What Causes Constant Headache, Light Sensitivity And Neck Tightness While On Klonopin?

Question : I am flip-flopping between different manufacturers of Lamictal (150 mgs), which I take with my Celexa (10-15mgs) and a small dose of klonopin. I have been on both mulitiple times with repeatable results:

the brand name is very effective for my depressive symptoms and sex drive, the downside is that it gives me near-constant headaches, light sensitivity, attention/cognitive deficits, tightness in my neck (I now have a pinched nerve), and I am prone to feeling very hyper and/or irritable in the afternoons. Most recently I have been having episodes of heart palpitations and high blood pressure.

The generic that I have taken DOES NOT cause headaches or light sensitivity. I switched back to it about 8 days ago and the palpitations, headaches, and hyper feeling disappeared within a few days. HOWEVER, almost without fail, about 2 hours after taking the celexa and generic lamictal, I feel this zoned out, very depressed/suicidal feeling, with a feeling inside I can only describe as "heaviness." Sex drive is also diminished. Waking up in the morning is harder.

I know how unlikely this sounds, but I have been taking lamictal with Celexa for 10 years, and this pattern is very consistent. Right now I am in a very depressed state. I know I will not do anything but all I can think about is ways to kill myself. I can't believe I have to choose between constant headaches/cardiovascular conditions and crippling depression.

Lamictal was initially added due to questions of familiar bipolar tendencies. It seemed to help with depression and motivation more than controlling impulsive behaviors. Never had an official bipolar diagnosis.

Any suggestions would be helpful please.

Thanks for the quick response. I thought of something else after I wrote this but I could not append it:

Another notable pattern is that these feelings...either irritable or depressed, persecuted thoughts, can suddenly wash out of me around 6-7pm. In fact that has already happened today. I am now happy, productive, a little racy, and somewhat distractable (I'm trying to study biochemistry).

That regular "snap" at a predictable time makes me think something I took is clearing out. It might be the klonopin I take at night .25-.5 mgs, or the morning dose of Celexa or Lamictal. The nature of the mood changes (and family history) suggest some bipolarity, but they seem too predictable to me. An induced mania wouldn't have a clockwork schedule every day.

I'm getting a consult from a new doctor...she thinks the celexa is to blame that I should be taking just lamictal and a low-dose antipsychotic. The depressive/anxious symptoms return quickly when I drop the celexa in my experiences. AP's wash me out and can trigger some very violent dreams and thoughts occasionally, make me feel very disconnected. Too heavy a tool I think.

Actually I think a lot of the current cognitive/sedative problem has to do with Lamictal interracting with serotonergics (for me).

For example my cognitive problems during school and while I was teaching hit me 2 hours after morning meds. When I was taking Viibryd (with lamictal) I got REALLY stupid and had trouble staying awake during the day. When I took Latuda at night I woke up easily but got very impaired and tired after morning meds (I was still taking Lamictal with some celexa).

Back to your response: I like the proponol idea...not too sedating? I have some prazosin at home. I found the vasodilation created congestion and headaches. A beta blocker is probably a good idea for complicated trauma though.

I don't want to add any more confusion so I'll stop typing. I'm aware how manic I sound haha.

oh, forgot to ask...what about the irritability and hyper feeling...will the proponol take care of that also?

thanks... can you address the previous question/concern about the Daily, consistent cycling please?

clearly these are not "daily ups and downs" if you kindly re-read the post, they are related to the medication regimens. I've been in weekly psychotherapy for 20 years.