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?
- Asked
- 22 Jul 2013 by iamalady
- Updated
- 22 July 2021 (6 days ago)
- Topics
- buspar, klonopin, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, clonazepam, side effect
126 Answers
I just turned 63, and I have been on clonazepam for over 20 years. It was prescribed for me first because a neurologist had diagnosed a "temporal lobe brain wave disorder," and as a child I had been diagnosed as having "petite mal epilepsy." I saw a therapist and a psychiatrist when my 90 year old mother was placed in a hospice. My Mom begged my sister not to make her go (she'd been living with my older sister for several years and my sister was burned out.) And my Mom begged me to let her come live with me and my husband, but all concerned felt that with my health problems, it would be too much for me. (My Mom has since died - a little over a year ago.) The psychiatrist got my clonazepam dosage up to 8 mg. a day for over 7 years. I've been gradually cutting down and am at 2 mg when I (try to) go to sleep.
I just found a new primary care physician, and she told me not to try to taper down any further until I had been checked out by a neurologist to see if I still needed the clonazepam, and if so, what dosage. Apparently there IS a possibility that I may need to stay on it for the rest of my life! I have longevity on both sides of my family - one aunt lived to be 105! But I have other health issues (heart disease, Type II diabetes, etc.) and I'm on a lot of meds! I'm glad I found a PCP I think I can trust and work well with, but like she says, nothing changes until I've been seen by a neurologist. If I have to stay on it, I just want to understand everything there is to understand about the situation. I'm just tired of all the meds, all the doctors, and all the fear. The right PCP is my first step in the right direction. From now on I'm going to be very cautious about taking ANY new meds. But I don't want to live in fear of seizures. I almost wish I had gone to med school myself! Hope this lets you know you are not alone!
Oh thank you! You have been through a lot! Hugs to you. I know you need a higher dose for seizures. I think you are strong to get down to 2mg. It does not sound like you have short term memory loss or problems from the clonazapam. I have read great reviews by people using it for long term, but they are still much younger than we are. You may be on a lot of meds, but if they are helping keep you going and feeling good, stay with it. My husband is type II diabetic and on meds, just had dose doubled at age 69. He knows there are side effects, but w/o them he would be worse off. I also take diltiazem for SVT, something I just started having at age 61 from my anxiety and so clonazapam works better than buspar and I need to stay calm so as not to trigger the SVT attacks. The diltiazem helps the events stay under 150 beats per minute. Otherwise all tests show my heart to be healthy.
My mother has mild SVT and on diltiazem for 13 years, but does not take anxiety meds, she's lucky and made it to 91. Thanks for answering, it feels good to have support in this. I am on a low dose .25mg in am, but my doctor said to keep taking my buspar 5mg 3x a day along with it. I started at .5mg twice a day for 8 weeks and then reduced the dose and doing pretty good, the SVTs stopped for 4 months, so I went off the clonazapam and on the 7th day off I had a SVT event for an hour and another 4 days later, so now back on the clonazapam and they stopped again, so that was good. Thanks again, you seem really nice. Sorry your mom died.
I have a question I've been on benzodiazepines Temazepam clonazepam lorazepam at the present time I'm only on clonazepam I ran out of my prescription and it was the weekend and I had no refills. And I guess I've never been through withdrawals but I'm assuming that's what it was a heavy heart beat really fast cold sweats felt like I was going to pass out another words faint and some chest discomfort!! Is this withdrawal symptoms from the clonazepam and after getting your prescription filled again how long will it take for your body to adjust to having your medication in your system again?
It sounds like withdrawal, I have never ran out or stopped abruptly without tapering, but once when I was off for 4 months after tapering I went back on and I thought it helped right away, or I felt the calming effects right away. Just found your question... So hopefully you are back on track.
I see a psychiatrist for mine. I know that if one stops the drug, the peak withdrawal time is six months. In-patient recovery is recommended. If someone runs out, it is very scary. All the symptoms do point to withdrawals. I was off of mine ONCE. After three days, I got them back and within 20 minutes, I was me again. Not a drug to just stop. Make sure you have a couple extra for times like this. I took many pharmacology classes and forensic toxicology. I’m not special, but advice is fact and completely understood by me. I know I don’t ever want to be without. Feels so bad. Good luck! It will be ok.
I would not worry about such a low dose. I've been on .25 twice daily for over 20 years now and never built a tolerance, Thank God. My psych said i should consider the goal of being off of it by age 65, not sure why they have this age built in as a time when one should be off of Klonopin, perhaps it contributes to issues occurring later? i was hoping i'd be able to stay on this low does for the rest of my life, but apparently not. i don't want to look into it yet because i know i'd need a year in a resort with nothing to think about except fun, sun and communing with dolphins in order to come off of it so i'm kind of procrastinating for now. Perhaps because you started on it so late in life you can stay on it for life? i would certainly ask your doctor if you can and factor that in before your body gets dependent. It is not fun being dependent on it as i am.
i have to take it each day now just to avoid withdrawals and i would avoid that route at all costs IF YOU CAN. Otherwise, if you can't, relax, don't add to your worries, and just take one day at a time. NO need to cause yourself any further suffering. Good luck!
I was 33 when put on med and am now 50. This will freak everyone out, when my Mom was dying of cancer I was put on 18mg of Clonazepam (Klonopin) and it worked but was in a daze. I have had doctors reduce it over the years to where I am taking up to 2mg a day. It works but it has been difficult. I had an extreme anxiety attack where I had to go to ER. Blood pressure went through the roof and heart was racing. I kept saying “I’m not going to make it” so they gave me an extra dose of 1mg and it took almost an hour for me to calm down. Don’t run out of this med because the withdrawal is scary. Not so funny, after leaving ER I got a call within minutes that pharmacy had prescription ready.
I could very well be you body reminding you it needs the medicine. I experienced similar symptoms when I reduced my dosage.
However, if you’re having cardiac symptoms be safe and get yourself checked. If it from the Klonopin you will know pretty soon after restarting your meds. If your symptoms persist get to you doctor or ER to be sure it’s not a cardiac issue!
Good luck!
Oh my ... I'm 68, sigh. I take other meds but have been taking clonazapam at night to help me sleep for quite a few year.
Thank you for commenting. Unfortunately the tachacardia that I now have has become chronic and the trigger is my anxiety as docs can't find any other reason for it and my heart doc does not want me to have an ablation because of the risks. The clonazapam really works best as I am not depressed, just have GAD. I don't want a SSRI. I used to be a medical transcriptionist so know a little about drugs and there uses. I just need to keep my anxiety down and my Buspar is not strong enough to help w/ the SVT. I am glad to find those my age using clon long term, as I need a support group of ladies or gentleman and seniors who are not trying to come off clon, but want to STAY ON IT! So many people are trying to come off, and going through w/d symptoms. Won't their anxiety just come back, I know mine will. GAD is a disease like other diseases, once you have it, it is life long. Anyway, I tend to talk too much! LOL I have insomnia too, runs in my family, all female. Glad you are getting relief.
Kitty,
How many milligrams do you take for sleep? I take it for sleep as well and take 2mg before bedtime. I don’t have anxiety problems during the day, just can’t sleep at night. Sleep is good with it.
I have a friend who is 65 and has taken 2mg for 8 years for sleep.
Iamalady What is SVT? Reason I ask is I see your heart rate is 150 at those times. Ever since I had an angiogram (month ago) which I needed prednisone for contrast allergy my heart rate has been up especially in morning. My angiogram was ok, holter monitor showed PAC’s and for first time, 19 PVC’s, dr says not heart. Still, I was scared because walking around HR went up to 133, I was observed at hospital for 36 hrs, still not my heart. My heart rate is up, can go about 110-115, though this morning i’ve been shaky (I might have forgotten my bedtime dose of Xanax. ) Thank you for name of drugs you’re taking, going to ask Dr about them. He’s asked me about Xanax time release and wean down the other doses. I’m thinking about it because then I wouldn’t forget a dose. I’m the 78 yo woman btw. Have you ever taken prednisone? I ask because I used to periodically for asthma & now i’m wondering if it caused the anxiety disorder, messed up my adrenals. Have to go back to your post to write the name of drug for SVT’s.
Dear jamalady- no worries... I am 56 and have been on Clonozapem
(Klonopin) for over 34 years..It is my miracle drug, that made me want to
fight to live again after a bad car accident- head injury. Take Care, ~~DD~~
Pardon me, imalady--not jamalady..LOL:) rock on...
I hit the wrong keys a lot. I wrote a reply earlier, but I don't see it ever came through? Thanks, best to you to.
For worst year and dumpster diver, did you take the clonazapam every day for the 20 and 30 years? I should have asked this the first time. I am still having some trouble finding my way around in here and I don't want to irritate anyone, as I feel for your problems and know you have other issues you are dealing with, I don't want to bother you so much, but I wondered about this. Thanks
did you have to up your dose through those years?
Anyone having (or has had) trouble with fluid retention and joint pain with brand Klonopin?
I’m 60. Had to switch to Klonopin after generic drug questions.
How do I post a question- don’t know how, that’s why it’s in a response
thank u for your question. i am 66 and i have been on clonazepam for approx 30 years.
drs have been trying to treat my problem of anxiety with every anti depressent there
has every been. talk about a horror show. needless to say i have and hopefully will
never try another. recently along with 1to 2 mg of clon daily i have been taking 30mg
of buspar. started 2 months ago. i immediately saw a difference, believe it or not. never
felt as calm, focussed, my memory improved and couldn't say more, my need for clon
has declined, i take 1mg at night to help me sleep, but during the day coulldn't care less... now the sad part, after now starting my 3rd month on buspar beginning to see a change, not so much during the day, but my nights have turned upside down. i have insomnia and my anxiety is 110% during my sleeping hrs. i cannot stop the negativity no matter what. i DO NOT WANT TO GIVE UP ON BUSPAR EVER, but my nights are making me crazy. i certainly know that the GAD is what has been my problem all along now i have found some relief, and i cant bare to come of it. sounds
absolutely crazy how this makes me feel... its like i flip a coin, great help on days, but turn it over and my nights are a nitemare. thank u for listening and do not fear staying on clon if it helps IF anyone can help with the of side effects i am having with BuSpar, Please respond I am so confused. thank u
I could not remember my old password, so now I am aladyiam instead of iamalady. Anyway thanks for your reply about clonazapam. I have been on it for 2 years now at .25mg in the morning only. I have been on buspar for 9 years, 5mg, three times a day. I could never take 30 mg a day, as I felt side effects at that level. Maybe if you lowered the dose of buspar a little with permission from your doctor. I will be on clonazapam indefinitely as when I went off for 4 months last summer, my tachycardia got worse. My heart doctor said it acts like a beta blocker, as well as working on my anxiety, so I went back on. It is nice to hear from people who have been on clonazapam for many years and do not have memory loss or bad side effects. I am 63 now.
I hope you are doing ok.
I hope you are doing ok.
I hope you are doing ok.
I realze this is an older question, but felt the need to let you all know about long term use of benzodiazepines. My psychiatrist is the one that warned me.There has been a recent study that people that take benzo's long term at ages 60+ that it causes dementia for a big percent of patients that were followed throughout many years in the study. My psych explained to me that there has been many studies on it that were not conclusive, but the newest studies found it to be true. I totally trust my psych doc, but thought I would do research on it myself and I found what she said was an absolute truth. I also found that the dementia usually occures when using the benzo's that have a longer half life such as valium, klonopin, ativan and down the line. The articles said the short acting benzo's such as xanax etc also can cause dementia, but mostly it's the longer acting benzo's. The study is for long term use.. I wish you all the best and hope it doesn't affect anyone in a negative way.
Hi, I also heard of the results of a Canadian study like that in 2014. It is scary, but at my doctor appt today, I asked my doctor about it. She said it was a study on people in their 80s, and was still not for certain, that many of the subjects may have already been affected by dementia or Alzheimer's before being put on clonazapam. So there is just a possibility. I have to take it, and many people have to take it. Its good to know tho, for those who could choose another medication with good results, they would not have the worry that we have.
Ativan is short acting.
Anyone can get dementia... not just folks who take benzos.
I know this is an old question. Just wondering if you are still taking klonopin. My problem is I can't quit worrying about taking klonopin! It helps but I'm so scared I'm going to get "hooked" on it. But I guess if it helps me I shouldn't worry about it. Just wondering how long you've been on it.
Hi TK Marsh. I have only been on Klonopin generic for 4 years. I also worry myself to pieces about taking it, drives my doc crazy. lol. Drives my husband crazy. lol. He's a diabetic and takes meds, so he says so you need it, take it. I will be 65 in April. If I try and decrease my dose, my heart acts up, skips beats more and then I worry more than tachycardia comes back. The tachycardia started when I was 61, I guess from years of stress, doctors don't really know why, but Klonopin really helps it stay away for months at a time. So you are not alone at worrying. Hope you can relax and just become comfortable taking it. Hugs
I have the same problem! We should start a support group! Lol
I’m 65 and currently on day 58 off klonopin. Am still Dizzy,weak and nauseous. I was on it four years. I had really started noticing memory loss... also had angry outbursts, and bouts of depression. I hate this drug.
To Iamalady from Pain Pal: I am 59 years of age soon to be 60 I have been on Clonazapam the for over 12 years and will probably take it the rest of my life. When my Benign Essential Tremor first started I was 47 years old so I have taken this Benzo for over 12 years. I think I shall be on it my whole life I take 2 tabs a day 1 milligram a tab so don't worry about taking this drug. I don't take it for anxiety I take it for my tremor which is hereditary my father & my 2 sisters had the same tremor just in different areas my fathers hand shook my sisters also, mine was in my neck & hands. When I first went to a neurologist I was asked if I wanted to go the old route or the new route & I myself didn't even ask what either one of the routes were lol, I just thought if they were still keeping the old route around that it must be the best route to go...
I don't know if that was the right wsy to feel at that point in my life I just wanted to quit shaking in my neck in fact it was very uncomfortable & I couldn't control it at all yes it did cause me some anxiety because I was a waitress & people would look at me & ask me if I had been drinking which made me feel very self conscious & make me shake all the more & give me anxiety It just happened to me over night were one morning I woke up with this tremor. My Family Doctor let me walk around like that for about 4 years before I told him one day that it was effecting my job which was very sad that he didn't seem to notice when I saw him for my physicals he finally sent me to a neurologist. OMG what a difference in just one day. My Neurologist told me that I would probably have to up the dosage until it was regulated he also told me that as I got older I would have to up the dosage because when you get older that I would have to take more because the tremor would come out more. Well the first 1 milligram tab only helped me for about 3 days the first day I was so relaxed & felt great then it was where I started shaking again after just those 3 days so he upped my Clonazapam to 2 pills a day. That seemed to work I have been on 1 milligram 2 times a day for 11 years now. At one point when I opened the restaurant that I worked at I would get up at 3:15 am go & open the restaurant by 5:00 am I went up to 3 1 milligram pills a day, since I know longer do that I brought myself down to 2 1 milligram pills a day yet again it makes me feel normal I do not shake which did give me some anxiety but that s not why I took the pill it was for the shaking. What I take & what you take is what helps us feel ok I know I'm going to be on it forever. I also know it's ok get your rest don't drink more then 1-2 cups of coffee a day
It doesn't make me feel good it just makes me feel normal by not shaking like a leaf & drawing attention to myself. What I take is 2 mills a day that would put most people to sleep all day. You yourself said it made you feel good that will wear off & you will just feel normal & you might have to take more just to feel normal You never said what you were taking this clonazapam for do you mind if I ask ? Please post me back like I said I am soon to be 60 & started taking this drug when I was 47. I wish you nothing but the best if you are taking a benzo why be embarrassed or afraid of it for me it saved my life. No more neck pain & no more tremor... Sincerly Pain Pal PS. Did you know that Katherine Hepburn had an Benign Essential Tremor it was in her voice & neck watch some of her movies when she was young & as she got older she was a very successful woman right ? RIGHT !!!
Hi again Iamalady this is Pain Pal you did say why you were taking clonazapam & I'm sorry that I didn't understand what GAD was I do now & I apologize for asking why you take them I'm sure I have the same thing also my general physician says I have a mutant brain cell which I think he does for letting me walk around shaking like a leaf for over 4!5 years anyway I think we are ok & will be. I remember that I went into emergency for stitches once & the emergency doctor was more concerned about my shaking then he was about my 15 stitches lol that was before my general physician finally sent me to a neurologist. I do apologize it's early morning & I can't sleep or see correctly what was written right before my eyes & I read your post 3 times & saw that you did say why you were taking clonazapam like I said Katharine Hepburn had tremors & she did fine we are all different & I think we will be fine taking these benzos as prescribed.
Hi pain pal! I loved Katherine Hepburn! I am now 65, so just finished 4 years on Klonopin. Still taking it, but I increased my dose from 1/4 mg to 1/2 .mg last summer in June as my tachycardia started bothering me again. It's a fast heartbeat that is caused by stress apparently. It lasts for about an hour than returns to normal rhythm. Tests show my heart is fine otherwise. Klonopin stops it or blocks the adrenaline from anxiety, which also seems worse with age, more to worry about I guess. lol. I had a choice of beta blocker or Klonopin and after doing research the beta blocker scared me worse. I'm still on Buspar steady 5mg 3 times a day for 10 years, no breaks. It treats my anxiety, the k-pin treats the sinus tachycardia, can go months w/o having an attack. I too worry about staying on klon, but when I weaned off for 4 months the tachycardia came back, so, yes I'll most likely be on it for life also. So far no memory problems or side effects.
I am currently on 1/2 mg a day and I worry every day about taking it. My pharmacist said I will die from something else long before Klonopin would ever hurt me. I liked his answer! It's the bashers of benzos that make us feel bad and scared of taking something that helps us to live. Thanks for posting friend and live long on Klonopin. My aunt is 90 and she says taking anxiety meds most of her life helped her live longer. I'm glad it's helping you to not have the shakes. Klonopin helps a lot of things not necessarily related to anxiety. If not for my tachycardia I would be fine with just buspar. Hugs
I am 70 years old and have been taking Klonopin 1mg for insomnia every night for about 30 years! Recently, I've been waking up after 5 hours, so often take another one to get 2 hours more sleep. My memory is better than most of my friends. When I don't take the 2nd one, I am exhausted and feel sick all day. My cousin is 79 and has been taking it for 40 years! We are both still working professionals and quite sharp, if I do say so myself! I do worry about taking th 2nd one. My doctor doesn't think it's a great idea, but my choice is to feel crappy all day or risk dementia. I guess I choose the former. No sign of dementia yet!
You don't know how much it means to have people like yourself give their history or information on using Klonopin. We need support groups for those of us who need to take it and how it helps. Success stories, I would call them. And you aren't having any horrible side effects from your years on it or is your cousin. Gives me comfort and I'm sure others who happen to come across this thread who are struggling with their fears of being on it when it helps them. Thanks for making the effort to tell your experience.
Just wandering if you still are taking klonopin?
Thank you,
Just wandering if you still are taking klonopin?
Thank you,
Hi all, I am a 58 year old man. I have been taking clon for 25 years and no problem for me. I take .05 mg 3 x a day.. or 1.5 mg.. I take 2 mg on bad days. I also take 50 mg of a beta blocker the same amount of time. I was diagnosed with g a d , generalized anxiety disorder w panic attacks at age 33. Prior to age 33 I had never been in a dr office. I was always self medicating my anxiety w 3-5 mile jogs, and 90 minuets of weight lifting. It was when I stopped working out, and pushing myself too hard at work my disorder surfaced. I went back to 45 minuets of daily cardio exercises and 45 minuets of weight lifting and I work less now. They tried me on all the anti depressants which was like a bad Dr Jekyll experience, could not last 2 days must have tried 10. At first Xanax gave me my life back. Once I started back on exercise and getting sleep again I was able to go to clon. I have tried to wean myself off but the anxiety is too bad .
The above regimen of exercise and clon and the beta blocker , keep me functional in society. I have been married almost 40 years, and raised a nurse and a dr so I’m proud. I would kiss the feet of the person who invented clon and Xanax. I am a type a person who pushes themselves too much. But nearing 60 soon it’s time to ease up. I am a mess without this medication, I’ve tried 25 x to wean off it slowly the anxiety is too strong. Peace
To daveacr Klonopin helps block my palpitations and tachycardia that started at age 60. I e tried weaning off too, went 4 months off in 2014 but ended with a bad tachycardia attack, so I stay on it. I was offered a beta blocker, never tried it tho. My anxiety causes the tachycardia and palpitations, so it's easy to make the decision for me to take the k-pin. Thanks for posting. Sounds like you found the right drug for you!
Just cut my Klonopin to 0.5 mg and am having rapid heartbeat and extreme anxiety in the evening. I keep waiting for my body to adjust but it has been two weeks and I’m exhausted. My question is does your body ever adjust to the lower dose or should I go back to the 1 mg. dose? I have had GAD my whole life and am 62 years old. Thanks
You did not say how long you have been on Klonopin. You should only cut by 1/8 at a time. I cut from .5 1/8 for 2 weeks then another 1/8 for 6 weeks. I then lost my appetite and felt kind of yukky in my stomach, anxiety. I did good up till then. I was not trying to go off completely tho. I have a history of heart palpitations before going on Klonopin so if you did not then you might eventually be okay, but if you are eating okay, you might try and stick it out longer. I am on for 5-1/2 years. I don't see myself coming off, but best of luck and if you go back up try 1/8 only cuts and I did an 1/8 cut that lasted me 11 months last year and then felt I needed to go back to .5 in the late winter. Winter really brings me down. Maybe others will have suggestions for you too.
Yes, still happily taking it! Just had my 72nd birthday . Not needing higher dosage, which I thought was definition of addiction. I think the whole benzodiazepine “scare” is so overblown. SSRi’s seem worse in terms of side effects and withdrawal. Some people (those with high cortisol levels, such as myself) just need Benzos!
Only persons like us can understand and appreciate the responses that are seen here. I have been on the generic k-pin for 12 years (first on and off and now 1 mg. during the nite when I wake to go to the bathroom). I wake in a great mood with no anxiety and the day is wonderful.
I have severe S.A.D. and this morning I almost bawled thinking about going thru this for the next 3 months (I live in Southern CA) which is called here "June Gloom" but usually begins in April and lasts thru June. It cannot be explained to others who are "normal"??? that S.A.D. is like having nausea every morning and vomiting and saying to yourself that you will be fine in a few hours but meanwhile you just want to die and get the sickness over with. Especially knowing that it will happen again tomorrow, the next day, etc. for the next few months.
This morning I hesitated to take a 1/2 k-pin but finally said "oh well" and now I feel normal again. I have taken so many supplements, essential oils, various therapies and talk therapy which do nothing as quickly and thoroughly like this pill. I believe that "quality of life" is the most important thing in my world. There are many things beyond my control and sometimes it gets the better of me but being on k-pin makes me see the good in my life.
Thank you everyone for your comments; they are a lifeline!
Maxeen, I have S.A.D. but in MI mine starts in November when it gets dark and cold. It lasts all winter, it's very gloomy in MI during our winter. I feel better in April. This year I bought a therapy light and used it for 30 minutes every morning, not sure how much it helped. I'm surprised southern California is gloomy. Does it rain a lot? Just wondering as my husband and I have thought about moving to Arizona, Tucson for sun every day. We are retired, but don't want to leave lots of family, so we suffer. Michigan has a very short summer and is even cloudy much in the summer.
The weather here is great. San Diego had the nickname "America's Finest City" but the ocean being so close causes a weather issue which causes the grey for almost 3 months. It's only 2-3 hrs in the a.m.but it hits me hard.
Sorry, S.A.D. is bad. I crave warm weather, like it warm. We tried Florida a few weeks in the winter, did not help, rained too much, figure might as well be home. lol. However, Tucson is almost always sunny, but summers so hot, kind of scary. We spent a few weeks in Tucson in March and April. Well Lansing Michigan, where I live was once voted the city that had the most cloudy days in the United States. LOL! It really was! I have been to San Diego, but just for 3 days in March one time. Beautiful! Nice to share our stories. Thanks... Feel better soon
I am 63 years old. I have been on klonopin since 1992 for sleep and anxiety. Over the years medical doctors prescribed up to 6 mg a day. In 2014 I started with a psychiatrist stating I wanted to work my way down slowly and then off Klonopin. So I got down to 2 mg of klonopin a day. Last Sept 2016 I talked to him about a decrease to 1.5 mg a day. He suggested I go up to 3 mg which I said no to. I work at Nordstrom in a very volatile and hostile work environment. Increasing my klonopin was not the answer. On October 16, 2016 I missed a step coming down a ladder in a non compliant OSHA backroom. Unfortunately I suffered a brain injury and became the victim of Nordstrom Workman's Comp. Treatment delayed 11 weeks, lost my $60,000 a year position and abused by Corporate America. I was cut off by WC with treatment and money plus my long term benefit of disability has been denied by Nordstrom.
On June 14, 2017 I was told the use of Klonopin caused the fall and not all the trash and boxes blocking my ladder. My doctor now has me on 1.5 mg daily and down .5 mg every 30 days. The doctor is doing this to cover himself on liability. He told me studies show that klonopin is the reason for falls, memory issues, confusion, etc for people over 60 yrs old. I have yet to find the Studies that say this. Be very careful to anyone still working as most of us are. If you get hurt at work and are taking anxiety or antidepressants, they will turn it against you to get out of any responsibilities of an accident at work. Age discrimination is alive and well in America so Corporate America will get rid of you if you are over 55. Your doctors will do what Corporate America and Insurance companies tell them to. There is nothing fair or right yet it is true. If klonopin would cause these symptoms (which it didn't) then why would my doctor suggest I increase my klonopin in September 2016. I saw him in January 2017 for a med check and he kept me on 2 mg dosage. I walk into his office 2 days ago and get lectured for taking Klonopin. He said 2 days ago according to studies (?) klonopin should not be taken for over 7 days. Corporate America got to him. If anyone has links to surveys specific to side effects of klonopin over 60 ( not over 65 ) please share. Nordstrom, the medical system and the insurance companies are a Colossal Failure to hard working Americans... Be Better!
I am 29, I was on klonopin for a year, it saved my life from horrible anxiety. I was prescribed .5 mg twice a day, I only used one pill per day, it got the job done. I haven't felt normal in years until I found generic Klonopin. Unfortunately I can't find a dr to prescribe it long term, every dr seems to shun me as if It's my fault. I would rather live with the "potential" adverse affects in the future and live my current present time feeling good while I can, the most important time in my life.
I have been on the following SSRIs
Prozac
Lexapro
Celexa
Busiprone
Paxil
Effexor
And now Zoloft
Klonopin is the ONLY thing that works, but I can't seem to get it prescribed. Sometimes I wish I would have never discovered Klonopin because now I know what it feels like to feel normal, and for a DR to say that I can't feel that because of this unproven drug, makes me sick. If I get dimentia at 80 because of it, why would I care? I'm 80! Ready to go out anyway.
Everywhere I read it seems to have some negative stigma attached to it but if anyone knows how to have his prescribed long term let me know, otherwise I must move on, but never forget Klonopin.
Find a female psychiatrist.
I'm 71 and take 1 mg. Every night.. I've been on it for about 30 years. My extremely sharp cousin has been taking it for about 35 years. She is 78. No bad effects. Can't sleep without a.
Thank you, you are giving me hope.
Thanks for your comment. It really helps me decide if it’s ok to take everyday.
Thanks for your comment. It really helps me decide if it’s ok to take everyday.
It is a relief reading these responses. I was given Klonopin 3 yrs ago for neurpathic tooth pain. I was taking .5x 2xday. I have been able to cut back to .5 once a day. I am 59 now. I have tried to wean off in the past with horrific side effects. I read so much of how horrible the drug is so it scares me . Reading the above posts calms me down and I am glad to read them, It is the first time I have read anything positive. I am also a 17 yr breast cancer survivor and suffer from PTSD. Even though a few weeks ago I wanted to taper down I think I will stay on it and stop focusing on the negitive aspect of this drug. thank you
I like success stories of people on Klonopin, and especially long term. There are many, but usually the bad reports make it on more. If you are doing great why go into forums that might depress you, so they don't. Try not to worry, glad it helps you.
I just removed myself from all the forums except this. I can't torture myself over this drug anymore. I will continue using it
Thanks for your post! You are amazing!
I'm 40 yrs old now and I've been on varying amounts of klonopin for 21 years. The most I was on was 1 mg 3x daily, but now that I have a new psychiatrist I'm on 1mg twice a day. I basically take 2 at night to help me sleep. I have bipolar 2, insomnia, GAD, and varying medical disorders that make it impossible for me to work. I have horrible withdrawal symptoms when I go more than 1 day without klonopin. But it has been a life saver once I actually started taking it. I know I'll be on it the rest of my life but that's fine with me. I still have the scars, emotional and physical, from the time I went without it in my late teens and early 20's.
I'm 40 yrs old now and I've been on varying amounts of klonopin for 21 years. The most I was on was 1 mg 3x daily, but now that I have a new psychiatrist I'm on 1mg twice a day. I basically take 2 at night to help me sleep. I have bipolar 2, insomnia, GAD, and varying medical disorders that make it impossible for me to work. I have horrible withdrawal symptoms when I go more than 1 day without klonopin. But it has been a life saver once I actually started taking it. I know I'll be on it the rest of my life but that's fine with me. I still have the scars, emotional and physical, from the time I went without it in my late teens and early 20's.
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