Locations
Office
Roseville, CA
About
Bio
I received my PhD in Neuropharmacology from The Chicago Medical School in 1986 and my MD in 1989. I completed my Residency in Psychiatry at UCLA and my Fellowship in Child Psychiatry at The University of Colorado. I have been in Private Practice in Northern California since 1994 specializing in the medication management of Psychiatric Disorders. I am a Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Psychiatry
Doctor Q&A
114 Answers
1 Agree
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Probably "shy": Most people with asperger's aren't shy. They have great difficulty in social situations which can lead to anxiety in social situations. Extreme "shyne... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Get help: Bipolar disorder is a treatable disorder. However, it will get worse over time if inadequately treated or not treated. I would strongly recommend seei... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Interview: The diagnosis is made based on a clinical interview with a physician familiar with the diagnosis. There are no blood tests for this disorder.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 59-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Typically few: These are medications that can be used in combination to treat depressive symptoms. The most common adverse interactions can be fatigue and weight gai... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Yes: Adukts respond to the same medications that children and adolescents with adhd do. Medications like strattera, vyvanse, Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) X... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Seek treatment: Bullying can often lead to depression as evidenced by a loss of interest in activities. Seek treatment to resolve the depression and deal with the bul... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Get help: Tantrums and aggressive outbursts are often symptoms of the disorder and can respond to appropriate medication. Behavioral interventions often don't w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Talk to your doctor: Prozac (fluoxetine) can sometimes increase anxiety which can lead to a choking feeling. More importantly, ssri's like Prozac (fluoxetine) can cause dy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
See your doctor: Forgetfulness can be normal aging or a part of another diagnosis, including dementia. It is best to consult with your doctor for a full evaluation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Unlikely: The symptoms of autism are usually present before age 2. However, if you are seeing something that concerns you, i would still consult with your child... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
No: The hallmark of depression is a diminished ability to enjoy things that should be enjoyable. If that occurs, the individual needs to see their physici... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Seek treatment: These are symptoms of depression which is a serious but treatable medical problem. These symptoms will not go away on their own and can worsen without... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Don't use it: St. John's wart has shown some effect in diminishing the symptoms of depression, but it is not a treatment for depression. Depression can be a chronic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
YES: Research indicates that up to 25% of untreated adhd patients can develop depression. The chronic stress associated with the symptoms of adhd can lead ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Yes: Having a family member with depression increases the risk of developing depression.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Genetics: Bipolar disorder is a highly genetic disorder, so most people inherit the predisposition. Also stimulant drugs like the amphetamines can also produce ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
I don't: There are two reasons to give medications in bipolar patients. One is to alleviate current symptoms and the second is to diminish the risk of symptoms... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Not really: There is no evidence that mj can lead to depression. Mj can sometimes diminish the symptoms of depression, but it is not a solution for treating the d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old female asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Possibly: Anxiety can cause a rapid heart rate and sometimes skipped beats, but is not associated with other ekg abnormalities.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
No: Head trauma can produce a variety of behavioral and cognitive changes, but there is no association with autism spectrum.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed Apr 15, 2021
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Yes and no: Some medication that treat high blood pressure can cause sexual side effects. It is important to discuss this with your physician so that a medication... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Yes, but why: The mechanism of action of these two medications is similar, so i wouldn't combine them. Serzone has the benefit of having fewer sexual side effects t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
SSR'I's: Prozac, zoloft and Paxil (paroxetine) are fda approved for the treatment of pmdd.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Not always: Adhd is a medical disorder, not a behavioral problem. Individual with adhd are often impulsive and it is the impulsivity that gets them into trouble. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Yes: It can both stimulate appetite and cause carbohydrate cravings. There are other available medications that have a smaller risk of these side effects.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Type of thoughts: The racing thoughts in bipolar disorder tend to be disjointed and jump from idea to idea. The thoughts in OCD tend to occur around a specific idea or ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Medications: Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) have shown some benefit in diminishing the depression symptoms in bipolar disorder. However, the stand... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
It can: Effexor (venlafaxine) can make people feel jittery which can affect writing.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Unclear: Although the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is unknown, we do know how to treat it. Ssri antidepressants like zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac can... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Not really: Prescriptions for Nefazodone decreased several years ago due to concerns over liver toxicity. It is an effective antidepressant with a very low degree... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
No: Add is a disorder that begins in childhood, but may not be recognized into adulthood. Careful investigation will often reveal childhood symptoms that ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
See MD: Prolonged qt is a rare, but very serious medical disorder. Symptoms can be dizziness, lightheadedness and passing out. Anxiety symptoms can be similar... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Yes, with caution: Pramipexole has shown benefit in research trials in treating depression symptoms in bipolar disorder. However, it can also "flip" depressed patients t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Talk with MD: Celexa (citalopram) should be tapered off rather than abruptly stopped. It is also important to wait a period of time once you are off the Celexa (cit... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Side effects: Both classes of medications are effective in the treatment of depression. However, the tricyclic antidepressants typically have more side effects and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Varies: Many of the tricyclic antidepressants have established blood levels that are associated with the best outcome. Rather than rely on a specific oral dos... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Doesn't matter: There is no scientific evidence that indian basil tea is a treatment for depression. Depression is a serious medical disorder that should only be trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Possible theory: Estrogen levels are high in pregnancy and estrogen appears to inhibit a chemical called monoamine oxidase. Monoamine oxidase normally breaks down sero... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
With caution: Diuretics should be taken with caution as they can lead to lithium toxicity. Metformin is not a problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Usually not: Lithobid (lithium carbonate) can cause weight gain by decreasing metabolic rate, but appetite increase is an unusual side effect.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Not really: There is some thought that seasonal affective disorder is a variant of bipolar disorder. Light therapy can be effective food those who experience depr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Talk with your MD: There are medications that treat mood disorder that minimize side effects. Discuss your particular side effects with your doctor to see if you can be ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Bad idea: Add medications should be used to treat add. However, there are children who misbehave due to impulsivity (reacting prior to thinking). Impulsivity ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Your PCP: I would talk with your family doctor. They usually know who the best physicians in the area are and they can then make a referral. I usually don't tru... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Education: The key is to find a physician or therapist in your area who has expertise in dealing with individuals with autism. A lot of positive things can be do... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Degree of mania: Bipolar i is characterized by manic symptoms that can include increased energy and a decreased need for sleep, racing thought, rapid speech, marked im... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
See your doctor: These symptoms can be part of an anxiety disorder and can be resolved with the proper treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Yes: Some people experience an increase in anxiety with starting effexor (venlafaxine). Other solutions could be starting with a smaller dose, taking Effex... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Mood lability: Early symptoms can be centered on mood lability. The individual has marked aggressive episodes that tend to come out of no where. They are easily set ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. J. Kirk Cloptonanswered
Psychiatry 34 years experience
See your doctor: Mood changes in bipolar disorder tend to occur without cause or are a exaggerated response to an event. The individual tends to expresses frustration ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
246
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Jan 7, 2013
Highly recommend to anyone with children that have adhd, or other behavioral issues that may need to be addressed that are still undiagnosed. Has been a godsend for my family, I have a daughter with ...Read More
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Clopton is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Clopton is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks for your response and for your concern. Maybe ruminating was a bad choice of words. I basically work to overcome my fear of death and set it in its proper place; this is made difficult by socia...Read More
HealthTap member
Had trouble with Cymbalta. I also take 50-100mg of Ultram. Not sure how Prozac/Ultram work together, but I know at higher doses I could risk Serotonin Syndrome. Had episode after 10 days Cymbalta - co...Read More
HealthTap member
I've been considering medical mj for my depression and possible PTSD from an abusive childhood ... =0/
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
The Chicago Medical School
Graduated 1989MD
Awards
Top Psychiatrist, First Place, the Sacramento Region - Spring
2017
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