Can Benzos fight depression?

[Guest Johnny]

I recently stopped taking my benzo and my depression worsened. Just wondering if benzos can actually help depression in some cases?

[dedoubt]

I don't know if they can or not, but I do know that when I have been taking clonazepam regularly, then stop, I get depressed. It's gotten to the point now that I feel more depressed the day after I take even one-- though while I am on it, I just find of feel blank... I usually take it for anxiety or mania, so maybe for me it's just a natural cyclical thing.

I did just find this link about their use as antidepressants, Are benzodiazepines antidepressants?, but have not read it beyond the first few paragraphs.

[SashaSue]

If stopping your benzo caused a worsening of your mood, maybe you should talk to your pdoc about restarting it.

[cynic]

Did you stop it too quickly, or did you gradually come off it?

[rowen]

Could be withdrawal symptoms. Why'd you go off of it?

[Velvet Elvis]

It's a pretty well known fact that depression is a possible side effect of benzos. As someone prone to depression as it is, I would never benzos without being on an antidepressant first.

[MarkP]

If benzos help you sleep, then, in some cases, this ends up fighting depression. Sleep plays a huge role in depression.

[matt9914]

I recently stopped taking my benzo and my depression worsened. Just wondering if benzos can actually help depression in some cases?

withdraw makes your situation worse. You dont just stop benzos.

But I have noticed on the occassional use of Benzo for me help with depression I have

[DKnight]

I've noticed for me my mood is always better when I take benzos. It seems to stop that horrible depression that comes with my anxiety. I'm better with anxiety and depression. But I do agree that long term use can cause you to get bored and depressed.