klonopin dumps - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

reesie · 10-27-2004, 02:16 PM

I'm on klonopin with an antipsychotic as my cocktail. the klonopin replaced xanax to keep me awake more and relieve my extreme anxiety. But now I seem to be eternally in the dumps. My co-workers describe it as zombie behavior. I don't know what to think. Actually I don't want to think or do much of anything at all. Anyone had this happen with klonopin?

GettingWellAgain · 10-28-2004, 05:15 PM

Hi reesie,
I took Klonopin for 5 years (as prescribed for four of those years!) and subsequently became VERY addicted to the stuff. BTW, I was given Klonopin for extreme anxiety and panic attacks. Even weening off the stuff using the Ashton Manual and with the help of my doctor, I had seizures and was sick for months. But getting to your question, YES, Klonopin made me a zombie. I believe I took Klonopin for about a year with Seroquel, and I think I also have taken it with Risperdal, so I was also on an antipsychotic along with it. I was devoid of all feelings, and did things that I would NEVER even DREAM of doing now. It even gave me some memory loss- people have told me some horrible embarassing things I've done in the past that I simply can't remember. My case seems to be somewhat extreme, but it's just an example of what these drugs can do. I wish I knew what to tell you to do. If you need it for extreme anxiety, you need it. In my case, I am fortunate enough to no longer need any psychotropic drugs, and I've been off of them for a couple of years now. I am doing better than I ever have in my life, by learning to use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Maybe you should give that a shot. Good luck

~Katalina

mudhound · 10-28-2004, 07:22 PM

Yes that stuff is addictive and can be dangerious. The wife was on it when she fell into a closet.

lush22 · 10-28-2004, 10:20 PM

i was on clonopin and an anti-psychotic (dont recall which) for a couple months. my whole memory of that brief period is a fog. i believe, and was told by doctors, that both anti-psychotics as well as benzo-type stuff, like clonopin, will really slow down your mind and body, putting you into a sort of haze. like you said...zombieish. if the issue is panic attacks, you are in a safe zone, but yes, its unpleasant being in such a numbed state. perhaps talk to your doctor about downing the dosage of either or both of these drugs. when i went off the anti-psychotics i quickly sharpened up and my memories and thinking abilities went back to the norm. i still take clonopin regularly, and i function quite well, but i take it as sparingly as possible because it does slow me down. other people have noticed and commented on my lethargic state at work when i recently popped a pill, and on the flip side, if i forget to take it, or i take less than i regularly do, i will be very boisterous.

holly1981 · 10-28-2004, 11:59 PM

JUst wanted to be positive and say i love my klonipin. It doesn't affect me negatively at all. so there are some of us out there that like it. It doesn't put me in the dumps at all. But then again i am manic all the time. Maybe you are on the depressive side though. I don't know so i can't say. LOL!! Just wanted to say that i would die without it. Love Holly

Ps forgot to add that i am on respirdal. abilify and geodon...along with triletal and paxil so i take alot...don't do good all the time but i certainly have my moments.