Clonazepam for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal User Reviews (Page 3)

• Mes...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 13, 2021

"Why hasn’t anyone mentioned the Ashford protocol, the worldwide manual for weaning off benzodiazepines painlessly? I started taking Clonopin at my doctor's advice seven years ago when I went through a terrible experience. Two years later, while still on the Clonopin, I had an awful car accident which ended my career and a lot of my life activities. I started at 2 mg to begin with. Very slowly, I have come to 1 mg. This last wean from 1.25 to 1 has been horrible, but how come no one here mentions the Ashford protocol? It’s the best manual in the world. It has strict instructions about how to wean off any amount of any benzo. The success rate is phenomenal because as you taper more clonazepam, they add diazepam at night. Why? Diazepam is much easier to remove when you are tapered. Make the taper last as long as you want (stay on dose longer if still feeling bad), but have a plan! Heather Ashford died last year, but her work is used worldwide. It’s the ONLY way, in my opinion."

• jay...
• July 22, 2010

Clonazepam "It works really well, however, you have to know that you are substituting one benzodiazepine for another. Please take your time with this medication. Taper off the medication as prescribed by your doctor. You do not want to become dependent on another benzodiazepine. Good luck!"

• Fra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 13, 2024

"Was placed on clonazepam over 30 years ago at 3 mg per day. Taken as 1 mg every 8 hours. I had no idea this was going to be so horrible. I have been forced to taper even though I didn't abuse the drug. It was given for GAD and severe PD. So, last September, the tapering began. The issue is, the NP doing it has no clue how to do it, so I've very carefully taken matters into my own hands. I'm now on 0.25 three times a day and cutting another 0.25 very soon. This is a horrible drug. It's a scary drug. Please never take this. I've been suffering with sleep deprivation, heart palpitations, blood pressure increases, more anxiety, and was even hospitalized. This drug is no joke. Do not take it. I don't even feel real anymore. Please protect yourselves and your loved ones from this. I've been cutting 0.25 about every 8 weeks. That's when withdrawal calms down enough for me to cut the pill again. Please, just don't take anything unless you know all the facts first."

• Ron...
• July 14, 2017

"I've been taking two 1 mg tablets of clonazepam for many years. I stopped once cold turkey and ended up in the hospital. My plan is to take the two tablets and cut them into quarters, ending up with quarters, then I plan to drop off one quarter each month, taking a total of 8 months to get off of them. Do you think that's long enough where I will not experience withdrawal symptoms? Any advice would be helpful."

• Ste...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2019

"Clonazepam helped anxiety for 2 weeks, but I was on them for 8 months. Terrible withdrawals - been off for 4 months now and feel like I'm dying, withdrawals could last years. Do not take for more than 5 weeks, dangerous benzo. Doctors need to be more educated on these dangerous drugs and not hand them out like candy!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 6, 2017

"This is a great drug, but you have to be disciplined with it. It's not a cure, only an aid. Writing this review in April 2017, I've been on it for a month shy of ten years. I started at 0.5 mg twice a day, and that's the dose I'm still on. You have to resist the urge to increase the dose and instead work on yourself. There will be bad times...you just have to accept that and work to minimize them. And don't drink on clonazepam. It multiplies the effect of alcohol to an astounding degree, and I find it to be extremely unpleasant. Giving up drinking, even socially, wasn't hard, though when I refuse drinks, people assume I'm a recovering alcoholic. Even nursing a single bourbon and coke will get me pretty sloppy...it's just not worth it."

• Jen...
• November 14, 2017

"I have been on Klonopin for 10 years. Nobody told me what this stuff does to you. 21 days into a cold turkey withdrawal, and I wasn't here. I was trapped in my own body like I was paralyzed. You cannot use one benzo to come off the other. They have a new IV drug you can use. It will detox you in a week. And you are supposed to be fine, plus it's a benzo blocker also. So please don't trade one for the other. If you are on Xanax or anything like them, please, please just wean off them. Quickly!!!!! I'm personally going to detox in the next couple of days. I'll leave another review then."

• Lei...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 30, 2023

"I started taking clonazepam in 2014 after my dad passed away. I was 45 when I started taking them, so I tried stopping cold turkey after only 4 months of taking them. It was horrible. And for people commenting on here, I don't have to tell you what I went through. Unbeknownst to me, I had no clue what was wrong until I Googled it. Omg! Well, I tried the tapering process twice but couldn't do it. Fast forward to now. I lost my sister to glioblastoma 2 months ago. I came down with shingles and didn't even know what I had. Lol! I also ended up with nerve pain. Five weeks ago, my doctor prescribed Pregabalin. After 2 weeks, not only did I feel like my old self again (cleaning, going out, visiting), but I also didn't seem to miss my Clonazepam. No withdrawal symptoms."

• Ton...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 15, 2022

"I regret ever taking this awful drug, clonazepam, in the first place. I wish my doctor never prescribed it to me. I want to sue her so bad. Never told me how hard it was to get off of it or that it was addictive. I've lost almost one year of fun moments, memories, and quality time with my family because of this drug. I always have to stop the vehicle and walk it off, or I have to do breathing techniques just to calm myself from the withdrawals of gradually getting off of it. Thank God it took me 4 and a half months to finally lose the effects of it. SMH, this truly is an awful drug, worse than anything I've ever encountered."

• Nic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2019

"I started taking this medication four years ago. I was taking 0.5 mg twice a day, and then all of a sudden, on March 25th, my doctor took me off these and put me on Valium, and I've been withdrawing since March 28th. I've experienced anxiety, headaches, dizziness, nausea, tremors, and gastric disturbances. I went back to my doctor, and he took me off Valium and put me back on my Klonopin. Today is the first day I've taken Klonopin. They work great for anxiety, but stopping them cold turkey to be put on something else will put you through major withdrawals between the side effects from the Valium and their withdrawal symptoms from the Klonopin. For three weeks, I was beside myself and didn't know what else to do. So I'm going to start today back on my Klonopin, and after I get back on and I become myself again, I will start to go off them slowly so that my withdrawal symptoms are not too severe."

• Hay...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 9, 2021

"Now I'm worried about a few people here - especially Chrissy. Read Dr. Peter Breggin's book on psychiatric medication withdrawal. He is a renowned psychiatrist, often referred to as 'the conscience of psychiatry.' You can do it yourself, but remember that the time it takes to withdraw without too many symptoms is dependent on how long you have been taking it and the dosage level you've been on. It took me two years to w/d from 0.5 mg after 20 years. I also took melatonin to ease withdrawal - very helpful! When you reduce and you experience the type of symptoms described here, just know that they are temporary and there WILL come a day when it will be OVER. You are not alone! My love to all that come here. Stay strong!"

• Mr ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 25, 2022

"Started 0.5 mg twice a day in college for panic, whilst on an SSRI. Over the years, increased to four a day. Twenty-five years later, after weaning off the antidepressants, Doc and I suggested attempting coming off of clonazepam too, carefully. I agreed and couldn't get lower than 0.2 twice a day -- it serves a purpose in my life that I cannot live without. When the pandemic struck, I saw less of Doc, and she cut me off the clonazepam without supervision. I was trapped in my apartment, sparing food and toilet paper... eventually, I didn't need any more toilet paper, and after God-knows-how-many months, I lost a third of my body mass. When I passed out washing my briefs in the tub, which I thought was due to lack of food (probably), I called the cops. After endless pleas to my doctor and family for help, the cops are the ones who saved me. They somehow found some social workers and people who could prescribe me clonazepam again. The social and professional damage is irreparable. I'm 50."

• Lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 10, 2021

"ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!!!! I ran out of 0.5 mg tablets one weekend and I usually take them twice a day and thought, “I’m surely going to pass away!” My husband came home after I had managed to make it three days alone to find me spun out on the couch. When my doctor finally sent the prescription over and I HAD to take one, I was angry. Now I am angry at myself and my doctor. I feel forced to pursue some damn drug at an unthinkable age (over 60). If this keeps ANYONE AWAY from this drug and Xanax."

• Bif...
• June 22, 2019

"I took clonazepam to help me sleep with my epilepsy. The first night was awesome; I slept until 10:00 a.m. I never go into deep sleep, by the way. A few weeks ago, my neurologist told me I had to quit because of all the regulations concerning this drug. I would have to see her every three months and possibly see a psychologist. That being said, I was told to quit taking it. So far, my sleep is crummy as always, and I'm sure it will get worse. So far, I've noticed some tingling sensations that I didn't have before. I'm a runner, so I stay in shape fairly well. Coinciding with that, I've noticed that my heart seems like it's faster at times. All I can say is it worked for me, but it sounds like a lot of people have had problems. I could have quit stone cold, but I knew the dangers of it. My doctor had told me specifically not to. Based on the ramifications of seeing a psychologist alone, I would stay away from it."

• kaj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2014

"My neuro started me on 0.5 mg clonazepam in June 2013 to help me with extreme insomnia. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in Jan. 1995. My neuro in Sept. 2013 moved his office almost 3 hours away and no longer treats M.S. I am having a hard time finding a new neuro in my area that does not have a several-month waiting list (north Louisiana & Arkansas border). I ran out of this medication a month ago; obvious withdrawal symptoms have not been 'enjoyable': severe insomnia, nausea, extreme weakness; to me, it felt like it was causing my M.S. to get worse. Today is the 1st day in 4 weeks I feel semi, aka 50% back to my normal. Cold turkey off soma in 2012 was as bad as this drug."

• lup...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 23, 2025

"I was successfully on this medicine for 22 years. I started with 1 mg 2 times daily! Then over time, I increased to 4 mg, 4 times a day as needed! It helped tremendously with my insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks! My family doctor stopped prescribing this medicine! She took me off cold turkey! I suffered from hot flashes, seizures, fast heart rate, insomnia came back full force! I even had a seizure while driving! Thank God I didn't hurt anyone but myself! I totaled my truck. I have major memory issues now! It's awful coming off this medicine after having so many years of success!! It's been 3 years, and I'm still suffering with seizures! Going to see a new doctor soon to hopefully go back on them!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 13, 2022

"In the fall of 2019, I was placed on 1 mg clonazepam at night for anxiety and panic disorder. After a year, I went down to 0.5 mg because 1 mg seemed too much. I was very happy and did absolutely great on this dose for about a year with no side effects, but getting the medication re-prescribed was always a mess. Doctors would take too long, and I’d run out of pills, which would put me in terrible withdrawals. I finally did a gradual taper to get off of the medicine, cutting down 1/8 of a pill at a time every two or three weeks. I’d experience withdrawals each time I adjusted down, and even now, even though I’ve been off of it for a month, I still get what I call “waves” of withdrawals that sometimes last days: headache, tremors, nausea, panic, shame, fits of rage, confusion, etc. They do at least go away eventually and give you a chance to breathe before the next “wave” occurs, but it’s no picnic."

• Jef...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 29, 2023

"I'm coming to you on this beautiful morning. I'm able to see, for the first time in 20 years, and appreciate a little more than usual. I have just spent approximately the last 30 days in the comfort of my family's home, going through what Stevie Nicks described as being HELL. I also made the worst decision to walk into a doctor's office about 20 years ago and tell the doctor I have a little trouble sleeping, and BINGO, I was prescribed Klonopin for the first time. I do take a little responsibility, of course, for not checking it, however, you're talking to an ex-drug user. I feel the same way and don't know if I can ever forgive him. I've lost everything from nice possessions to wife and kids. I'm 47 years old now and have nothing to show for it except depending on family that, thank God, is still around to help me. I'm just now feeling a little better, but I know there are still days to come. I went cold turkey because I had no choice. Since the regulations have gotten stricter, I have been coming up short."

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 23, 2021

"I was on clonazepam since 2019. I went cold turkey in October 2021, and it has been one of the worst experiences of my life. The withdrawal symptoms have been severe anxiety and panic attacks, paranoia, crying, depression, loss of appetite, lack of patience, and can't focus. Prior to taking clonazepam, I was taking Buspar for anxiety, but when it stopped working, I was put on clonazepam. I'd avoided benzos for anxiety for over a decade due to their addictive probability. When the Buspar stopped working, I crashed into a severe panic anxiety-filled meltdown, and I just wanted to feel better, so I agreed to the clonazepam-one of the worst mistakes of my life. Don't take this drug, it's horrible and should be taken off the market."

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2021

"I was put on Clonazepam 0.25 mg three times a day as needed for anxiety! This is one of the worst drugs I have ever been on, it makes me feel so bad, and I feel hot spots on my skin, do not feel like doing much of anything. Never had any problems with anxiety until my thyroid meds I was on for 12 years for hypothyroidism were taken away cold turkey! All I can say is do not take Clonazepam, it is very bad. I did not take three a day. To taper off, I cut the 0.25 in half, will take it for a week or two and then cut 0.125 in half, after that cut 0.125 in half. Hope this helps someone not suffer from this awful drug!"

• Fre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 2, 2016

"I have had a shaking problem since I was eight, and I had insomnia. I was self-medicating with Xanax, but if I went one day without one, it was hell. Plus, they would not last all night, I would wake up and could not sleep. Then the doctor prescribed clonazepam, and I had no problems. I had to increase my dose after a while to two mg twice daily, and I never had side effects, slept well, and was calm. It worked great for three years now."

• Kim...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 23, 2021

"I have been on several benzos over the last 15 years. I have social anxiety and bipolar depression. I’ve gone back and forth with as needed to daily use. Started with Xanax but outgrew it, moved to Valium, and now clonazepam for the last… 8 years maybe? I’ve been on .5 twice a day for about 1.5 years now. I’ve been on and off many medications since my diagnosis, thankfully, the ones I’m on now have been working for a decade. Today is day 2 of weaning off. My doctor said to cut by 25% every 12 days, but I am going to listen to my body for the duration of time in between cuts. In the morning, I am taking .25 and at night .5. This morning, I was panicky, restless, slight headache, nothing severe. If you know what’s coming, you’ll be better equipped to handle it. Basically, anything you feel is normal. Just go slow. I think tomorrow I will try and make it more even by taking 3/4 of a pill am/pm to keep it balanced. I will update!"

• a m...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 12, 2023

"I inherited panic disorder, and after trying numerous medications over the course of two years, Klonopin was the only one that made life possible for me. I started taking it when I was 16 years old, and now I'm 40. At one point, I was prescribed an insane amount of 6 mg per day for 10 years. However, after moving to another state and being told that it was an excessive dosage, I personally took it upon myself to gradually reduce my intake to 4 mg (1 mg tablets) per day. During the process of tapering down, I used Xanax temporarily and another drug commonly used for alcohol detox to help ease any side effects. Surprisingly, I didn't notice any significant side effects during this period. I successfully managed to reduce my dosage over time. However, I have experienced two seizures in the past from abruptly stopping the medication, which scared me. These seizures occurred when I was not fully aware of my surroundings, and they happened fairly quickly. That's why I'm currently taking 4 mg per day and planning to slowly taper off completely over the course of a year while using other strategies to help alleviate any side effects. Klonopin has been the only medication that has effectively prevented severe panic attacks for me, which sometimes lasted for days. It eliminated symptoms such as out-of-body experiences, body twitches, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, profuse sweating, and the feeling of a heart attack. It provided immediate relief. I've already succeeded in reducing my dosage from 6 mg to 4 mg, and I believe that with a gradual and long-term tapering-off plan, I can successfully discontinue the medication completely."

• Sci...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 10, 2021

"This class of drugs is bad. It causes dependence in as little as two weeks. If you use them like I did (my pain doctor prescribed it for me for CRPS), you will find yourself a year later addicted to a drug that only makes you feel worse even when it's not causing withdrawal. It only worked for a few weeks anyway. I was on opiates for 24 years and have been on benzos for 16. I went through opiate withdrawal successfully. It was a nightmare, but I've tried many times with benzos, and it is so very much worse. I've given up on quitting and just take the lowest maintenance dose I can. DON'T start unless you like Russian roulette. It's your choice ultimately."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2020

"I have been on a 4 mg dose of clonazepam per day for a month for benzo withdrawal. I've had enough of the side effects and have stopped completely. Doctors want to taper, but I can't handle the pains in my shoulders. I'm so scared now, but I'm stopping, and I'm off sick anyway. After reading all comments, I wish they didn't put me on these, but when you're unwell, you take it - don't you? I'm on quetiapine now since yesterday, so I'm preparing for a white-knuckle ride if going cold turkey."