I am 61 and just started clonazapam for GAD. I cannot take SSRIs, can't tolerate side effects. I managed to not need a benzo for 21 years by taking Buspar, but it is not strong enough for my recent problems. I have to be on something lifelong now to keep from relapsing. I am hoping to find members who are my age and need to be on clonazapam for life, as I feel alone in my age group. I do not have panic attacks, just GAD. I hope to live into my 90s and wonder if I can take this at that age? Hope so, I am very healthy otherwise and my mom is 91 and grandma died at 97. I really like the clonazapam and how it makes me feel, if I could just stop worrying about it. I would like only positive feedback as I don't want to add to my anxiety. Thank you for listening.
How many years have you been on Klonopin? Who is the oldest person you know taking Klonopin?
Question posted by iamalady on 22 July 2013
Last updated on 1 October 2022
154 Answers
I will be 80 years old in a few months. I have suffered with affective disorder since age 5 when I was school phobic. By college I was using alcohol and Valium (prescribed by doctor) for anxiety, panic and sleep. By age 47 alcohol and Valium no longer worked and as an “alcoholic” I stopped drinking and joined AA and am sober now 32 years. Five years into sobriety from age 47 to 52 I used no pills whatsoever but was always agitated anxious and depressed. This progressed until I was almost suicidal but my therapist said you are an alcoholic and can’t take “drugs” so I found a top notch psychiatrist who was chief of psychiatry at our hospital . He explained to me that with affective disorder since age 5 I would be a lifer for medication and although it might take a year or more to lift some of the depression I would never have to be that low again.
We quickly discovered that I couldn’t take SSRIs without extreme agitation within first couple of days. In fact no antidepressants helped which led him to believe that given my history of mood disorder, my behaviors and the alcoholism I had bipolar disorder. Instead of putting me right onto lithium the most popular mood stabilizer in the 1990s he would try an atypical antidepressant very low dose in conjunction with Ativan. At first I used doxepin and Ativan but in short time he switched me to Remeron/mirtazapine and clonazepam and I have been on those two drugs now for 25 years. My highest dose of clonazepam has been 3 mg a day when I have severe physical illnesses or surgeries..but I only take the clonazepam at bedtime to address sleep. My dose range has been from .5 to 1.5 over the 25 years with the few periods of a few weeks going up to 2 or 3 a day and back down to 1.5. I do not have dementia…I have been on 1.5 mostly for past 3 years and only recently the doctor has said if I want to try to cut the clonazepam very slowly to reduce my dose down to 1 or 1.25 mg at night I can do that. So I just started taking 1.25 3 nights a week..whenever I have gotten to 1 mg and tried to go lower my primary affective disorder takes over. If I have “manic” episodes now which manifest as agitated depression I take and additional .5 mg during day once or twice for no more than 3 days and my stability returns. Clonazepam has saved my life. I have some very minor short term memory issues but those are normal for my age. I am a licensed Speech/Language Pathologist so I am quite aware of my cognitive states and changes. I live with a “new” partner of 5 years who also uses clonazepam .5 at night but only for last 5 years along with Wellbutrin for depression and anxiety . He is a practicing psychotherapist. Both of us are active and avid readers and have several hobbies we enjoy together. My second husband of over 30 years died 14 years ago so for nine years I was a “happy” widow and stable on my clonazepam and Remeron. I hope my current slow taper takes me down to 1 or 1.25 at night. I do have some cardiac arrhythmias and controlled diabetes but these conditions run throughout my family as do mood disorders..all the way down the line I can see it in my nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. Hope this helps long term users under psychiatric care for medications feel ok about clonazepam usage.
What a great read!!!
Thank you SO MUCH!!!
Hi! You are not alone. I will be 61 in September. I have been taking klonopin off and on for 20 years. The dose was 0.5 for a long time and for years I didn’t need it anymore. Then my mother passed away unexpectedly 2 years ago and my doctor put me on.5 twice a day and that helped. I also take Lexapro which seems to be the only SSRI that has caused little to no side effects.
I have been on Lexapro for 8 years. At the end of April heading into May I started to feel very anxious. I just kept going along with Life. I believe it was because May 7th was the day my mother passed away and then it was Mother’s Day. It set me off to where I couldn’t get out of bed. I had such severe anxiety and panic that I didn’t know what to do. I had an emergency appointment with my doctor and he upped my dosage to 2mg a day. That helped to a degree. Then another ER appointment and he upped it to 3mg a day.
One in the morning, one in the afternoon and one at bedtime. That has really helped a lot. I can’t be on this dose forever but for now as I’m working on my grief of losing my mother, (which I guess I never really did because I was busy with going through her things and taking care of my daddy)and watching my father slowly deteriorate it’s what I need. I’m in therapy 2 days a week and I do a lot of walking to help. Journaling also helps. I read relaxing scriptures and pray constantly. My diagnosis is delayed grief. But I deal with many different and difficult things. As you know as we age we lose loved ones and our health changes. Please feel free to write back.
I, am in late 50s. I’ve been on benzodiazepines on/off since my early twenties. I switched from Xanax to Klonopin around 2008. I know there’s been a huge standoff to get patients off benzodiazepines, especially if prescribed certain other meds. I, however, must have these benzodiazepines for my life. My life would be unbearable without this drug treatment. My dosages have changed when taking different antidepressants.
I am 41 - i have been on anywhere from .125 - .5mg of clonazepam at bedtime. I was given this medicine after very serious emergency surgery I had shortly after having my first baby - needless to say I was very anxious. I have tried to quit 4 times - withdrawals are too severe - especially going through withdrawals while taking care of my 2 active children. I do struggle though with being on this medication for life because I don’t feel as energetic on it. I take 0.375 at bedtime. I also take Cymbalta. I find that I am much more tired than I was before this medication. I require a daily nap that I’m so embarrassed about. If anyone has had success increasing their energy while on this medication please let me know! I would love to talk. I have tried EVERYTHING I can for more energy - except taking another medication. I intermittent fast, cut out sugar - the list goes on and on. So please help me if you can! I appreciate this thread so much - it is truly so comforting to see other people doing ok on this medication long term.
I have been on Klonopin for prob 8 yrs. Now I take .25 3x day. I use it for nerve pain in my mouth. I started Cymbalta first at 20mg then 30mg and about to try 40mg Also for mouth pain. When I started the 30 I noticed how much more tired I am , I also eat clean, workout a lot. But by 9pm I’m falling asleep. Klonopin even at .5 never made me tired. I think it’s the Cymbalta.
I am a 46 year old male who suffers from GAD & Panic Attacks. I have tried 3 different SSRIs (Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro,) and none of these agree with me. For years I carried around a prescription of .25mg Xanax with me just in case I had a panic attack. Having them with me often times kept me from having any panic.
Since the pandemic my anxiety has increased significantly and I was prescribed .25mg Klonopin. I have been taking .25mg every other day for about a year and it has done wonders for my anxiety and panic. My reasoning for taking every other day is so that I won’t build up tolerance as quickly and need to up the dosage.
I am anti-medication and I know taking Benzos for the rest of my life is not a good long term solution…. But Klonopin is the only med I have ever tried that makes me feel normal again.
Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Keeping your dose to a minimum is a smart move. I also take Klonopin for panic and anxiety, and I frequently take one to two weeks without taking any. My doctor agrees.. I also find it makes the drug work a bit better.
Some people can take Klonopin for many years and never raise the dose. Looks like you figured out what works for you and that’s great. I’m with you, can’t take SSRIs. Klonopin works. I feel normal on .25 a.m. when waking up and at supper time. Same dose for 9 years. I haven’t felt the need to raise it yet.
Thanks for sharing your story…
How long did it take you to feel the full affect of the cycle of anxiety breaking up? I have felt relief within a couple hours of taking Klonopin but it hasn’t completely broken the cycle of the anxiety yet. Suggestions?
How long did it take you to feel the full affect of the cycle of anxiety breaking up? I have felt relief within a couple hours of taking Klonopin but it hasn’t completely broken the cycle of the anxiety yet. Suggestions?
I am 51 and have been taking clonazepam for 26 years. I was diagnosed with acute anxiety at age 7.
At age 12 I was given Xanax and then later at 24 given clonazepam 2mg. It is the only thing that works to stop or prevent panic attacks that I have found. Truly a wonder drug. Tried all sorts of SSRI's and nothing worked. Terrible side effects. I am now down to 1mg. Half a tablet in the morning and one half at night before bed. The only problem I have is from the new doctor and the clinic staff who want me off of the medicine. They treat me like I'm a drug addict every time I call in a refill.
Sometimes referring to clonazepam as a "narcotic" which it is not.
Many times they will hold off on refilling saying I need to be seen by the doctor which causes me to go without and into withdrawal symptoms.
The only reason my doctor has given for wanting me off the medication is that there are too many forms to fill out for the DEA.
Anyone else have this problem? I would like to find a physician who understands I need to take this medicine because it works for me. I've never had a history of abuse or misuse yet I am constantly treated as if I'm drug seeking, if not by the doctor, the clinic staff, or by the pharmacy. I am in the San Diego area so if anyone knows a caring physician who understands anxiety and panic disorders please let me know.
There are other, even OTC drugs that are more dangerous. Popular medical use of anti-hypertensives, for example can cause falls, just as benzos are feared to do by some doctors.
I am 70 years old and have been on clonazepam for 27 years. I cannot take Buspar. I had bad side effects from it. I have GAD. I had panic attacks. But no longer. I fear weaning off clonazepam they will return. My mental status is better on my regular dose of clonazepam. I have no mobility problems on clonazepam. I believe I have built up a tolerance to clonazepam. Although have worked hard to keep my dose to 2 mg a day for 27 years. I cannot tolerate the SSRs. I believe this doctor will cause my health and my mental status to fail by weaning me off clonazepam .
Glad to hear it’s working for you and no bad side effects after 27 years. I’ll be 70 in April, been on 9 years and will be on for life as I see it.
Brand new to this site---
I have been on Klonopin for 25 years. I'm 65. Dr will nor prescribe more than 4 mgs per day, NO MATTER WHAT..so I have the additional anxiety of knowing I cannot ever get 'more'.
Doc wants me to get off this. I just want to be calm. I'm considering Ketamine nasal spray to help with the overall depression/ anxiety. I'm just exhausted from dealing with both and not having a supportive spouse. I know if he were a little kinder to me about this--I would not feel like such a freak. BTW, he has anxiety issues and doesn't mind taking my Klonopin when he needs it. Life is funny that way.
Midkid65
I’m no doctor, but some of your anxiety could be because of worrying about having to come off. If you can find a doctor who doesn’t want you off, and you just take that dose and stop thinking or trying to get off you might be surprised how well it will work for you. That logic worked for me, I just take it, I don’t even give it much thought anymore and because of having it out of my mind I haven’t needed to increase it.
FINALLY a psychiatrist today that prescribed me .5 2x a day for my severe anxiety. I can’t tolerate SSRI’s and I’m not depressed I’m EXTREMELY anxious to the point I isolate & leave my house only when absolutely necessary with help of Xanax. Last drugs prescribed Mirtazapine & Clonidine have caused excruciating stomach & digestive issues. Psychiatrist said when taken as directed & not abused ( I’m a recovering alcoholic) it’s perfectly fine . I’ve taken Xanax as needed for 10 years & never have I take more than 1 mg in a day. I’m HIGHLY Med sensitive.
good for you man! tip for you would be to practice exposure therapy, it kinda helps a lot with anxiety. even if its just goin out and getting lunch and eating inside around people will help you out a lot.
I am 68 years old and have been taking .5 mg. clonazepam for many years - at least ten. This was prescribed by a psychiatrist for anxiety. I think it is safe to use long term if you take it as prescribed, not miss doses and take the smallest possible dose needed. I took BuSpar for quite some time but developed muscle pain and weakness and had to stop it. You can have withdrawal from clonazepam - quickly! Once I had to leave town on urgent family business, ran out and after 4 days could not sleep, was extremely jittery, shaky, hot and agitated; I had to have the doctor call in a prescription long-distance. You can develop seizures from withdrawal if it is severe or if you are on higher doses. I have now run out of my clonazepam prescription for 48 hours and I have been almost paranoid, have a racing heart and had difficulty concentrating today. I tried filling the script Monday but poor communication between the pharmacy and my doctor has delayed this. I hope I can get can get it tomorrow and I don't have to wait over the weekend until Monday.
I don't believe I can ever withdraw without left over adverse effects. After 35 yrs. I think I should be on a higher dose. I think I am infact withdrawing BECAUSE I have not been increased in the dose, just steady minimum side 1.5mg for so long. Bottom line. As for advice to get off it, I would be more secure in taking it if Dr. Breggin et al could assure me that I would actually improve instead of risking increase anxiety related effects as I get older. Still I told Stephen I would give it a try, but only within "comfort" limits.
Dear iamalady,
I hope you are doing well during Holiday Season. I have not switched to CBD oil thanks to posts from this site. I have been doing ok on the 20 mg of lexapro and mainly .25 mg of klonopin in the early AM hours. I have noticed that if I am feeling really anxious in afternoon, another .25 mg seems to do the trick for me. As ive state, my Dr. is very much for the anti-depressant, but I think it hasnt done much for me this whole year. Anyways, have blood work and follow up visit in another month and going to insist that the klonopin works for me and I dont want to be made into an outcast. I know exactly what my issues are: a fear of dying early like my father, and I think about it everyday. Its debiliatating, but there are good days as well. Thank you again for your posts.
I keep my Klonopin dosage quite low…….never more than 3/4 mg./day. I take occasional drug holidays for two weeks. When I resume, it seems to work better. It can be a great drug for us anxious folks….just be smart about it. As far as ssri’s…..forget it. They make things worse for me. Mirtazapine is the exception. What a great drug for me……7 hrs. of sleep, a great appetite,,,
Thank you Cujo_byte. Great reply.
So, the question of CBD and helping with Klonopin withdrawal. From personal experience, I found try to taper off, (1mg\day) was Horrible to say the least. And I don't believe CBD helped at all. But that was me. I am back on 1mg\day and probably will be for some time to come. I'm 70yo now.
Good Luck!
1st off, Happy Thanksgiving!
I want you to know that you need not worry about long term effects of Benzodiazepine particularly clonazepam. The FDA, DEA, CDC all have different opinions on the way to handle the real issue with benzos, which is teens/children/young adults abusing them. 1 look at any Reddit sub shows the glorification of Benzodiazepine abuse as if it is the equivalent of opioids in the previous decade.
The Box warning on clonazepam comes from a very skewed, unthorough study of the correlation between long term use of Clonazepam and the instances of dementia.
It's a way to cover their butts. And to freak the doctors and pharmacists out as an attempt at making them more vigilant than they were during the years leading up tto and during the opioid epidemic.
I have been on Clonazepam every day of my life since 1981. It was just Roche Klonopin back then, and stayed that way until September 10, 1996 when Teva got approved for the first-to-file ADNA patent for their generic version of Clonazepam. Actavis was next on October 31, 1996...
Sorry, not applicable to your question-
What is however, is that I have been taking 2, 2mg tabs 4× daily with a 5th dose of the same 4 mgs available if needed. I have been living with both Epilepsy and Agoraphobia w/panic and GAD as well. Insomnia, OCD, migraine, and many other ailments that are all very well managed with Clonazepam. I have been on lower dosages, having wanted to find the lowest effect dose. I got down to 8mg daily in 2016, but the seizure activity increased and I couldn't get myself out of the house to get to my appointments. So it's been back up to 16mg with the total allotment of 20mg per day which I haven't needed more than once or twice a month for the last 4 years.
I have not been negatively affected by Clonazepam in any way.
My 40 years on this lifesaving miracle of a drug has me happy, healthy and active. My mother is 79 and has been taking Klonopin since 1976. She is healthy, sharp as a tack, and well as can be.
I have 2 other relatives who are in their mid 80s that have been on Clonazepam since it was released as a new molecular entity in 1975. They are both mentally sound and physically as fit as can be expected for their age.
I hope this helps. Take care, best wishes.
✯✧(✷‿✷)✧✯
Cujo, Wow, thanks so much for all this information, it is very helpful to us life-timers. Glad you are doing so well.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cujo, Wow, thanks so much for all this information, it is very helpful to us life-timers. Glad you are doing so well.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cuju. Thank you for your personal experience and information on your use of Klonopin. It’s so appreciated and helpful to our Klonopin community.
Thank you Cujo. Appreciate your comments very much.
Thanks so much for the comment Cujo! Very informative!
Has anyone tried to utilize CBD Oil (purity) along with klonopin/lexapro or is this a recipe for disaster. I have not asked my Dr., but have a follow up in a few weeks. I know he wants me to decline usage of klonopin (currently on just .25mg a day (1 pill early AM), unless traveling, then usually .50mg). The klonopin works as I've stated before, but so many people telling me CBD Oil helped them to titrate off of klonopin. Confused so thanks for any help. Have a Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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buspar, klonopin, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, clonazepam, side effect
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