I just started this medicine and it helps more than anything I have tried so far. Over the past 6 years I have tried antidepressants, anti anxiety, meds for sleep and Xanax which was the worst. If I can stay on Klonopin I feel like I can finally get back to the person I used to be. Wish I had had it sooner. I actually wake up feeling "normal" and not in a total panic.
Is it safe to take Klonopin indefinitely?
Question posted by Hoping for help on 2 Sep 2021
Last updated on 14 October 2021
4 Answers
WildcatVet
4 Sep 2021
Hi, Hoping!
There is evidence that the long term use of benzodiazepines can cause cognitive dysfunction, new or increased anxiety, and new or increased depression in some cases. In addition they can also cause some physical disorders and they are addictive.
What it comes down to is a risk -vs- benefit situation.
mmmousemaid
4 Sep 2021
Depending on duration, these long term effects may simply be a sign of the need for an increase in dose, i.e. withdrawal symptoms. It's just that clonazepam is distinct in speed of addiction, unlike the common benzos, such as Xanax, Valium, etc. .
WildcatVet
5 Sep 2021
The studies I've read point directly to mental/physical side effects from long term use.
"CAUTIONS WITH CHRONIC USE OF BENZODIAZEPINES
Chronic use of benzodiazepines has been associated with
cognitive impairment, decreased motor coordination,
impaired concentration, poor reaction time, and slower speed
of information processing and verbal learning.25 Patients on
long-term benzodiazepines experience agoraphobia, loss of
sex drive, social phobia, increased anxiety and depression, as
well as various other problems. Learning impairment with
benzodiazepines decreases the effect of psychotherapy.26 In
patients who have taken benzodiazepines regularly for one
year, deficits in visual-spatial ability and sustained attention
have been reported.27 Excessive parenteral dosage can result
in respiratory distress and apnea, along with a tranquilizing
effect on the central nervous system. "
"THE FUTURE ROLE OF LONG TERM
BENZODIAZEPINES FOR ANXIETY:
With little data to support the long term use of benzodiazepines
for anxiety, along with clinical studies that indicate cognitive
impairment from prolonged use, a closer look should be
taken to better understand why patients are prescribed
benzodiazepines for greater than two months duration of
treatment. Are patients being prescribed benzodiazepines as
a result of poor clinical judgment, patient addiction, fear of
withdrawal symptoms, or because clinicians don’t understand
how to best discontinue long term therapy?
As the diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder requires
a period of symptoms lasting greater than six months in
duration, the clinician needs to take particular precaution
not to overprescribe benzodiazepines as a short-term solution
to an often long term problem. This is especially important
as the most successful treatment solutions to GAD requires
additional modalities that include lifestyle modifications,
counseling, and/or psychotherapy.36 As benzodiazepines
have addiction potential and may be taken with other drugs
of abuse to cause life-threatening complications or withdrawal
symptoms, antidepressants may be the better pharmacologic
option for the initial medical treatment of GAD. "
mmmousemaid
5 Sep 2021
Antidepressants also have dangerous side effects when taken long-term; e.g. Extrapyramidal symptoms. I would rather take long-life benzodiazepines long term, on the condition that the doctor knows when to increase the dose and which benzo and how much is the safest. The emphasis on these symptoms you have quoted may require comparison with other long-term drug therapy effects.
"Psychopharmacology IS rocket science" - Dr. Squiggles
WildcatVet
5 Sep 2021
Even aspirin has short... and long term... side effects. It all comes down to what works most effectively and safely for the individual.
I'll stick to my medications...
WildcatVet
5 Sep 2021
And every individual must be made aware of the risks versus the potential benefits.
mmmousemaid
4 Sep 2021
Apparently: my dr. has had me on it for 35+ yrs. It would be interesting to know if the changes in the brain are permanent and therefore "indefinitely" is safe.
Social94127
4 Sep 2021
I am 72 and I started taking Klonopin at 67, after being on Valium, which I really liked, for a long time. But was told, in my age Klonopin is safer, than Valium. So, I have been taking Klonopin and will take it as long as I live. I need it.
For a 61-year woman, who worries about taking Klonopin for a long time, I would say “Relax, just don’t abuse this medication “. But I am not a doctor.
gbharden
14 Oct 2021
I have been taking alprazolam and want my doctor to switch me to Klonopin and he refuses to do it. I believe I could take less but he refuses to listen. I am 65 and severe anxiety disorder and cannot get any sleep if I don't take something.
Redfinch
2 Sep 2021
I’ve taken clonazepam (generic Klonopin) since February 2021 due to MDD. When unable to sleep or eat my GP prescribed Mirtazapine. That has helped for all but lingering anxiety. I’m taking the clonazepam during the daytime. My GP and I are trying to reduce the daily need as that would be the best but, at this time I still need to take it. I limit to no more than .50mg/day. I follow doctor’s instructions and take much less than I’m allowed. If I will need it indefinitely, I accept that. Many people take this med for a variety of medical conditions.
Related topics
xanax, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, sleep, medicine, antidepressant, antidepressants
Further information
- Xanax uses and safety info
- Xanax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Xanax (detailed)
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