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Klonopin to Treat Depressive Disorders

Whether due to a tragic event or no apparent reason at all, it is common to have feelings of sadness, thoughts of death or trouble sleeping. If these feelings occur for more than two weeks, you may be suffering from clinical depression. Medications like Klonopin can help treat some symptoms of depression.

  1. Depression Criteria

    • To meet clinical depression criteria, a patient must have at least five of nine listed symptoms as stated in the DSM IV (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Mental symptoms include lack of interest in once-pleasurable activities, inappropriate guilt, depressed mood and recurrent thoughts of death. Physical symptoms listed are significant weight loss, psychomotor agitation or retardation, inability to concentrate, fatigue and problems sleeping. These symptoms must occur within the same two-week period and include either the depressed mood or lack of interest.

    Mechanism

    • Klonopin, also known as clonazepam, is technically a sedative normally used to treat epileptic patients. Although the exact mechanism isn't known, Klonopin is thought to increase the ability of GABA, an amino acid that can control the flow of energy in neurotransmitter brain cells. By slowing down their transmission speeds to the central nervous system, Klonopin can induce both a feeling of calm, and better sleep, in a depressed patient who is experiencing insomnia and physical agitation.

    Depression Types Treated

    • Klonopin might be specifically targeted to treat certain subtypes of depression: Catatonic depression symptoms, for example, include moving in a random fashion, and repeating words or movements for no apparent reason. Anxiety/depression patients can experience high levels of mental agitation that can lead to panic attacks, while agitated depression patients have high physical restlessness.

    Possible Side Effects

    • Like most mental health medications, some side effects can result from taking Klonopin. The FDA warns that Klonopin can induce dizziness, headaches, fatigue and trouble coordinating movements. Confusion and memory loss can also occur. More serious side effects are an increase in suicidal thoughts with some patients. Should that happen, immediately tell your physician.

    Interactions and Warnings

    • Since impaired motor control is possible, patients should caution taking Klonopin and operating hazardous equipment or cars. Special warnings exist for depressed pregnant patients as well. They are cautioned not to breastfeed while taking Klonopin, and should inform their doctors of their pregnant condition should he recommend Klonopin. Klonopin can also enhance the effects of alcohol or other depressant medications; therefore, inform your doctor of all medications you are taking.

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