Clonazepam and Anxiety: What Users Say

• kam...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 9, 2014

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Many people are unreasonably scared of Klonopin's bad withdrawal dramas. Well... It is true. It is a painful process to get away from Klonopin once you stepped into its comfortable zone, but I want to say I would rather feel relaxed and comfortable than struggling with unnecessary anxiety caused by neurotransmitter imbalances. This medication truly gave me freedom from fear and agitation and helped me get back to my life."

• Yog...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 9, 2020

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "Ok, here goes. Klonopin is by far the best drug for anxiety, period, for me. Everyone is different, of course, and I have never felt the need to take more than necessary. In fact, I always try to take less. SSRIs did nothing for me, in fact, they made me more anxious. Any drug, if taken too much or abused, can cause serious issues. Also, keep in mind who your reviewers are - me included. Most people who have a bad experience will review, good experiences don't even think about writing a review. I think the ratings would be closer to 9.5 if everyone took the time to write a positive review. As we all know, people are more likely to comment when they have negative outcomes, and that’s understandable. People who take this medication also tend to have anxiety, panic, GAD like myself, and can be very in touch with every perceived symptom within their body. In my opinion, way more than the average Joe walking down the street. In other words, take these reviews for what they are worth - a single person's opinion, and often a person who is suffering to find anything that will make them feel better."

• Dav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 21, 2021

For Anxiety "Oh man...where to start. Well let me start with this, I fell in love with the contentment that this drug brought on. It took my anxiety and whisked it away like a hawk hovering overhead and about to devour its prey. Normalcy was a spell cast by a potion made up of medicine, contentment, and confidence. The truth with this drug is we learn to like things that change for the better. If you stop taking it, it would bring on bad symptoms made up of fear and uncertainty. Why risk that? This drug worked for me, and I'll take it forever. It doesn't mean we're addicts. It just means we're surviving."

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Ok, been awhile since I posted. I’m down from 0.5 to 0.125 once daily. I use a prescribed and pharmacy-made liquid compound to get very accurate doses. I’m having no withdrawal effects right now. It’s been about 6 weeks at this dose. It’s taken nearly 8 months to get this far. In a couple of weeks, I’ll reduce again. I’ll either alternate days, or go to 0.0625 daily. Those will be my last doses. I hold the dose until symptoms calm. It’s never perfect. But I know I can get off this horrible drug. I hate the withdrawals and the anxiety after a cut, but I love getting free. We can do it. Go slow, small cuts in doses, steady progress. Do distractions and healthy eating. Remember, your brain can and will heal."

• New...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 29, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Six years ago, when my husband died suddenly, my PCP gave me a prescription for clonazepam (1 mg) at bedtime to help with my anxiety attacks and as a sleep aid. I had to call her every month for a refill because it is a controlled substance in the U.S., and she warned that I should NOT withdraw quickly. I recently met and married a Canadian man and moved to his country. In becoming established with a new MD, I learned that they do not like to prescribe clonazepam here. I had reduced my dose from 1 mg to 1/2 mg, and when she asked about my withdrawal symptoms, she felt that I was OK and didn't prescribe more. I suppose that I am OK, but my ears are ringing, my skin is burning, I had blazing headaches, and severe muscle pain for the first two weeks that I was off the 1/2 mg dose; I haven't had a good night's sleep since reducing my dose from 1 mg to 1/2 and now to none at all. I am anxious, have palpitations, and generally feel unwell."

• Gor...
• February 7, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Been on Klonopin for 30 years almost. Took it for problems with OCD and anxiety. Decided to get off it as I feared possible neurological damage. Was on a dose of 1.5mg a day, felt in the end I was just addicted to the drug. Started tapering off from the current 1.5mg level roughly around September of 2019. By early January of 2020, I was down to one half to pill to one pill a day. Hadn't noticed any severe withdrawal symptoms except some minor anxiety, memory issues, some confusion. By middle of January stopped taking any. Did ok for 12 days then the real nightmare began. Had multitude of problems; insomnia, depression, gastrointestinal issues, blood pressure issues, some memory problems, confusion, severe OCD, paranoia, feelings of suicide. My recommendation would be don't use this medication for longer than few weeks at lowest dose possible and only in situations where it's warranted. Myself hopefully I get through it but I wonder about the future."

• Mat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 31, 2018

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I am 52 and was a nightly drinker to help with my anxiety for many years. Six months ago I decided to quit all alcohol. During that time, I was also on a huge dose of Lunesta each night. About 30 days after I stopped drinking, I began having severe and ceaseless panic attacks. I thought I was going to die! I had no idea what the heck was happening. I couldn’t function at home or work. My doctor put me on Paxil, which helped but not enough. So he added Clonazepam which has been amazing. I take 1 mg at night and sleep like a baby. I can take 0.5 mg as needed but try not to. When I don’t, I have anxiety. I am reading these reviews, which are extremely helpful to ascertain if this medication can be used for the rest of my life effectively. Please keep your reviews coming in. Your feedback helped me decide to use this medication which helped save my life. My wife and 3 beautiful kids thank you and Clonazepam!"

• Gor...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 11, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Been on Benzos for many years. I've decided last September to taper off slowly. Well, by the middle of February 2020, I was off them completely for 12 days. Unfortunately, my OCD and anxiety came back so strong that I felt I was going to go crazy. I couldn't sleep or eat or think straight. So I went back to one pill a day and, of course, symptoms vanished. I still want off them but the withdrawal drives me to the point I wonder if I will survive... Help!!! Any suggestions?"

• Kit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 12, 2021

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I've been on 0.25 to 0.5 mg of clonazepam three times per day as needed for anxiety for about 4 years. I started out taking 'as needed' but had to take more and more to get the same relief. Six months ago I was fed up. I took 3 mg and flushed the rest of my pills. Four days later I ended up in the ER and then a psych hospital for a week where the doctor scolded me for quitting cold turkey. I started tapering 0.5 mg per week until I got to 1 mg per day. I am now at 0.25 mg once a day for a week and will then go to 0.125 mg and hopefully be done. My husband has been a saint putting up with me. I've had tremors, jaw shakes, anxiety, depression, mind going into overdrive, depersonalization, seeming like the world is fake, just know it has been horrible. I'm hoping the worst is over. And believe me, when I'm finally clonazepam free, I will flush the rest of the pills and never go back."

• Cap...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 10, 2025

For Anxiety "I started taking 1 mg of clonazepam 3 times daily after a fall at a limestone quarry. I fell from a little over 3 stories high. I ruptured 2 discs and herniated 1 disc in my lower back. I was in a wheelchair for about a year. From the fall, I developed a fear of driving and also developed severe anxiety, including panic attacks. I tried Xanax, Ativan, and Valium, and clonazepam was the best at helping me with the anxiety and panic attacks. I switched insurances from Blue Cross and Blue Shield to United Healthcare, so my doctor dropped me. Now, it's nearly impossible to get a doctor to refill my clonazepam medication. It's sad to see what our healthcare system has become. I'm almost 50 years old, and I find myself going from ER to ER just to be given a 3-day supply until I find a doctor willing to help me. Right now, I have to wait 2 more months before an opening. May God help me. Doctors don't realize the pain we endure having to go back and forth just to be looked at as 'the problem.'"

• Orp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 22, 2021

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I hope I can keep someone from going through this nightmare that I'm going through. Was on 3 mg daily for a year, over time, I grew dependent, and they stopped helping and causing worse anxiety and panic attacks upon waking. I didn't wean off properly and am in acute withdrawal. I'm suicidal, and my life is falling apart. Please stay away from this awful drug. IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE!"

• Bxw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2025

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I have been suffering from intrusive and ruminating thoughts that I could not control. I could eat, sleep, and even get my work done. I am also having chronic health issues at 32, otherwise fit and healthy. I was on Prozac, Trintellix, Lexapro, Viibryd, and a few more. Nothing helped. I told my doctor my anxiety was causing suicidal thoughts as it worsened my depression immensely. She prescribed 0.5 mg 2x daily (1 mg per day), and oh my goodness, I actually feel sane! I'm able to drive without any anxiety, hang out with family and friends, and stop worrying about literally everything. Amazing medication."

• Phe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2021

For Insomnia "Tried almost everything for helping me sleep: Melatonin, Trazodone, Quetiapine, edibles, valerian, chamomile, L-theanine, lavender, no caffeine, exercising intensely, yoga/walking, alcohol, 5 HTP, meditation, cold temperatures, weighted blankets, and journaling. In 2017, I had become a therapist and started seeing clients. I showed up for my client with body aches, poor digestion, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, irritability, depression, anxiety, and trauma of not sleeping well. In May 2021, I found a health center, and my first session I cried halfway through, exhausted, embarrassed, and totally to the point of give me anything. I was prescribed 5 mg of clonazepam. According to my Fitbit, I was asleep by 9:47 PM, and then woke up at 6:30 AM refreshed! Now? I walk every morning before seeing clients for 45 minutes and do 15 minutes of yoga/stretching. Clonazepam has literally saved my practice as a clinician and changed my life."

• Jun...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 20, 2018

For Insomnia "For 10 years, I took 0.5mg chewed up for sleep. If I took more, the effect would be reversed and wake me more. I quit once years ago as I noticed I became forgetful. Then gradually started with 1/4 of one mg at night time only. Moved up to 0.5mg only. At 75 years of age, I noticed double vision and memory failing me often with names, etc. I feared Alzheimer's. So, for 3 nights, 1-2 hours of sleep, but noticed my sight was better and my old 250 strength glasses worked again, with the double vision in the evening gone. Names immediately sharpened. Tried melatonin 5mg, but no help. I fear the danger of no sleep yet treasure my eyesight and memory. All brains work differently. I have been a light sleeper most of my life. Now I wonder if I will ever be able to sleep without clonazepam. I cut out sweets in the evening and am so stressed with no sleep for 3 nights. I love seeing others' comments. Thanks."

• JCa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 13, 2019

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I had severe panic disorder beginning in 1992. I couldn’t function. My doctor prescribed Prozac 20 mg daily and Klonopin 0.25 in the morning and 0.25 at night. I had almost immediate good results and was back feeling great; calm, no anxiety, back to my old self. I’ve been on this combination for many years. It has been wonderful to be able to lead a full life!"

• Mo ...
• April 2, 2013

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "In my opinion, this medicine is great. It feels good to be able to go outdoors with confidence. No more anxiety or dizziness. I can say hello to a nice girl at a coffee shop or even read a book without thinking everyone is looking and laughing at me. This medicine worked for me. I now go to the gym, have friends, and a lively weekly routine. I slowly want to see if I can handle life without them, but I always keep them around just in case I have an attack. Good luck, guys."

• Zeb...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 29, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I have been on clonazepam 2 mg for about 12 years now. It was first prescribed to me for anxiety and sleep help. I've run out a total of 3 times in that 12-year span. It was after taking it for about a year. It was absolutely horrible. NEVER felt that bad from anything in my life. I've had over 10 serious spinal surgeries and also take prescribed morphine now for the pain. It started with hydrocodone, then oxycodone, then methadone (which got up to a dose of 350 mg daily). I was finally switched to the morphine. I've been through both withdrawals... narcotic and benzodiazepine. The clonazepam withdrawal was MUCH WORSE than any narcotic withdrawals. The opioid withdrawal was intense for 3 days, then slowly got better. After 2 weeks, I felt better. Now the clonazepam withdrawal lasted at least 2 months. It was also much worse for me than the opioids. It is horrible, and after much study, I found that the suicide rate was almost 3 times more from benzo withdrawal than from opioid withdrawal."

• anx...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 17, 2012

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I have been taking Klonopin for many years. I started having weird feelings, like I was going to die. I kept ending up in the ER. The doctors kept telling me it was anxiety. I didn't understand why anxiety would make me feel this way. When the anxiety would kick in, I literally thought I was dying. My heart would race, my body would get tingles, and I would feel choked. It was scary and still is. I have tried many anxiety medicines-Paxil, Effexor, Xanax, Lamictal, Geodon, and many more. None have worked the way Klonopin works. With Klonopin, I feel safe and I do not get jittery feelings. I am so grateful to have a medication that actually works for me. If I miss a dose, I will get severe anxiety and a panic attack."

• anx...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 17, 2012

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I have been taking Klonopin for many years. I started having weird feelings, like I was going to die. I kept ending up in the ER. The doctors kept telling me it was anxiety. I didn't understand why anxiety would make me feel this way. When the anxiety would kick in, I literally thought I was dying. My heart would race, my body would get tingles, and I would feel choked. It was scary and still is. I have tried many anxiety medicines-Paxil, Effexor, Xanax, Lamictal, Geodon, and many more. None have worked the way Klonopin works. With Klonopin, I feel safe and I do not get jittery feelings. I am so grateful to have a medication that actually works for me. If I miss a dose, I will get severe anxiety and a panic attack."

• ohi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2013

Clonazepam for Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder about 6 years ago and had my share of trying different medications to get it under control. After multiple trials with medicines my doctor finally found the right combination for me (Lexapro, lithium, Depakote had sexual side effects, Synthroid, trazodone at night, multivitamins and B-1 vitamin). This combination worked great to get my mood swings under control. Once my mood swings were under control, I started having extreme anxiety attacks. I was then diagnosed with anxiety disorder as well. My doctor prescribed 0.75 mg Klonopin 3 times a day, as needed and it is a lifesaver. Klonopin knocks my anxiety down within 15 min. I have been taking it for 3 yrs with great results."

• Dan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 25, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "So I have made two previous posts about reducing my dose of clonazepam and wanted to keep you updated. I've been down to 1/4 of .5 mg, which is .125, for about 2 months now. I'm at 7 days in a row without taking any. My PCP prescribed a patch of clonidine .1 mg to help with withdrawal symptoms. I haven't felt like I needed it yet, but it's good to know there is something to help if I need it. I still get anxiety, muscle cramps, dizziness. Exercise, hydration, and meditation have been helping me. I will push myself to be off of meds for a longer period of time, hoping to be off completely by the end of January. Will update again when I'm free of it. Good luck, everyone. Perhaps a detox facility will work for some who want off ASAP but need to be safe from seizures."

• 70...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 18, 2016

For Insomnia "I have taken Klonopin for twenty years. Sadly, over the years I became resistant to the lower doses. I am extremely dependent on it and it became 'necessary' for the dosage to be steadily increased over the years. I was all of the way up to 5 mg at night. This had disastrous side effects...extreme confusion being the most alarming. It was difficult to start to titrate down slowly. After many months, I was down to 3 mg. and then down to 2.5 mg. It was not easy and there were many restless nights filled with anxiety. Over the last 6 months, I have decreased down to 1.25 mg. I am struggling but determined to get off within the next year. Do NOT let this happen to you!"

• Har...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 25, 2019

For Anxiety "I've taken clonazepam for over twenty years with no side effects. I tried to stop a few times, but the anxiety and mood swings caused me to start again. I just hate the feeling of being so reliant upon it."

• big...
• February 7, 2010

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Klonopin has made me the woman I was prior to menopause. I am so very grateful. I could no longer stand the sleepless nights, horrific night and day sweats, constipation, anger attacks, anxiety attacks, and bouts of depression. A friend told me about Klonopin. It works without causing any side effects. I pray it continues as I honestly wished to just not exist any longer. I am once again functioning daily, interacting with family, and feeling normal, rested, and happy each day."

• Cor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2019

For Anxiety "This medication has worked wonders for me. I have extremely bad anxiety and had no relief for months on end. Was convinced I was going crazy and in a frantic state of mind constantly. Not sleeping well, not eating well, panicking, overwhelming and intrusive thoughts at a high. As soon as I got over my fear of taking medication and actually swallowed my first dose, I found the next morning to feel a huge sense of relief from the anxiety. I was not as paranoid and socially anxious, which I’ve never experienced even on good days. The benefits of this medication are incredible. I will say that becoming addicted to this seems to be a very reasonable statement. I don’t know how long I’ll be on it, but my tolerance has quickly risen and I’m taking more and more for the same relief. It’ll be a month on it now, but this is the only thing that has worked for me. For desperate situations like my own, this medication is a lifesaver."