Clonazepam for Restless Legs Syndrome User Reviews (Page 2)

• haz...
• November 6, 2010

"I take these only as needed, as they can make you like a zombie the next morning. Even with a 0.5 dose, I do get a brilliant night's sleep and feel so relaxed the next day but groggy and slightly confused. So if I know it is going to be one of those nights where my legs are moving and jerking all night long, I take one. Try not to take regularly, and definitely do not drink. Just knowing they are there for me helps me relax."

• Lin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 10, 2019

"For years, my Dr. tried a lot of meds for my restless legs, finally tried 1 mg clonazepam, and for 7 years I never had it since I take it every night before bed. Now we moved to Florida, and Drs. think I'm a joke and won't give me any, and I'm at my last straw with my restless legs, losing sleep and feel like I just can't take it anymore."

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 6, 2024

"I’ve tried everything, use Requip and gabapentin. But Clonazepam is the only thing that has given me relief. My regular doctor is concerned that it might need more and more, but I’ve been taking 1 mg for over six months and don’t need more. It is heaven not to have RLS, which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy."

• Anonymous
• March 10, 2010

Clonazepam "I use Klonopin for panic disorder and RLS. It works amazingly for my panic, but it has actually worsened my RLS! It does make me sleepy, but every time I'm about to doze off, the kicking and terrible feelings come back in my legs. I can't stop moving them for at least an hour. I'm glad it works for some people, but it doesn't work for me. I'm on 2 mg a day."

• Jum...
• May 2, 2016

"I have taken Clonazepam for about 5 years on an as-needed basis. It seems my RLS flares when I am sitting doing more desk work, and these are the nights that are my worst. Sometimes I wake my spouse with the terrible jumping and twitching and then get up to take the med. Sometimes, in addition to the restlessness, I feel as if my feet will combust from the inside out. I seem to be taking more than before and may have to go on a regular dose. No side effects noted, and no grogginess in the morning."

• Ffj...
• October 24, 2015

"I've experienced RLS for over 20 years. After trying various techniques, I finally resorted to medication. I started with 2.5 mg diazepam before bedtime with good success. After some major back surgery, I could no longer use diazepam and was prescribed Clonazepam 1 mg before bed. After a few months, due to excessive drowsiness, I lowered to 0.5 mg and was able to reduce the overall drowsiness factor and still able to control the RLS. If I have a bad night, I will take another 0.5 mg if needed. I've tried Lyrica and Oxycodone with poor results. I have not had any addictive issues with any of my meds. As a side note, I've also tried 420 with poor results."

• Res...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 26, 2019

"I have used 2 mg of clonazepam for 15 years for restless leg and not being able to stay asleep. I sometimes take half, and it works. I ran out and didn’t have one for one week, no withdrawal noticed, but my restless leg came back. I get up at 5 a.m. without any problem. I am also a senior citizen and afraid my doctor will make me stop taking it due to my age. The other med for restless leg is expensive and not as helpful."

• Jre...
• April 2, 2008

"Works great for everything, including sleep, anxiety, and RLS. I use it for all three and have never had a problem. The addiction aspect really only goes so far because some people actually require a certain amount of medication daily... But of course, never overdo it."

• Wic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 15, 2016

"My RLS is inherited and turned predictably vicious by the time I reached my early 40s. It was destroying my life. I was put first on clonazepam (1 mg) in 2003, and 13 years later, I am now at 2 mg taken several hours before bedtime. Some health experts describe clonazepam as 'the most dangerous pill in America' because once on it and once dependent, you risk two things: the first is severe withdrawal symptoms beginning within three to four days of stopping. The second is that even after being weaned from the drug, you will likely experience the sudden onset of withdrawal symptoms weeks or even months after stopping. I am also on pramipexole and gabapentin."

• ani...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 19, 2020

"After years of RLS, my neurosurgeon tried me on Klonopin. The first night I took it, I didn't have the pain and restless legs that I had suffered with for years. I would highly recommend this drug to anyone who suffers with RLS."

• For...
• November 5, 2017

"In 1993 (age 44), I was having real problems with my legs, moving so much, I could not sleep. I had a sleep study done and was told I had restless legs. The doctor first put me on Neurontin, but I could not take it. He then put me on Klonopin 2mg. This worked very well. I only take it at night. Sometimes, if I am too active, the sensations in my legs get worse. I have been taking 2mg for 25 years. When I first started taking it, nobody discussed side effects. All I knew is I could rest at night. Now, at age 68, I wonder about my memory. At the time I was prescribed the pill to take, it was not a controlled substance. I think I am too old now to get off it, and because I have taken it for so long."

• Poo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 4, 2019

"Been using this drug for RLS for quite some time, was very happy with it. Then it quit working, so I tried going off of it with Dr. approval and tried other methods, and nothing worked. I couldn't sleep at all. It got really bad, so I had to go back and get back on the same meds but just upped the dose. Now my Dr. is thinking of stopping giving the meds because he says it's just too much paperwork for him and his nurses. I'm scared because this is the only thing that works, and I have a very bad case of RLS. Don't know what I'm going to do."

• ara...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2017

"I have had a severe and chronic case of RLS for 40 years. Twice I've considered taking my life when ill-informed doctors who did not understand combinations or rotations, or the destructive effects of the disease, refused to prescribe life-saving medication because of their biases and lack of training. One has to balance the risk with the benefits. I can no longer take Requip or Mirapex. That leaves opioids, Gabapentin, Rigotitone, and benzodiazepines. No knowledgeable doctor will cold turkey a patient on a benzodiazepine or any other RLS drug, for that matter. That creates suffering and, unfortunately, suicide in many cases. Anyone reading this, please find a physician who knows how to diagnose and treat RLS. Support groups can help."

• L60...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 27, 2021

"I was put on Clonazepam 22 years ago for Restless Legs Syndrome. I thought this was a miracle drug until my doctor said she had to take me off of Clonazepam. That is where my NIGHTMARE began. I have been off of it for 3 months now, and I cannot function at all! This drug destroyed my nervous system. You don’t realize that until you are off of it. Tinnitus is unbearable. I cannot even talk right now because my voice is too loud. I am constantly shaking. I have so much pain in my ears. There is constant pressure in my head. I could go on and on with the horrible symptoms I am suffering. This is the most painful thing I have ever been through. This drug is not supposed to be given unless you are only on it for just a few days. It may take months or years for me to heal. I am telling my story to even stop one person from going on this medication. You do not realize that this medication will destroy you until you go off of it. THIS MEDICATION WILL DESTROY YOUR LIFE."

• PPa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2019

"I have been on clonazepam for about 5 years. Had tried everything, but nighttime was unbearable. I now take 3 at night, and it relieves my RLS and peripheral neuropathy by about 80%. Wouldn't be without it."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 26, 2018

"I was prescribed this drug for several years, not once was I told how addictive or the dangers of stopping it abruptly. I stopped cold turkey at 3 mg (prescribed for me). I should have died of a stroke or heart attack. Six weeks of horrific withdrawal (sweats, seeing and hearing things, body jumping at the smallest sound, and much worse). It's not just getting the drug out of your system, it's your body's craving the drug. Finally had to go back and see the doctor. Told the way I went off it could take six months for withdrawals to stop. I went back on it at 0.5 mg and slowly tapered off. Now I refuse to take benzos or to take a medication without researching the side effects."

• hap...
• April 29, 2022

"I finally broke down and told my doctor that I was sure I had restless leg syndrome and could not get a good night's sleep and often had RLS while traveling or sitting reading. He prescribed 0.5 mg of Clonazepam. The first night I took my dosage, I was skeptical of its results. I was very well pleased that I did get to sleep the night through, only waking once to use the bathroom. Every night since (60 days), I have had good to great sleep. On occasion, I will awake during the night for 15-20 minutes but am able to go back to sleep. The other thing that has made me so happy taking this is that it 'turns off my brain' and I am able to let the day, past and problems go (I am an overthinker). I am very thankful that I finally spoke to my doctor and he gave me Clonazepam."

• Sue...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 23, 2024

"I wasn't sure which was happening first... My restless leg or not shutting down my mind... Also inability to lie flat, so I now use elevation at night. One affects the other! I take 0.125 mg, and it stops my mind and legs from moving. I would like to know if this dosage is harmful. I don't have side effects."

• Ano...
• March 24, 2012

"I've been taking tramadol for the past few years and forgot I even had restless legs syndrome. I'm going off tramadol so I can try Cymbalta. Once down to 100 mg of tramadol, my restless legs syndrome reappeared, so my doctor prescribed clonazepam. For 2 nights in a row, I've tried this, up to 2 mg, and it only intensifies my RLS, which is more like RLB (body). Even the next day, my body is so incredibly restless, especially my upper arms/shoulders. Unfortunately, I'm having to stop this and the Cymbalta to go back to tramadol, as I can't take another sleepless/restless night."

• jig...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 12, 2016

"Been taking 0.5-1 mg clonazepam for 20 years for PTSD flashbacks. Diagnosed with Parkinson's 3 years ago. Because of scoliosis and spinal stenosis, the only exercise I can do comfortably is a stationary bike. Usually do this 5 out of 7 days a week. The past week or so, I did none for various reasons. The past several nights, the RLS has been so bad I've awakened 3-4 times and tried the clonazepam. Helped at first, but for no more than 1 hour. From reading articles, I think I must get myself back to the bike. Then I'll know for sure. The clonazepam still works very well for panic, anxiety, and flashbacks. Thankful for that."

• Moo...
• July 29, 2017

"I had my first experience of Restless Leg 18 years ago, having to get up about twice a night. It was not until I had to get up 10 times in one night I sought medical help. A very compassionate lady doctor put me onto Paxam, which dropped my having to get up to twice a night. I have been on it ever since, taking two tablets of 2 mg every night an hour or so before going to bed. It is not often I get a full night's sleep, and so I go for a walk until my leg sorts itself out. Some nights I find that after my walk (which I recommend), I sleep in my comfortable armchair for the rest of the night. At the age of 87, I may as well take it for the remainder of my life."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2018

"I have had symptoms of restless legs since I was a child, but only occasionally. When I was about 40 years old, the restless leg symptoms came full force. Tried many other drugs through my sleep doctor that made me sick (nauseated and throwing up) every day. It was miserable, but it was the only way I got relief. I asked a family doctor if there wasn’t something else. She put me on 0.25 mg of clonazepam years ago. What a lifesaver! I am able to sit in a movie theater with my family and enjoy a movie without having to throw up! No more restless legs at night. And so far, I have never had to increase the dose."

• blu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 31, 2015

"I've been taking Klonopin for about 7 yrs for anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. I also have some oral facial pain that I deal with on a daily basis, from a damaged nerve in the roof of my mouth. I'm up to 8 mg a day now, but there are some nights I have to take all four of my 2 mg Klonopins at one time, and I still don't get any sleep. This is bad to say, but I've taken 10 of them at once and still didn't sleep. I guess my tolerance for them has changed. But I run out before time to refill sometimes. That's when I get RLS. When I go more than 2 or 3 days without any Klonopin, it's the first withdrawal symptom I have. I've never had RLS before in my life, and I can tell you it really sucks. So I can sympathize with the people that have it all the time."

• Eli...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 8, 2019

"I was diagnosed with RLS about 18 years ago and have been on the same dose (0.5 mg) of clonazepam the entire time. It hasn't changed in effectiveness at all. I know it's working because my husband and I were totally exhausted one day last week and couldn't figure out why until I realized I hadn't taken clonazepam the night before and was running a marathon in my sleep."

• Spi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2020

"Was prescribed clonazepam 0.5 mg once a day before bedtime for RLS. Worked well for a few weeks, but after 6 weeks of taking this drug, I felt complacent and numb and stopped enjoying activities. I am now off it for 3 days, and the withdrawal symptoms are evident: tired, irritable, and anxious. However, I do feel better today, more like myself, and my sense of humor is returning. It appears this drug does work for many people, but it was not for me. RLS significantly impacts the ability to sleep and is difficult on lifestyle. Good luck to others reading, and I hope the post has been useful."