Klonopin and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Car...
• February 4, 2021

For Panic Disorder "I was diagnosed with panic disorder in June and went through a rough period where I developed agoraphobia and thought I was losing my mind. I’ve dealt with depression and anxiety and had tried 7 antidepressants before developing panic disorder. While having panic disorder, I’ve tried four, and the only medication that has not had side effects such as increased anxiety and severe stomach issues is Klonopin. Klonopin saved my life and allowed me to get back to being myself. I can now drive, hang out with friends, leave the house, work effectively, and I haven’t noticed any side effects besides being a bit tired and occasional hot flashes (which I had already with PD.) It’s been five months now that I’ve been on 1mg and I haven’t had to increase the dose. I beat myself up because I don’t enjoy the stigma that goes along with benzos and am scared to be on this for years to come but after reading some of these reviews, I feel a lot better about having to take it long term."

• JoJ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 22, 2016

For Anxiety "I love Klonopin. When I was going through an extremely hard custody case with my ex-husband, my doctor prescribed the Klonopin. She scheduled it up to 3 times a day. I used it too. It helped me face my fears and stand up for myself for once. Once that was over, she scheduled it on 1.0 mg as needed up to 3 times a day. I still have the script. I do use the Klonopin only when I'm in a situation that I need help relaxing. I know I need it at those times. When I take it, I feel great. If I didn't need it but thought I did, all it would do is make me tired. It's been 3 years of PRN Klonopin & I know when I need it and when I don't. For those who feel this could be abused, my response is if the person really needs it, Misuse wouldn't happen."

• hei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2013

For Panic Disorder "I take 0.5 mg twice daily - actually Xanax worked slightly better, but my doctor believes Klonopin has less risk of addiction, so he prescribed it for long-term use, which I need to treat panic disorder. My panic disorder emerged as a young child and then went into remission from my twenties through my early forties, only to crop up again a few months ago. I take 100 mg of Zoloft for depression and the Klonopin for the panic, and I have my life back. I do get a little tired each day, but my range of emotions is normal, not desperate, hopeless, and fraught with terror of panic. These medicines are a Godsend, and I thank God daily for them."

• Mr ...
• February 6, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I have been using Klonopin for over 5 years, and I have found it to be very effective in reducing anxiety in combination with a low dose of Paxil. Take 0.5 mg during the workweek and none on weekends. Also, take 0.5 at night to help sleep. I have not built a tolerance and find it a very useful tool in managing anxiety. My goal has been to use it sparingly but will not hesitate to take more for more dentist visits, interviews, etc. Just know if you do, you will be tired and drained afterward. Wish I had found my right combo of meds before I quit a great job due to anxiety. Also, Ativan didn't treat me very nicely. Had severe withdrawal as it has a shorter half-life. My quality of life has improved because of Klonopin. Oh... no weight gain either."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2021

For Seizure Prevention "At 12 years old, I was diagnosed with epilepsy after grand mal seizures. It took years of being on numerous epilepsy medications throughout the years. I am 47 years old, and finally, a different neurologist got the right combination of 2 medications that has changed my life in a very positive way. I take Lamictal twice a day (each 200 milligram tablets). The Lamictal alone wasn’t enough for my epileptic condition. My neurologist added the Klonopin 3 times a day (1 milligram tablets), and bingo, this is what has kept me seizure-free. I wish I never had to take Klonopin, as it makes me so tired, but I will deal with that versus having a grand mal seizure. It boggles my mind that this is considered a controlled substance, as I think, who the heck would want this? Who the heck would want to feel tired? Who would actually enjoy taking this if they didn’t have to? Unbelievable. Not fun at all by any means. My neurologist adding the Klonopin with Lamictal nailed down my epilepsy condition."

• Skr...
• May 21, 2008

For Bipolar Disorder "This med has been great. I have suffered bipolar disorder and panic attacks for years. It has helped me tremendously. You may need to adjust the amount so you don't become tired during the day, but once you find the optimal dose, I feel it's a worthwhile medication."

• Pho...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I was prescribed Klonopin 0.5 mg as needed for panic attacks. This medication definitely works. I experienced no unusual side effects. The only side effect I felt was mild tiredness. Every time I take it, it usually lasts about 8-12 hours of full effect. It takes about 45 minutes to start working after taking it. When I take this medication, I feel very relaxed and peaceful. It gets rid of a panic attack, nausea due to anxiety, and jitteriness from anxiety."

• Rac...
• October 13, 2015

For Anxiety "I do like this medicine because it helps me to control my nervousness and instant reactions to stimuli much better than without it. I almost can pretend I'm normal. And because of its long shelf life, if I want to reduce my dose because it can make me feel moody and lethargic after continuously taking it for a while...there are no side effects other than feeling better. It's easy to manage my own mood by upping or lowering my intake on the same prescription. I may go a week without it and feel fine, but when I start to get heart palpitations and my mind blanks out when I'm confronted, I begin to take it again. That way it helps me to stabilize, but I'm not relying on it all the time."

• Ano...
• March 26, 2015

For Anxiety "This medicine helped with my anxiety a lot. I tend to get very anxious during the night, and it can keep me up at times. I'm on 0.5 mg, and it works great! I finally get to sleep and not constantly worry about things. Although one downside is when I wake up. I still feel sedated and tired for about 3 hours, but overall a very good medicine."

• JAM...
• January 25, 2013

For Anxiety "This is the only medicine that has really taken my generalized anxiety disorder away with so many fewer side effects. I've had GAD just about all my life and am now 36. I have tried Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, Cymbalta, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Buspar and find most of them are too stimulating or make me so tired with no ambition, or feel like I'm going crazy. I would self-medicate and made my life even worse. I have been on Paxil on and off trying to get something that would work, but the Paxil is the best for me for anxiety, but I lost all my ambition, creativity, interest in just about everything. I would get so tired it's crazy. I would lose my sex drive."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2010

For Panic Disorder "I take 0.125 twice a day (yes, 0.125 mg). I know that sounds like a low dose, but it works wonders for me. I still have some days where I feel a bit anxious and panicky, but all in all, those days are getting less and less. I think if I went up a little on my dose, it would probably cure it 100%, but I am currently also trying to learn some cognitive behavioral methods, and with that, you need to feel some of the anxiety to overcome it. I really think it has given me my life back. It does make me a little tired, but that side effect is even going away with continued use. I am out driving, and doing things I never thought I could ever do again, and I am doing them all by myself. Life saver!"

• rin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 1, 2019

"I had severe anxiety and would shake. Was prescribed Xanax, and it just left me tired on top of my anxiety and shaking. Klonopin stopped my shaking and settled my racing thoughts. I was able to go to college, drive, and stay in situations instead of leaving. It worked miracles for me!"

• sav...
• March 29, 2013

For Anxiety "Okay, so I have been on Klonopin for about 3 months, and might I say it's AWESOME. I have severe anxiety and get panic attacks quite often, which are bad, and it finally got to the point where I couldn't eat or sleep. I basically couldn't function. When I first started taking it, I was zonked out. They made me so tired, but my tolerance has gone up so much, and 3 doesn't even do anything to me now, so that's the downside. On the upside, when the dosage does work, your anxiety is completely gone, and you just feel so chill yet able to function (at least for me). Hopefully, my dosage will be upped, and I'll be happy again. I definitely recommend Klonopin, as always be careful, and have a wonderful day."

• Les...
• May 4, 2009

For Anxiety "I have been on Klonopin for a few years now for anxiety/panic attack issues. Dosage = 1 mg 3 x day and as needed. It has been extremely effective without side effects like making me feel really tired. In fact, I don't really seem to notice any side effects."

• for...
• January 29, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been on Klonopin for over a decade with success from my previous anxiety, frustration, and anger feelings. I rate this medication a nine because alone it's not 100% (it's used in adjunct with counseling and sertraline). I take 2 mg in the morning, and the only side effect for me is feeling like me again: relaxed, confident, alert, and in control. The dosage is too much for most, but for me (with a high tolerance), it keeps me in control. I have heard of some that use it successfully for insomnia; not me. Its long-lasting properties allow that I take it with breakfast and coast all day and night on it. I never notice an effect from it until I don't take it; then the anxiety, indecision, and tiredness reappear. So I'm on it for life, and that's okay."

• Mom...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 31, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I consider Klonopin to be a helpful part of my toolkit for lifelong anxiety and depression. I work hard to manage my mental health with exercise, a decent diet, therapy, journaling, etc. But every now and then something happens that leads to a big anxiety spike, which can spiral into full-blown panic. If I start to notice telltale signs like having a hard time eating or flushing across my chest, I take Klonopin so it can take the edge off enough for me to take care of myself and work through it. I have taken less than 30 pills in the 5 years I have been on it, but it is still a big (if rarely used) part of managing for me. It does tend to make me tired, and I avoid it if I am feeling more down than panicky. It has made me a bit weepy a couple times."

• vol...
• May 14, 2011

For Panic Disorder "I have been taking Klonopin for almost 3 years now. I take this medication for panic disorder, but I also suffer from bipolar disorder type I. Before this medication, I was very close to committing suicide because I was having horrible anxiety attacks that lasted for hours at a time and sometimes carried over into the next day/morning. Klonopin has eliminated my panic attacks. I still feel anxiety from time to time, and that's when I take 1 mg. I take half if I feel anxious at work and don't want to feel too tired. A dose of 1 mg makes me tired most of the time. I've taken 2 mg when necessary, never needing more than that."

• jen...
• May 20, 2013

For Anxiety "I was switched from Xanax to Klonopin for anxiety by my doc because the Xanax was just making me feel ill and nauseated. The Klonopin is doing the same thing. I feel even more lethargic, weak, nauseated, and tired during the day. The initial prescription is .25 per night before bed. Since I wake up with the anxiety each morning, my doc agreed I could take it in the morning. On Mother's Day, I had to take 2 pills and still didn't calm me down...for no reason! I had a great day planned and still had anxiety. I think after all these rave reviews, I'll try it before bed again and see what happens in the morning. I just want to feel GOOD again!"

• jen...
• May 20, 2013

For Anxiety "I was switched from Xanax to Klonopin for anxiety by my doc because the Xanax was just making me feel ill and nauseated. The Klonopin is doing the same thing. I feel even more lethargic, weak, nauseated, and tired during the day. The initial prescription is .25 per night before bed. Since I wake up with the anxiety each morning, my doc agreed I could take it in the morning. On Mother's Day, I had to take 2 pills and still didn't calm me down...for no reason! I had a great day planned and still had anxiety. I think after all these rave reviews, I'll try it before bed again and see what happens in the morning. I just want to feel GOOD again!"

• Anonymous
• January 29, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been on Klonopin for over a decade with success from my previous anxiety, frustration, and anger feelings. I rate this medication a nine because alone it's not 100% (it's used in adjunct with counseling and Sertraline). I take 2 mg in the morning, and the only side effect for me is feeling like me again; relaxed, confident, alert, and in control. The dosage is too much for most, but for me (with a high tolerance), it keeps me in control. Its long-lasting properties allow that I take it with breakfast and coast all day and night on it. I never notice an effect from it until I don't take it: Then the anxiety, indecision, and tiredness reappears. So I'm on it for life, and that's okay."

• rox...
• December 13, 2009

For Panic Disorder "This medicine works very well for my panic disorder, yet it is also a very strong drug. I was on Xanax for years until my doctor said that Klonopin would work better for me because it is a longer-lasting drug than Xanax. Well, he was right, it was long-lasting and made me feel tired all the time. That is all I did was sleep on this drug for 2 years until I had enough and told him no way. I want Xanax back. I have been back on Xanax for 12 years now with no problems. If you do not abuse Xanax, it is a great drug. Klonopin might work for you, if you are on it, great. People's chemistry is different. It just was not the right drug for me. Good luck, everyone."

• bub...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 2, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I was prescribed this for panic attacks and anxiety. No matter the dose I took, it didn't help my anxiety, but instead, it would make me incredibly tired. It took like 2 hours to kick in for me, and the first time I took it, I nearly fell asleep while driving. I didn't like this medication because it didn't help me at all, but I did occasionally use it to help me sleep."

• Ves...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 22, 2016

For Seizure Prevention "This medicine made me confused, slur my words, exhausted. I was basically living in a fog for over five years. No amount of sleep helped, I needed to take a nap every day and would still be tired when I woke up. I had difficulty thinking, repeated sentences, had anxiety attacks. This medication is only supposed to be given for a maximum of 2 weeks. It's highly addictive, and the user develops a high tolerance. Long-term usage can result in brain damage, and benzos are the most overly prescribed drug in the world. Withdrawal was horrible, but worth it! I got my life back after getting off of it, and I don't have anxiety or seizures, changed my lifestyle, diet, and exercise."

• Jac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 6, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I've been taking this drug since Nov 2018 for general anxiety disorder. Started at 0.5 mg at night and went up to 1 mg at night in 2020. Most initial side effects go away within a couple of weeks. I am dependent but not addicted. It makes me so tired, I have no desire to take it during the daytime, plus it has a long half-life and manages my anxiety. I started off with Teva brand and then Accord in 2019 when Teva dropped the drug. Teva last month reintroduced its version, and it's not as good as the older version. I've swapped over to the brand name at my own expense. It is worth the cost to have control of my anxiety. It doesn't work for everyone, and I would exercise self-control while taking it (no extra doses, alcohol, drugs, etc.). Also, it is technically not for insomnia, so it won't help everyone with sleep issues."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2023

"I’m very sensitive to medication, so I normally cut this pill in half. On a bad day, I take a whole one. (I can take up to 2 a day, 10 mg.) It works for the most part. It does make me feel a bit tired, but I’ve tried many medications through the years, so this is the best trade-off I’ve found so far. Doesn’t feel addictive at all to me. Just does the job it’s supposed to do every once in a while. Doctor recently prescribed me Effexor, and that definitely feels addictive and made me loopy, so I stopped taking it the first week. Klonopin is much better for “as needed” anxiety management."