Clonazepam and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• blo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2014

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I was prescribed 3mg a day but don't want to take that much so I am trying hard to taper to 2mg. I am at 2.25mg. I still sometimes feel a little bit of anxiety, not real bad, but catch myself starting to get in my head. Then I will breathe and talk myself out of my head. But why can't the medicine just keep me out of my head all the time? I never had any anxiety or panic disorder, I have always had manageable obsessive-compulsive disorder. Will I ever feel like me again? I know if I am not careful, I could become homebound and just sit and waste. I have a young daughter, and it is not fair for her. The Klonopin does work, but I feel like I can feel it wear off or that it is coming time for my next dose. Or is that all in my crazy head."

• Ste...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 27, 2020

For Anxiety "This is a miracle drug for me. I was on it for 7 years and slowly worked my way off of it 9 weeks ago, taking 3 months to get off of it. I had the past 9 weeks be the most awful; it took me till last week to figure out it was anxiety. I could eat, sleep, or concentrate. Within 8 hours of my doctor writing me the script, I was back to my normal self!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 19, 2023

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I was prescribed clonazepam, first at 1 mg a day. Little did I know, after two years of seeing my caring physician, we learned clonazepam has been a bit of a lifesaver for me! I suffer mainly from social anxiety with agoraphobia, afraid of new places, being seen out. A half a year into taking the medication, I titrated up to 2 mg a day as needed. My doctor 'experimented' with alprazolam PM on me for 14 days. 30 .5 mg pills. I had rebound anxiety along with a few days of panic attacks. I couldn't wait to take my dose that night of Klonopin! I was diagnosed as a bit bipolar soon after my prescriber was informed of my impulsivity and isolation. Mania was in overdrive along with severe OCD and even attention disorders stemming from a distress in the nervous system, high-strung, sensitive stomach, etc. Today, I take a total of 4 mg a day as needed, some days I take 2-3 or 3-4 mg. This medication comes in need to those like me. Other anxiolytic exercises help as well."

• Tam...
• December 1, 2018

For Anxiety "Was on clonazepam for 10 years after trying other antidepressants with no relief, had reactions to the antidepressants. Had to find a new doctor due to mine retiring. Have been off the clonazepam for 4 months and have tried 6 different medications. None have worked for my anxiety and panic attacks. They have continued to get worse than ever before! I have to be on opioids due to many medical conditions and have thyroid problems and autoimmune disorders, which only make the anxiety worse. Followed all the rules and never abused the clonazepam, lowered my dose myself with no problem! Trying to find a new doctor who will prescribe clonazepam is impossible, just because you have to take opioids too! You are put in the category of an abuser, which I am not. I just know what works for me and what does not. Really tired of these doctors not treating their patients because they are more afraid of the black box laws."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2020

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "Was prescribed this three months ago for muscle twitching and involuntary movements related to antipsychotic withdrawal. Medication works great, sometimes too great. Am aware of the risks of taking it, but it does help insomnia, anxiety, mania, and twitching. Please be careful and don't take more than prescribed."

• Jes...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 23, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I've been on it for five years. Started with Ativan, then went to Klonopin. The highest I've been is 1.5 mgs with more if needed for panic and anxiety attacks. I'm currently weaning from 1.25 to 1 mg a day. On day 3, having anxiety, heart palpitations, and some wiredness in my head. I want off this so bad, I hate being dependent on a pill I gotta carry with me everywhere I go. I think my next reduction in a few weeks will be half of a half, might make it less noticeable. I don't recommend anyone taking this. I was put on benzos without being told how addictive they are. I experience tolerance withdrawal as well. Good luck to everyone trying to get off."

• aal...
• August 21, 2015

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I have severe panic and anxiety attacks and have for over 20 years. When I tried to go off this medication, lowering my dosage slowly because of a pregnancy, I ended up with the bad anxiety again. Needless to say, I ended up going back on, and my son was born perfectly (at the time, 20 years ago, they were not sure of long-term effects). If anything, he is smarter than my other two children. I also take an antidepressant that works very well with it. I definitely recommend this medication. I am on a higher dose, probably more than most, I take 2 mg in the morning and 2 mg at night. Probably because my depression is worse than it was, but the anxiety is finally under control."

• sus...
• September 21, 2009

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I was on Xanax for several years (4-5 mg per day). It helped a lot in the beginning, but the longer I took it the more jittery I became. My doctor finally put me on Klonopin up to 3 mg a day and it has been amazing. I have only been taking 2 mg a day so far, but I'm sure I will probably need 3 mg at some point. But I went directly from Xanax to Klonopin and I have never missed the Xanax. I was really afraid I would have a lot of withdrawal problems but I suppose the Klonopin took care of that. Anyway, it has been amazing how much better I feel and sleep since changing to the Klonopin. It has changed my life. I'm so thankful my doctor tried it. I really didn't want to take anything, but I don't think I have a choice. I need it to function normally."

• Dan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 1, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "So my withdrawal symptoms are horrible. I know everyone is different, as I am very sensitive to everything. I have blurred vision, vertigo, confusion, anxiety, labored breathing, and my temples feel like they are bulging out. I'm weaning myself off, and I've been fine up to this point. I think I'm going too fast. Weaning slowly is the way to go to lessen the symptoms. I've also noticed it triggering my bipolar, so be sure to talk to your doctor before weaning off or as you wean off. Good luck, everyone."

• Fir...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 8, 2016

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I was put on Klonopin at age 17. I took it as prescribed for 20 years, going from 0.5 mgs to 3-4 mgs a day. While it worked great for anxiety and insomnia, I wish I had never taken this medication. Last year, I was detoxed off of it. When I tapered off, I didn't sleep at all for 11 days. After that, I had extreme anxiety and agitation. I couldn't sit still for months, I had to take a non-addictive medication to be able to sleep at all. I was unable to eat well for months. Doctors don't think to tell you that this medication makes you physically dependent. You cannot stop abruptly, or you risk seizures. It is made for short-term use, about 2 weeks. I wish I had never taken this medication. I will never take another benzodiazepine again."

• Don...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 16, 2016

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "My doctor began prescribing Klonopin 1 mg 3 times a day when I was 23 years old to help treat anxiety and sleep disorders. I took Xanax for 11 years, and it did help my symptoms, although I did build up a tolerance pretty fast but kept at the same dose. But when my doctor retired and a new doctor took over his practice, I was abruptly discontinued from Xanax. This was a dangerous thing to do. I began to go into withdrawals within one day without the Xanax. The withdrawals were excruciating and lasted for weeks. I was in constant extreme anxiety. Sleep was nearly totally absent for more than two weeks. My thoughts started to become almost to the point of psychosis, which also lasted for weeks. So never abruptly stop benzos unless medically supervised."

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

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "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."

• dj1...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 8, 2018

Clonazepam for Seizure Prevention "I have a seizure disorder that isn't epilepsy. I had an incident where I had seizures back to back for days and was sent to multiple hospitals to try to help me. When I finally came out of them, I was on Klonopin and Keppra. Keppra alone wouldn't stop them from happening again, is what I was told by medical. I also read about Klonopin and know that it is prescribed for preventing seizures and happens to be good at stopping seizures that happen quickly back to back, or whatever it was that was going on specifically with me. I am glad something worked. I have never had anything so rough and weird happen to me. I love Klonopin because I also have anxiety and insomnia, both things that Klonopin helps and eases as well, which also could be triggers for seizures or symptoms of."

• jay...
• May 10, 2014

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I've been on 2 mg/day Klonopin for about 6 months now, and I do feel that it's not working as well as it was the first few months. Now my anxiety stems from my thoughts on whether I'm building a tolerance, which I think is NOT GOOD. The sad thing is this medicine has been the only one to actually let me go out into the world without the social anxiety I have without it."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 7, 2023

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I've suffered from anxiety since I was a toddler, and it has been crippling. I am also bipolar and have hypomanic episodes, which present as severe agitation and anxiety. I didn't like Xanax, so I stopped taking it. I was prescribed Klonopin (generic), I was able to breathe and function as a normal human. The problem is no one wants to prescribe it. If I had cancer, they wouldn't think twice about prescribing a treatment that works. I understand the addiction aspect, but why do I have to suffer because of others? It isn't fair. I've offered to have blood or urine tests as often as they want to prove I'm taking meds exactly as prescribed. I'm so sick of feeling like I don't matter. I also have fibromyalgia, which is horribly painful and wouldn't wish it on anyone. Klonopin actually helps with the pain, whereas Lyrica, Gabapentin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen do nothing and may as well be Tic Tacs. I'm at a loss. I don't know if this is unique to the five boroughs of NYC or if it's like this everywhere."

• alb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2025

For Anxiety "Have been using for 2 years now. Tapered off .5 mg in 10 months and experienced extreme anxiety and panic, so reinstated. Had to increase to 1 mg, then 2, and just recently 3, once in a while. Tried 5 times to taper off, and it is excruciating, so as long as I can still obtain it, I will be using it. Encountered 2 docs who would not prescribe it when my regular doctor had no appointments left. They were jerks. Asked the doc what happens when he retires and I can't get it. He said I can always get Valium, but that stuff doesn't work on my issues. I find after 2.5 years it doesn't work as well, but I have to take it, or boy do I suffer from withdrawals. I'm 68 and am not looking forward to Klon as I age. Hope I can still get it as I age."

• bms...
• March 8, 2016

For Burning Mouth Syndrome "Was in pure agony 24/7 with BMS for about 2 1/2 months. Tried 'magic mouthwash,' but it only lasts an hour and was supposed to be used every 4 hours, so I went through the bottle in no time. Went through a bottle of Chloraseptic every 4-5 days. Took extra vitamins, went on Alpha Lipoic Acid, tried everything I could find suggested online. Then finally asked my doctor for clonazepam. I could tell when the first pill dissolved in my mouth it was going to help. Now I'm just trying to get the dosage right. BMS is about 80% better. I get 1 mg up to 3 times a day. I can easily take all 3 just to sleep at night. Should I ask for a higher dosage? Taking them this way leaves me with nothing for the daytime, and nothing for anxiety."

• MIN...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 17, 2019

For Anxiety "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."

• jay...
• November 19, 2014

For Restless Legs Syndrome "Restless legs, sleep dramatically improved. Used for years until I moved to a new town and saw a new doctor who discontinued therapy. Best relief ever obtained from any meds tried. I also have myofascial pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, bruxism (broke off a large filling due to nightly grinding), anxiety, occasional panic attacks, and a stressful home environment."

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

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "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."

• Spi...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 31, 2015

Clonazepam for Seizure Prevention "I was prescribed clonazepam by a VA psychiatrist because I was having jitteriness from an antidepressant (Paxcil). He prescribed 2 mg/day. I had been having seizures - later diagnosed as psychogenic non-epileptic seizures - for several years, and while taking clonazepam, the seizure frequency was reduced and almost completely stopped. All the regular epilepsy medications tried had no effect, only clonazepam has been effective in reducing or stopping my seizures. Paxcil, strangely, made me increasingly violent until I stopped it."

• ok ...
• January 13, 2017

For Insomnia "I have to say I was prescribed 0.5 mg of Klonopin for sleep. I've tried other medications, Ambien, Lunesta, etc. with not too much success. The Klonopin worked wonders, but after about a month on the medication, I felt very weird. I started to have hallucinogenic dreams with bouts of gloom and doom during my waking hours. It got to a point that I got moderately depressed thinking such negative thoughts and decided to stop taking the medication. Wow, I never thought withdrawal would happen to me, but it certainly did. Sweating, nervous, agitated. It took about 5 weeks off of the Klonopin for the withdrawal symptoms to cease. Please be careful, folks. It's one of the most addictive medications out there."

• Can...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 20, 2019

For Anxiety "Doctors have made me try every SNRI, SSRI out there. My symptoms worsen. I have been hospitalized with serotonin syndrome taking these medications. A doctor did not look over my current drugs and prescribed me amitriptyline for foot neuropathy. Within two weeks, I was in the ER. They gave me more clonazepam with Ativan and fixed me right up. Much of my anxiety stems from being disabled by two back surgeries and spinal stenosis. This medicine saved my life. I was given Valium before clonazepam."

• Use...
• May 4, 2008

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I have been taking this medication for a long time now. Before I was put on Klonopin, I always took panic attacks and felt nervous all the time. I stayed depressed and also had thoughts of suicide. My doctor had put me on everything you could imagine. I was on Paxil CR, Lexapro, Vistaril, and Seroquel. They never helped me at all. So I decided to change from my foreign doctor and got a new doctor. I told him my problems, and he said he was going to start me on Klonopin. Since then, my life is great!"

• Mis...
• August 30, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar and borderline. Clonazepam doesn't help treat my diseases, but is very helpful at minimizing many symptoms, such as anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and similar issues, so it makes life much easier."