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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Susan on March 7, 2000, at 18:09:09
If Verapamil is used for mood stabilization and is a calcium channel blocker, what (if any) connection is there between calcium supplements and mood instability? Maybe it is just coincidence that I just started calcium supplements and am starting to get very depressed again.
Is Klonopin used as a mood stabilizer or not? Some medical articles list it as alternative treatment to lithium, depakote, etc. and most do not. Maybe starting Klonopin is contributing to increased depression. Or maybe I can sleep too long now because of the Klonopin and am depressed that I feel too tired to do anything.
Thanks for any info.
Posted by JohnL on March 8, 2000, at 2:48:10
In reply to Probably stupid questions, posted by Susan on March 7, 2000, at 18:09:09
> If Verapamil is used for mood stabilization and is a calcium channel blocker, what (if any) connection is there between calcium supplements and mood instability? Maybe it is just coincidence that I just started calcium supplements and am starting to get very depressed again.
> Is Klonopin used as a mood stabilizer or not? Some medical articles list it as alternative treatment to lithium, depakote, etc. and most do not. Maybe starting Klonopin is contributing to increased depression. Or maybe I can sleep too long now because of the Klonopin and am depressed that I feel too tired to do anything.
> Thanks for any info.Very interesting, Susan. Now that you mention it, I've noticed I don't feel as well when I take calcium supplements. But the most obvious effect for me is louder tinnitus. So definitely something is going on that, for me, is only worsened with calcium. Ironically though, I've read about people improving a lot with calcium supplements. I guess that's just more evidence of what we already know....we all respond so differently, depending on our unique chemistry.
Klonopin is not classified as a mood stabilizer, but it is indeed used for that purpose. While some people are clearly helped by it, others become more depressed. Again, that pesky chemistry thing. You might have to discontinue the calcium, and then maybe the Klonopin, just to isolate which--if either--is the offensive ingredient here. Klonopin is magic for some, but a nightmare to others.
Posted by dove on March 10, 2000, at 11:54:55
In reply to Re: Probably stupid questions, posted by JohnL on March 8, 2000, at 2:48:10
I don't get depressed from taking calcium supplements, though what dose and how often and with what and whom all come into play and give this question a plethora of more questions and answers. Calcium Channel Blocker Verapamil is indeed used for mood-stability, another thread closer to the top of this board by the title of "Rapid Cycling Bipolar" explores that very issue.
dove
Posted by Susan on March 10, 2000, at 20:05:51
In reply to Re: Calcium-Verapamil, posted by dove on March 10, 2000, at 11:54:55
I'm taking a CCB (prescribed by my cardiologist) and have noticed it has certainly mellowed me. Like JohnL said, klonopin can be a wonder drug- it worked extremely well for me for a while, both as a mood stabilizer and for panic attacks. But I developed tolerance fairly quickly and got up into the 10-12mgs/day range which made my docs nervous. They did tell me that it was probably worsening my depressions. Hope this helps.
Posted by judy on March 10, 2000, at 20:08:03
In reply to Re: Calcium-Verapamil, posted by Susan on March 10, 2000, at 20:05:51
Sorry Susan, I put your name in the name part on the last message instead of mine. I don't want you thinking you're delusional or something :-).
Posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 11, 2000, at 14:20:59
In reply to Re: Probably stupid questions, posted by JohnL on March 8, 2000, at 2:48:10
> > If Verapamil is used for mood stabilization and is a calcium channel blocker, what (if any) connection is there between calcium supplements and mood instability? Maybe it is just coincidence that I just started calcium supplements and am starting to get very depressed again.
> > Is Klonopin used as a mood stabilizer or not? Some medical articles list it as alternative treatment to lithium, depakote, etc. and most do not. Maybe starting Klonopin is contributing to increased depression. Or maybe I can sleep too long now because of the Klonopin and am depressed that I feel too tired to do anything.
> Very interesting, Susan. Now that you mention it, I've noticed I don't feel as well when I take calcium supplements.Me too.
> Klonopin is not classified as a mood stabilizer, but it is indeed used for that purpose. While some people are clearly helped by it, others become more depressed.
Me too.
- Scott
Posted by Susan on March 11, 2000, at 17:39:53
In reply to Obviously not stupid questions, posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 11, 2000, at 14:20:59
It helps to get responses to stupid questions. Thanks. I am trying to figure things out.
My history: 4 years of depression with anxiety, or PTSD, or cyclothymia (can't seem to get a definite diagnosis). Tried elavil, zoloft and then Effexor XR. After a year the Effexor seemed to cause rapid cycling. Also used 0.5mg Xanax for sleep. In September tried Lamictal which caused more severe nightmares. Gave it a 4 week try. December started therapy to uncover cause of nightmares, anxiety increased and caused severe burning pain in neck and spine. (Stopped therapy.) Also stopped Effexor in Dec.6 weeks ago my pdoc prescribed Klonopin 0.5 mg (1/2 tab am & 1/2 tab pm) because I was having breakthrough anxiety with the 0.5mg Xanax that I had been using for a year for sleep. I noticed benefits right away. Klonopin took care of the insomnia, headaches, burning pain in my neck, severe nightmares, anxiety, pounding heart, chills, sweats, etc.
My problem: Wake up feeling like crying like a baby, lack of motivation, unable to concentrate, no energy and very sad. I guess it's called depression! But the other symptoms are gone. If I stop the Klonopin I am sure they will return.
Question: Do you think adding a stimulant (never tried before) would counteract the negatives of klonopin (depression) while keeping the positive benefits without risking rapid cycling that the antidepressants cause? In other words: Has anyone found the combination of a benzo and a stimulant beneficial for depression with anxiety?
It only took me an hour to figure out that is my question! I have a big family depending on me to get well so your input is appreciated by many. Yes, I will call my pdoc on Monday and try to schedule my appointment sooner but would like feedback first. Thanks.
Susan
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