Clonazepam and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 17, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Don't take it for longer than 1 month. I'm addicted to 4 mg daily, and I can't get off. Side effects - Short-term memory and long-term memory are gone (REALLY GONE). I'm so, so tired (I sleep all day), and I have 0 motivation. It's amazing for short-term anxiety of all kinds. Just do not get addicted. IMO, max 1-2 mg for max 1 month. 2-year user. 27-year-old male. Kills anxiety in its tracks, but not to be used long-term. Look into Nardil/Parnate if SSRIs fail. Asenapine is great if you need your racing thoughts controlled. DO NOT LET ANY PSYCH GIVE THIS TO YOU LONG TERM."

• Anonymous
• February 6, 2010

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I suffered from panic attacks, anxiety, and depression for years. Since I started taking clonazepam, I haven't had a single attack! This drug has changed my life for the better. I still have some anxiety and depression, but I'm taking something else for those. My only wish is that I didn't wait so long to try the medication!"

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

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "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."

• Kas...
• December 8, 2019

For Epilepsy "Clonazepam is a life-saving drug. It broke my constant partial seizures and reduced them by 99%. It also helps me not be anxious, controls my mood swings, and prevents my migraine aura headaches. My only complaint is it makes me a bit emotionally numb and my memory is a bit affected, but the pros far outweigh the cons. Very cheap where I live, too."

• dre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2017

For Anxiety "My anxiety began when I was 11 years old. I was in denial for 5 years that I needed a psychiatrist. I can't get over it anymore, so I stopped my studies. I had headaches and was depressed by all the results given to me. Everything was a nightmare. I've been checked by many doctors, but they said that my system is normal. So they decided to put me in with a psychiatrist. They gave me some meds, but it didn't help me that much. I went to another doctor who this time gave me this wonderful med, Rivotril. It gives me full control of my emotions and my anxiety is completely gone. Now I can function very well. Thanks, Rivotril."

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I take clonazepam 0.5 mg as needed, generally 2-3 times per week for OCD, anxiety, and panic attacks. No euphoria; it just quietly begins working within 1-2 hours. If I take it to help me fall asleep, I generally take 0.5 mg or 0.5 mg + 1/4 of another tablet. 30 tablets costs me less than $2. The only side effect I have is hair shedding. Initially, when I was having severe panic attacks and anxiety, I took 0.5 mg every day for three weeks before I finally calmed. The only side effect I noticed with daily use was that depression could set in, and I needed to increase my dose for sleep. But after a few weeks, I was able to alternate back to Lunesta, and occasionally I have a night where I can sleep without either. This should be an option for patients like me who don't tolerate the side effects of a daily SSRI and do not have addictive tendencies."

• cor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Wonderful pill. My doc put me on 2 mg once a day before bed. In one week, this medication turned my life around. I was suffering from extreme manic/depressive episodes, depression, irritability, and panic crises. Seroquel 50 mg was worsening everything, a horrible drug for me. I am now on 4 mg of clonazepam and doing fine. Brought me back to life, thank God."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 27, 2022

For Panic Disorder "I have been diagnosed with panic disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. I grew up in a broken home like many others. I was also involved in a physically and mentally abusive relationship with the father of my child for ten years. Don't get me wrong, the physical abuse was as bad as it gets, but I think the mental abuse was equally as detrimental. After leaving that relationship, I started having panic attacks several times a day. I also experienced severe paranoia about what people thought of me while in social settings. I just tried to hide from the world and go unnoticed for as long as I could get away with. I confined myself to my room, deleted all my social media accounts. I became very depressed. Then, my doctor put me on clonazepam. It changed my life for the better. I got married, I work my dream job, and I'm graduating from college this fall. Clonazepam relieved me from the imprisonment of panic and anxiety and allowed me to have peace in order to focus on the real and important things in life."

• Bur...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 28, 2020

For Panic Disorder "Please avoid this drug at all costs, it is a sheep in wolves' clothing. Works great in the beginning until it trashes all your good GABA receptors that keep you happy and calm. When this drug goes bad on you and you have to get off it, you'll wish you never took it. The withdrawals will take you to a dark place you never knew and wish you were dead. I would take back my old simple anxiety and insomnia any day to what this drug has done to me: now ruined my whole life, health, and mind. Now severely debilitated from it with zero quality of life. Bedridden, can't walk, horrific pain, and mental torture every single day, including the most darkest depression, terror, agitation, and chemical anxiety I've ever experienced, plus akathisia."

• Nes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2019

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I have an anxiety disorder, finally gave in to see a therapist, who recommended me to see a psychiatrist. I suffer from daily anxiety attacks. I've been through multiple medications that I felt didn't help me. She decided to try me with Klonopin 0.5, taking half of it in the morning and the other half in the evening. Within the week of taking it, I started experiencing nightmares, my anxiety was a lot worse, and I also felt more depressed. I felt terrible the whole time taking it. Everyone is different. Hope to find the medication that can help me with this."

• Zac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 6, 2015

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I was on this medication for approximately 5 years. The last couple of years, I had increasing anxiety and depression. I never increased my initial dose of 2 mg at night to help with sleep. My PDoc continued to insist that it was not the Klonopin that was causing my anxiety and depression. Who knows? I weaned myself off of the medication SLOWLY over 4 months. It really took me that amount of time, even that may have been too fast for me. When it works, it's helpful for me. The problem is that many people tend to build a tolerance to the med and will likely need to increase the dose to get the same effect, hence feelings of withdrawal that can come on automatically. I know everyone has his/her own opinion about this drug."

• fla...
• January 23, 2016

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Increased depression at higher doses, which are needed as your system becomes tolerant, and you always will need to increase the dosage to get relief of the anxiety, negative thoughts in general, fear of withdrawal, agoraphobia if you do run out before refill, severe memory problems the longer you are on it, tolerance develops quickly, and what started out as 0.5 twice a day is now 3 mg a day, which leads to almost constant fatigue and a general feeling of hopelessness that doesn't go away."

• fla...
• January 23, 2016

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Increased depression at higher doses, which are needed as your system becomes tolerant, and you always will need to increase the dosage to get relief of the anxiety, negative thoughts in general, fear of withdrawal, agoraphobia if you do run out before refill, severe memory problems the longer you are on it, tolerance develops quickly, and what started out as 0.5 twice a day is now 3 mg a day, which leads to almost constant fatigue and a general feeling of hopelessness that doesn't go away."

• Son...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 1, 2017

For Anxiety "This medication was useful for the first few months, but I have spent the last six tapering and getting off of it. It is truly poison and was NEVER meant to be taken long term. You will develop a tolerance, keep needing more and more to achieve the same effect. It causes memory issues, fertility problems, and increased anxiety over time, agoraphobia, and depression. Getting off of it almost ruined my life, but it was the best decision I ever made. Please, for the love of all, do not ever touch this medication, there are other ways."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2015

For Anxiety "I was prescribed Clonazepam on a situational basis, to help manage infrequent but severe anxiety attacks. Although I do find this drug does help to take the edge off in stressful situations like an interview or a crowded concert, the side effects and withdrawal symptoms are far too negative. While on it, I feel drowsy and forgetful, and the next day and even up to two or three days later, I get depressed (more than I normally am) and cry a lot. The last time I took it, I had severe depression and even suicidal thoughts (which I never have really had before) for two full days after. That scared me enough to not want to ever take it again. I highly recommend being careful and doing your research when it comes to Clonazepam."

• dee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 29, 2021

For Anxiety "I've been taking clonazepam for about eight years for social anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I usually take 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg a few times a week. Pros: It helps my anxiety tremendously. It makes it so much easier to socialize and focus. It helped me accomplish things I never thought I would. Cons: It impairs my memory a little bit and makes me a bit sleepy. Also, if I take it too many days in a row or at higher dosages, I experience depressive symptoms, namely a lack of motivation and trouble feeling pleasure. All in all, if you have really intense anxiety that hinders your ability to function in daily life, I'd recommend this medication. However, I personally prefer not to take high dosages or take it too frequently, as that can cause depression. Also, be aware that the drug can be extremely hard to get off of due to physical dependence/withdrawal symptoms."

• dee...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 29, 2021

For Anxiety "I've been taking clonazepam for about eight years for social anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I usually take 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg a few times a week. Pros: It helps my anxiety tremendously. It makes it so much easier to socialize and focus. It helped me accomplish things I never thought I would. Cons: It impairs my memory a little bit and makes me a bit sleepy. Also, if I take it too many days in a row or at higher dosages, I experience depressive symptoms, namely a lack of motivation and trouble feeling pleasure. All in all, if you have really intense anxiety that hinders your ability to function in daily life, I'd recommend this medication. However, I personally prefer not to take high dosages or take it too frequently, as that can cause depression. Also, be aware that the drug can be extremely hard to get off of due to physical dependence/withdrawal symptoms."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2016

For Anxiety "This medication, when used properly, does help with generalized anxiety. The only problem is I was never told how to take it properly. I became addicted and a bit suicidal. It wreaked absolute havoc on my life and the lives of my family. Name the side effect - I had it. It caused depression so bad that I couldn't get out of bed. Insomnia to the point of where I was convinced I was losing my mind. Looking back now, it's hard to believe I ever felt the way I did, but I did. Please do research on the drug before taking it."

• Tay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2016

For Panic Disorder "Wonder drug. I can't emphasize that enough. This was the best decision I have made. I had tried over 12 different medications for my extreme panic disorder and depression, and some medications would help but give me horrible depression, and others were vice versa. There was always a breakthrough of one of my conditions. My life has been unmanageable for 16 years, and this is the first drug I can literally thank God for. It's saved my life, and I can finally function normally. I am on 1 mg daily and able to live a normal life at last. It's only been a month on this, but I've already had such great success."

• Jml...
• November 12, 2016

For Insomnia "This medicine has destroyed my life. Yes, it works well, and yes, I was able to sleep, but tolerance builds up quickly, you need to keep increasing your dose. It might not increase in everyone, but it did for me. It also ended up causing major depression from use, which I cannot get out of. I also went through the worst withdrawal trying to get off of this, and I am still unable to sleep since using it. I think it affected my brain's chemistry. I literally only sleep 5 to 6 hours a week since quitting. I know the temptation could be great to start it because, as I said, it works for insomnia and anxiety, but be warned, it is nearly impossible to get out of your life. I'm currently on family medical leave from work trying to get my life back together."

• Bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2015

For Anxiety "Took 0.5 mg in the am and 1.5 mg in the pm for 7 days as prescribed for anxiety. Unfortunately, I experienced a paradoxical reaction to this medication, resulting in extremely high anxiety, depression, irritability, etc., which led to a stay in the hospital. I know paradoxical reactions are considered to be rare-just be aware if you take this med and you feel worse, talk to your doctor right away."

• Tex...
• October 7, 2013

For Anxiety "It works absolutely great for me, been about 4 months. I no longer have panic attacks when taking it. Unfortunately, the doctor only gives me 42 1mg a month when dosed at 2x a day. I just noticed that one. I will run out before my visit Thursday and am taking one a day so I at least have some productive time. Supposedly, it throws me happily manic and full of energy, but I'd rather be happily manic and running around cleaning things than being scared of everything, depressed, and just all around unbearable to be near. Right now, taking Effexor, Clonazepam, and Lithium. I am now pretty pleasant."

• ser...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 11, 2012

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "It did stop the uncontrollable panic from post-traumatic stress disorder, but the side effects were unbearable for me. I had loss of appetite, uncontrollable weight loss, stomach pain, memory loss, headaches, dizziness, urinary pain, thinning hair, bad acne, depression, and constipation. It was so difficult to taper without severe withdrawals that I needed a 6-month tapering schedule. My dose was 1 mg twice daily. I find that Valium or Xanax have fewer side effects."

• Hai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2019

For Anxiety "Once my doctor prescribed this medication, clonazepam, with 0.25 mg, and I felt relieved. Then I thought of increasing to get its full benefits (0.25 to 0.50, then 0.50 to 1 mg, then 1 mg x 2, and finally 1 mg x 3). The more I increased, the more I felt relaxed, focused, and smart. So, I was on 3 mg per day. Finally, when I ended up with 3 mg, I started having the side effects like sleepiness (more like sedation), forgetfulness, decreased sexual urge, confusion, increased depression, etc. I tried a lot to quit from it, and my anxiety came back more severely and had a fainting sensation. I had to be admitted to the hospital to withdraw fully from it. Now, I am fully withdrawn from it, but my anxiety has increased more than usual, with disorganized thinking and speaking, slight forgetfulness. This is an occasional or short-term drug which is given during the initial period of any drugs. Using this for a long-term period creates high dependency for this drug, and you will no longer be the same person with it!"

• Anonymous
• May 27, 2008

For Panic Disorder "It has been a blessing. I tried several other medicines, and they make me sad, uneasy, and very sleepy. I only take this when needed. At first, it was daily, and now maybe one a month. It has been great."