-15-2008, 08:01 AM
What does "PDOC" stand for? I'm french (and Canadian) so I'm not used to your acronyms (I know it's a Psychiatrist...). I'm also realizing that in the States, Clonazepam & Divalproex are known as Klonopin & Depakote, why is that?
Llama
01-15-2008, 02:59 PM
Hi Amor, PDOC stands for psychiatrist.
Also, I am not sure why the drug names differ. I guess it is just a decision that the drug companies have made. Strange. You would think they would want the same name for the same drug. You would think it would only make things easier if the same drug had the same name all around the world.
Also, I am not sure why the drug names differ. I guess it is just a decision that the drug companies have made. Strange. You would think they would want the same name for the same drug. You would think it would only make things easier if the same drug had the same name all around the world.
seaturtle
01-15-2008, 10:41 PM
Amorfati,
May I ask what dosage of the Clonazapam you're taking?
And perhaps you could work with your doctor to lower the dosage to see if you can tolerate a lower dosage?
'
Take care.
Seaturtle
May I ask what dosage of the Clonazapam you're taking?
And perhaps you could work with your doctor to lower the dosage to see if you can tolerate a lower dosage?
'
Take care.
Seaturtle
AmorFati
01-16-2008, 12:59 AM
I take 2 mg (once a day) before going to bed.
santos63
05-11-2008, 04:32 AM
Most meds you find will have side effects - for someone, for somewhere. However they will vary in how each individual can and will choose to tolerate them. Psych meds are no exception. Having Bipolar is a spectrum, not a constant. You will have good times when you are compliant and your meds are working well for you, and then the minimal thing can blow you out of the water due to a change in where you are on that spectrum, and then you are messed up for a while, Sometimes, pretty badly. I find the side effects of meds are the worst when starting new ones, and sometimes subside with time. Some get worse with time. I generally do not tolerate therapeutic doses of medications due to the side effects, and I think being a small woman makes a difference also. Depakote - mood stabilizer, anti-seizure and Clonazepam - anticonvuslsant, benzodiazepine derivitive, this is my cocktail at present.
I take Clonazepam PRN as it is addicting. It does affect short term memory. The Depakote was sedating at first and I was unable to function for about a month between the two due to poor memory, mood swings, unable to care for self, or form complete thoughts. I also had a couple of nights of taking a hefty dose of Seroquel for agitation.That stuff is more wicked than the worst bottle of tequila I have ever smelled! I needed help walking to the bathroom. It took a month to adapt to the new cocktail. I'm not using the Seroquel, and rarely using clonazepam. However, CAFFEINE, will throw your butt right up into the middle of a manic state! Stay away from it!
I take Clonazepam PRN as it is addicting. It does affect short term memory. The Depakote was sedating at first and I was unable to function for about a month between the two due to poor memory, mood swings, unable to care for self, or form complete thoughts. I also had a couple of nights of taking a hefty dose of Seroquel for agitation.That stuff is more wicked than the worst bottle of tequila I have ever smelled! I needed help walking to the bathroom. It took a month to adapt to the new cocktail. I'm not using the Seroquel, and rarely using clonazepam. However, CAFFEINE, will throw your butt right up into the middle of a manic state! Stay away from it!
azteacher
05-11-2008, 01:45 PM
I just wanted to add that I am also on Depakote and Buspar (and occasionally xanax). My short term memory loss is astounding. I can't remember things day to day. I am a teacher and will have meetings written in my calander but will have no idea why I have this meeting scheduled. I don't know what i would do without my to do list!!