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Clonazepam for Anxiety User Reviews

Brand names: Klonopin

Rating: 8.4

Clonazepam has an average rating of 8.4 out of 10 from a total of 825 reviews for the off-label treatment of anxiety. 81% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 9% reported a negative experience.

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Reviews for Clonazepam

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • swe...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 15, 2025

"This is a great medicine for anxiety. It works very well for me. I take 1 mg three times a day. Very good medicine. No side effect."

10 / 10
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  • xyz...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • November 24, 2024

"One of the best medicines for anxiety, and it has no withdrawal symptoms. Plus, by regularly taking .5 mg a day, the brain develops a pattern of comfort, so gradually you can stop. Even if you take it lifelong, it increases life expectancy. We can die from panic attacks, fear, and anxiety, but not with this medicine. Stop attaching stupid ideologies to medicines. Mental disorders are the worst thing that could happen to you."

10 / 10
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47 Report
  • Red...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • October 11, 2024

"I've been taking this medicine since 2012. It's excellent at treating anxiety/social anxiety on a quick and rapid scale and for maintenance of anxiety. I take 0.5 mg in the morning and 0.5 mg at night. It works great."

10 / 10
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35 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • ItS...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 22, 2024

"I started struggling with symptoms unbeknownst to me and my GP as crippling anxiety at 9 months postpartum and was prescribed Celexa. After 2 days of taking it, I was hospitalized. That was when I was introduced to a wonderful postpartum psychiatrist who listened to my concerns and wishes to continue breastfeeding. That’s when I was first introduced to clonazepam. I started slowly with 0.25mg twice daily. After taking that first tablet, I felt complete relief and couldn’t even cause myself anxiety when trying my hardest. I cried and cried that I wanted to be around my family again and hold my babe, not just nurse her. I continued taking clonazepam and seeing my psychiatrist for the following 3 years. I did need to up my dose to 2mg three times daily. However, when we were ready for baby #2 and wanting another successful homebirth with our midwife team and doula, I knew I needed to be on 0.5mg three times daily and slowly tapered down to 0.25mg twice daily. I surpassed my goal, had my homebirth, and have been on clonazepam again at 2mg three times daily for 16 years happily!"

10 / 10
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19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • April 15, 2024

"It helps me very well with my anxiety. I take it in the morning. If I don't, I feel shaky and just really anxious. But when I take it in the morning, I feel much better."

10 / 10
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11 Report

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  • Hop...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 25, 2023

"There is so much negative information out there about benzos. I have been using them off and on for about 13 years. Ativan was always my go-to, but about a year ago, my primary care doctor suggested that Klonopin might be a better fit for my general anxiety because it lasts longer. I would agree. I am prescribed 0.5mg up to twice a day. I normally use less. 1/4 mg usually takes the edge off, and sometimes I take another 1/4 mg later in the day. I have taken it daily not exceeding my prescribed dose for months at a time. When my mind settles for whatever reason, I forget to take it, and I have never experienced any serious withdrawal. What I can share is that, although I don’t like relying on Klonopin, it keeps me functional when I fear I wouldn’t be otherwise. I can concentrate on tasks and get things done. I imagine that taking high doses of any benzos long term would lead to some challenges, but used in moderation, drugs like Klonopin can be a lifesaver."

10 / 10
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  • Deb...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 5, 2023

"I have taken Clonazepam for 12 years. To me, it's a miracle. The anxiety and RLS were stopping me from living a full life. Once I had this in my system, I was so relieved. I couldn't believe how good I feel. I know there is a lot of negativity about this med, but I would rather have quality of life than to live how I was. I take it as directed only and I take it 3 to 4 times a week. It has been a lifesaver for me. Don't believe everything you hear and read. They try to scare people who really need this. Take the med and enjoy life. I do and have never looked back!!! I hope all of you are healing and living a full life!!!!"

10 / 10
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82 Report
  • Lew...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • November 24, 2022

"I have been using clonazepam for 17 years to treat my anxiety. There were times in those 17 years when I went untreated, but more often than not I was prescribed the drug, and it has always worked wonders for my anxiety. I did have to learn, though, that tolerance can rise fairly quickly, and one may find oneself reaching that maximum dosage soon enough. At that point, you may find you have to use more than prescribed, which will only cause you to run out early, which is not a pleasant experience. If your prescriber finds out, you could lose your Rx. The trick is to learn other ways to cope alongside medication and deal with some anxiety - it will never be gone completely. Some anxiety is good."

10 / 10
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  • Coc...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 14, 2022

"I have typical high anxiety, which results in a spastic colon. Over the years, the only, only effective medication for my spastic colon (doctors had made me try many other meds), Clonazepam is the ONLY medication that helps with my spastic colon! And I do not have any bad side effects, like sleepiness, dizziness, etc. Typically, Clonazepam isn't prescribed for spastic colon. But I am relieved of so much extreme pain, discomfort, bloating, etc., with just two Clonazepam per day!"

10 / 10
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  • Kel...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • June 22, 2022

"I have been on a low dose (0.5 mg) on and off for about 15+ years. Without it, I have anxiety so bad. I am also on Trintellix for anxiety and MDD, and it helps, but my anxiety is so bad and I overthink. I stress super easy, and I cannot control it on my own. I tried for 3 years. I do not care if it is deemed addictive, it is needed just as someone who needs insulin."

10 / 10
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  • Gui...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 7, 2022

"I have suffered from anxiety on and off throughout my life depending on circumstances going on around me. With the last 2+ years, lockdowns, isolation, starting a new job, I found a slow buildup coming for a while and it finally hit me about a month ago. I take Zoloft, but when I get really bad, Klonopin is an absolute life saver, LITERALLY. I just try to limit when and how I take it. I read my body and if it is evening time and I feel my panic and stress level rising and know I won't sleep, I take a 0.5mg and it helps very quickly. The physical toll anxiety has on your body to me is far worse than needing a helpful medication. I do not know where I would be without it, and I am 52 years old now. I still do positive things like meditation, exercise, eat well, and no alcohol, as well as a stress counselor. I feel this medication is the best solution for anxiety. I hope this post helps someone."

10 / 10
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203 Report
  • fav...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 5, 2022

"I was first prescribed clonazepam in 1991 for anxiety/PTSD after an unpleasant experience with Xanax (too euphoric, wild dreams), and have taken it on an ad hoc basis since. There have been years when I have not needed to take it at all, and when I have felt I have needed it, then I have dosed 0.25 mg or even less, followed by another 0.25 mg if more is needed. I've never taken a full 1 mg tablet, and doctors have told me I can be less cautious, but the small doses work for me. It has always made the difference, and very often it's been enough just to have it to hand and knowing that I can take it if needed."

10 / 10
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  • Sea...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • February 25, 2022

"There is a drug metabolizing/genetic test for people to take to make sure any potential medication can be correctly metabolized without an issue. I feel this is important to know before you introduce anything into your system. I suspect this might have to do with certain people not being able to correctly get rid of the drug, so it hangs around too long which can cause withdrawal or addiction issues. Personally, I have no complaints with this medication, and my experience using it has truly allowed me to live my life. I have been on and off of it for many years, taking it as needed. I used to use it daily when I was in the military and had no issues coming off after continuous use for 2 years. As of today, it's only as I need it. I understand people have/had issues with this medication, but please get a drug metabolizing test to see which medications will work correctly for you. This will be the missing link for many. Be well..."

10 / 10
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  • psy...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • October 19, 2021

"In response to some of the experiences below where people have hailed clonazepam as a miracle drug, then have been taken off the medication only to find they are unable to sleep and/or control anxiety without the medication. Significant changes to GABA neurotransmission can occur with prolonged use of benzodiazepines like clonazepam. The medical concerns with prolonged use are dependence, cognitive problems, and sleep problems. When under the influence of benzodiazepines, patients perceive that they sleep better, but the reality is that they do not get into deep, restorative stages of sleep (stages 3 and 4). Benzodiazepines have amnestic properties as well as anxiolytic properties, meaning patients often forget that their sleep was disturbed or restless when in reality their sleep was restless and disturbed. From a psychiatric standpoint, using benzodiazepines as a coping mechanism for anxiety can reinforce incorrect beliefs and feelings that lead to inordinate amounts of anxiety."

5 / 10
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  • Luc...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 15, 2021

"I have social anxiety and developed a coping mechanism of OCD-type cleaning to calm the anxiety. This precursor worked for some time until I went to college and discovered alcohol. Now I had my OCD cleaning and alcohol. Not until after having my kids at the age of 40 did I finally face myself and realize I had a serious problem. I felt completely overwhelmed, and my husband and I were going at this alone. He worked full-time, so it was really me going at it alone. I was an out-of-control alcoholic that used alcohol to deal with my anxiety of having OCD. I checked myself into rehab. MAPP test to find the right dose of meds to work (clonazepam & Prozac). Ten years later, the conjunction of these two drugs treated my OCD and anxiety. The dosage is 0.5 mg 2x a day for the clonazepam and has not changed. Clonazepam worked a miracle for me. I did not feel high; I just felt balanced. The stigma regarding this drug is unfair. My GP and psychiatrist both agree; longer-term is my best option. No dependence developed."

10 / 10
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  • Deb...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 4, 2021

"I have been on clonazepam since I was taken off Xanax in the '80s. I would not leave my apartment if I did not have it. It has worked well for me as Xanax was constantly wearing off. I do take a relatively high dose, 3 mg a day, but after so many years, I do still take 3 mg a day. I can't even explain how severe an anxiety disorder I had since around age 9. I live alone and am in my late 60s, if I did not take this drug, I would not be here today. For me, this has been a lifesaver."

10 / 10
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17 Report
  • Yas...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 20, 2021

"Clonazepam is the only thing that keeps me still alive, without it, I would have finished my life."

10 / 10
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11 Report
  • Nan...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • August 9, 2021

"I really don't care what anyone thinks about this drug. People who criticize and demonize it have never lived with the severity of genuine anxiety or panic. It is a torment. I had my first attack at 15, and it never really stopped. Anxiety/panic disorder is a real and serious illness. Illnesses, if you're lucky, can be treated. In these cases, the treatment happens to be a benzo. So what? It saved my life...quite literally. I am presently 70 years old, and I still take it. 2mg a day. That is not generally acceptable because of early dementia. I am perfectly cognitive, and I have no fear of some remote possibility. I simply want to live in peace and normalcy. A psychiatrist I knew in New York told me that some people need it all their lives. I am one of those people. And there are many more. If you are one of them, please seek treatment."

10 / 10
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  • Tee...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 1, 2021

"I have taken this medication for years. The only issue is if you miss doses after being on it for a long time, you may have a seizure. Please make sure you keep this medication affordable and know that it has helped me sleep at first. Now I use it twice a day to keep my nerves calm, and it allows me to work a job."

10 / 10
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12 Report
  • AAA...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • April 19, 2021

"For panic attacks and general anxiety, this drug is awesome! I have kept this drug in my home for about 15 years. I go months without it. However, when anxiety hits, I can take .5 mg and I get relief within 20-30 min. I have taken 1 mg at night to sleep during these times. I might take this drug several days in a row. Then I can go long periods of time without it again. It is a life saver for me."

10 / 10
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15 Report
  • Lei...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 29, 2020

"I've always taken clonazepam as prescribed for severe anxiety. Tolerance developed quickly, and doctors kept upping my dose while adding other medications. Up until two years ago, I would have given it a 10 as I had no idea what was happening or coming at me. It has messed up my blood pressure, and I have tachycardia now, so I need to get off it. THIS IS AWFUL. I have been on 1 mg 2 times daily and down to 1.5 a day. I don't know if I can get to 1 mg a day. Believe every horror story on here because if you ever want or need off this ride, you better buckle up. Find another way. Don't make this an option."

1 / 10
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53 Report
  • MIN...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 17, 2019

"I’ve been on clonazepam since I was 27 years old, and I am now 51. I have complex PTSD, diagnosed at age 21. At age 27, I was put on medication. First, I was on Zoloft, it gave me worse anxiety, and I developed anorexia. Then Paxil, I was really anxious, and it scared me. I ended up in the hospital for 11 days. I now know I had serotonin syndrome. I went to the hospital again, and the emergency department told me to get off these medications, and I was put on Klonopin, and when they ran out, I couldn’t sleep and was extremely anxious and fearful. I was prescribed 0.5 milligrams twice a day. My doctor now won’t prescribe anymore, so I had to go off. I’ve been weaning off since September 2018. It has been hard, but overall easy (staying mentally focused is key). I’m now on 0.25 mg, hoping to be off by 2020. This medication saved my life and helped me get stronger emotionally and psychologically. I honestly wouldn’t recommend any medication for anyone who has PTSD, therapy is best."

10 / 10
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32 Report
  • Big...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 12, 2019

"I’ve been on Klonopin for almost 25 years. I’ve been mostly .5 mg 3x per day, but I usually only take it twice. Klonopin is an excellent medicine for panic and anxiety, which is what I use it for. It takes the edge off. Keep in mind though most medicines have a trade-off. For me, Klonopin has been a miracle drug, but it does take the edge off everything. Creativity went way down, attention span, sex drive, memory. Everything. Went off it cold turkey many years ago, and it tore me up with withdrawal symptoms."

8 / 10
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29 Report
  • Mic...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • December 9, 2019

"I've been taking 1 mg Clonazepam 3x a day for many years for MS and anxiety. One week ago, I switched to the generic blue pill with the C 1 on it by Accord. It literally has little potency. I immediately made a complaint. Folks, if you have a complaint, nothing will be done unless you call your local FDA office!"

1 / 10
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15 Report
  • Rob...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • November 20, 2019

"OMG. I was prescribed Klonopin 2 mg three times a day for almost 15 years. I wanted to get off in 2019, so I asked the doctor to begin tapering down. In 9/2019, I was at 1 milligram a day - went cold turkey. HOLY MOLY!! Welcome to the worst time in my life for almost an entire month! In bed the entire time - shaking/sweating/convulsing/etc. Thought I would surely be the end of me one particular day when blood pressure went to the stratosphere and pulse was 180 ALL DAY! Think about your heart beating almost 200 beats per minute from 4 AM to 11 PM. I was going to call 911 but was so delirious I couldn't! This is hands down NOT a drug to take for a long period of time, YET not one doctor ever said a word to me!"

1 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.

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