Newbie Question: Clonazepam - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

AmorFati · 01-13-2008, 06:17 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.)

Llama · 01-13-2008, 06:56 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.

seaturtle · 01-13-2008, 08:07 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.

AmorFati · 01-14-2008, 09:33 PM

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!

AmorFati · 01-15-2008, 05:01 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?