Can Klonipin Detox Cause Depression?

[chickenchow]

I currently take 300 mg of Wellbutrin XL and now .25 of abilify.  These successfully treat my depression and allow me to live a normal life.  I am a moderate drinker, but consider myself an alcoholic and easily become intoxicated and do not have the ability at times to stop at one or two glasses of wine.

I want to stop drinking alcohol to make my life even better and can't do it alone. So my md prescribed .5 mg klonipin.  Because it makes me sleepy, I have cut the med in half.  While this seems to help me quell my anxiety about needing a drink, I feel like I am getting depressed again.  Is this common?

[starr363]

Drinking with these meds is definitely not a good
idea but also I read somewhere that klonopin has
a side effect of depression.  I read this in a book
about psychiatric medicines - I have never taken
it myself.  For extreme anxiety my pdoc gave
me xanax and it works great for short periods
of time.

best wishes,
starr363

[MMahon]

Drinking just doesn't mix with any of your medications in my  opinion.  
It seems like your depression is over alcohol reduction rather then the klonipin.  If anything taking benzos can make you depressed while decreasing anxiety.
I would strongly suggest you try going to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous).  Getting with a good group is the best method to learn to stop drinking.  Alcohol will make depression and anxiety worse and AA will help you get drinking behind you with all the support you need.
Good luck.