Clonazepam and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• cal...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 12, 2015

For Panic Disorder "For panic attacks, this drug works like a dream. Takes away the panic attack, and the only side effect is a little drowsiness if you have to take more than a pill or two per day. Normally, 0.25 of clonazepam works for me, but over the years, I've found it to be less effective and need to take 0.50 mg of it to knock out the panic attack. I only take it for emergency situations. It can be addictive/habit forming, but I have not had this problem with it. Usually takes about 20 - 30 minutes for it to work for me, and then I feel just fine."

• Hap...
• April 10, 2012

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I have GAD, social phobia, and panic disorder. I'm prescribed 1 mg, 3x a day of Klonopin. Even after 2 years, it still works very well for me. It lasts much longer than Xanax or Ativan, so I don't get that dreaded wearing-off feeling. It's quite calming, but you can still function normally. The drowsiness side effect wears off after a few weeks. Just be very careful to take it as prescribed, as it definitely has a potential for abuse. Also, if you decide to stop taking it, wean yourself off slowly to avoid feeling horrible."

• Ffj...
• October 24, 2015

For Restless Legs Syndrome "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."

• Lin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2018

For Insomnia "I originally was taking Latuda and over-the-counter Somnapure for insomnia. It worked great for a while and then it stopped. Every 3rd to 4th night I was staying awake all night even though I took the medicine. My doctor just prescribed Clonazepam 0.5 mg, 2 a night. I took my first dose at 9 pm, and here it is midnight, I feel a little groggy, but not where I can go to sleep. I am starting to give up on finding something to help with my insomnia."

• Kon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2019

For Insomnia "I’m currently on vacation in Hawaii and was prescribed .25 mg Clonazepam for insomnia (since I can never sleep while on vacay), and so far, I don’t like this drug at all. It does help me sleep, and if I wake in the middle of the night, I’m able to fall right back to sleep, but it makes me feel sedated and numb for most of the next day, and I really dislike that feeling. Tonight, I think I’ll try and cut the pill in half. I really wish I’d asked for Ambien or Valium."

• Bio...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2013

For Panic Disorder "Best medication I've tried to combat panic/anxiety attacks. Prescribed 1 mg twice daily as needed, and it's been a godsend. I'm a relatively 'big' guy, not overweight but tall and broad. It's been wonderful so far and I have a very compassionate physician who listens and has my best interest. Yes, during the down times, it can make you a bit sleepy/drowsy, but I haven't had a single panic/anxiety attack since beginning the medicine. It's given my life back, and that's priceless. I can now function at my optimal capacity. I hate to rely on pharmaceutical solutions, but this one has changed my life for the ultimate best."

• ZGH...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 22, 2020

For Panic Disorder "I have taken clonazepam for about 17 months for panic disorder and PTSD. I am 19 years of age and am going to college for psychopharmacology and neuropsychiatry. I have tried triazolam off-label max dose, alprazolam max dose, lorazepam max dose, just nothing lasted long enough, except Klonopin. I take 2-3 mg a day along with a massive dose of Lyrica 450 mg, dextroamphetamine sulfate 40 mg, and lastly at night I take 3 mg of Lunesta. I have panic disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and bipolar 1 mixed affective state disorder. Clonazepam has antidepressant effects besides its anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, amnesic, sedative, depressant, and hypnotic effects. It works for many conditions, HOWEVER, after 18-25 days of constant use, you will lose drug effect by 30-40%. It's still potent. It also lasts up to 30 hours for some, for me, it's around 25-27 hours. Lastly, you will be addicted even if you take it normally due to its GABA-ergic effects. All I can say is clonazepam saved my life."

• D-m...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 26, 2012

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I was initially prescribed Klonopin (Clonazepam) for generalized anxiety disorder. It works very well, not quite as quick as Xanax, however, it is well worth the wait. I also have panic disorder. It prevents them from happening in the first place. I developed a tolerance to the sedative effect after a month or two. Two years strong. I take 1-8 mgs a day. Use it sparingly. It has a long half-life and stays in your body longer than alprazolam. I feel like Xanax lasts a few hours, then rebounds."

• Tif...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 1, 2021

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I am a 26-year-old woman who has been struggling with panic disorder and social anxiety. I have been on Klonopin (1 mg 3x a day) for about a year. This medication really does help me calm down my nerves. Unlike other benzos I have tried in the past, it does not make me as tired. Lately, it has been making me a bit more drowsy than usual, and I think the only reason I’m feeling that as a side effect is because I’ve been losing weight and I am on other antidepressants. I plan to talk to my doctor about lowering my dose a bit, but otherwise this is a great medication to manage my anxiety!"

• Kj1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2016

For Panic Disorder "This drug has changed my life. I have severe panic disorder and derealization. I was having debilitating panic attacks daily. I felt like I was living in hell. My new doctor decided to switch me to this after Ativan seemed to not be helping. It has helped me live a normal life for the first time in years. After the first dose, I was already feeling more calm, my racing thoughts have pretty much vanished. I still feel anxiety, but I am able to shut it down very quickly before it has the chance to turn into a full-blown panic attack. I am so glad to have found this drug and have it work so well for me. The only downside is that it makes you drowsy, but I feel like you get used to it over time."

• big...
• March 27, 2010

For Night Terrors "I've been taking clonazepam for 18 months, and it has changed my life around. I suffer from R.E.M. behavior disorder, night terrors, sleep paralysis, and the ability to act on my dreams, which has caused harm to partners. I take 7 mg at night, and so far, I've had no problems. The only side effects so far have been dry mouth and slight unbalance occasionally. I'm a bit groggy in the morning for a little bit, but that soon wears off."

• Sar...
• October 11, 2009

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Klonopin has totally reduced my general anxiety, especially in social situations, and when communicating with others. It can be somewhat sedating and also makes a decent sleep aid, although I've had better ones. So overall, it's great, though. Better than Ativan, in my opinion. I take 1 to 3 mg daily."

• Mel...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 20, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I am 57 and have been on some dosage level of Clonazepam for about 20 years. I started it, with Prozac, when my first diagnosis was Major Anxiety/Major Depression. As my diagnosis changed to Bi-Polar I and I gradually developed a cocktail of drugs that worked together very well, Clonazepam has remained the one constant. At one point I was up to 4 mg a day, but I'm now down to 0.5 mg as needed (usually about every other day). I've never taken more than prescribed and have never had any sleepiness from it. Ativan, by comparison, makes me a zombie. Most anxiety drugs have that effect on me. The thing that has been the best for me is the feeling that I'm not on a drug when I take Clonazepam. Just the feeling of being anxious or overwhelmed becomes a bit more manageable. I understand why this drug isn't the right choice for everyone, but unless there is a definite alternative, I plan to stay with it. If I can be just that much more myself, why shouldn't I?"

• Mik...
• January 1, 2014

For Periodic Limb Movement Disorder "Works great for periodic limb movement disorder for me. Can intensify if I stop taking it though... which is a slight worry, as I would prefer not to take it for the rest of my life if I can help it. I do feel a little groggy sometimes, but the benefits are far greater for me. At my worst, I was hitting myself and my partner in my sleep without any control at all and would wake me 9 times out of 10. So I was having very poor sleep, so was my wife. So I can live with a bit of tiredness over feeling like a zombie."

• Rya...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2025

For Panic Disorder "This medicine saved my life! I have been dealing with panic attacks and severe anxiety for over 2 years, and have had several therapists, psychiatrists, and even hospital visits over the duration of that time. I was prescribed just about every medicine on the market, but absolutely nothing could calm my panic attacks and only felt like they were sleeping pills or even just placebos! After doing tons of research, I found out about clonazepam and asked my doctor about it. I was prescribed 1mg... and let me just tell you. I am living my life once again. Before, I couldn't even drive because I'd start panicking, or I'd go to the store and have a meltdown just from being away from home. I'd spend most of my days huddled up on the floor in tears, and my parents had no idea how to help me. But after clonazepam, I truly started to feel like I could breathe again! Granted, this is only about week 2 or 3, and I definitely feel some sedation, but it is miles more effective than other anti-anxiety meds!"

• Nic...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 3, 2017

For Insomnia "Took one 2 mg clonazepam at bedtime for about 7 months. It definitely helped me get to sleep, but because of its long half-life, it left me drowsy even after a good 8 hours' sleep. Going to start slowly weaning off after I talk to my doctor next week."

• ads...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2017

For Anxiety "I suffer from health anxiety. Every new mole, lump, twinge... my mind would sink me into fear and a state of depression. It’s not always. Most days, I can cope with the irrational thoughts and sort it out in my mind, but then there are some days where it’s too much. I have found that taking half of my 0.5 mg tab in the morning and then the other half in the evening has made me the most level-headed and normal-feeling I’ve felt in a long time. Doesn’t leave me groggy, just has me normal! So awesome to just be chill. Finally! I’ve also noticed that if you are female, hormones when they shift and change right before menstruation have always brought out my anxiety the worst! Good luck."

• Aly...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2017

For Anxiety "I've dealt with anxiety since I was a child but never sought help until it became very serious and my job and relationships were affected. I was prescribed clonazepam and instructed to only take it when necessary. It has worked wonderfully for me, and for once in a long time, I actually felt genuinely calm and relaxed, and my perspectives towards things that would bother me on a normal day changed completely (I was able to rationalize things better and get over problems quickly). The first hour or so after taking clonazepam is torture, though, as I would usually feel very drowsy and dazed. After that, as long as I eat properly, the drowsiness goes away and the pill will work wonders."

• 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."

• ben...
• February 26, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I have been on Klonopin for 15 years now, 1 mg up to 4 x a day, and this has been a godsend. It really works for me. I suffered from severe panic attacks, I couldn't leave the house. I just knew with every attack that this time 'I really was dying,' and then my family doctor said let's give this medicine a try, and immediately I was in control again. None of the drowsiness or side effects as with Valium and Xanax, just no panic attacks. What a life-changing, wonderful medicine this is. What I don't understand is when we have moved and had to change family doctors, they always felt it was necessary to try and change my medication. The doctor always ends up putting me back on the Klonopin because it works wonderfully. For me, it's a lifesaver."

• Nop...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 26, 2023

For Insomnia "My experience with the drug has been terrible, to say the least. I visited my doctor because I suddenly started experiencing severe sleeplessness for an entire week. He prescribed me this medication without much explanation. I was instructed to take 0.5 mg-1 mg as needed for insomnia. Without researching it beforehand, I began taking the medication, and it did help me fall asleep. However, my nightmare began when I attempted to stop taking the drug after three consecutive months. My doctor assured me that since my dosage was low (1 mg nightly), I only needed to reduce it to 0.5 mg 'for a few nights.' Unfortunately, I experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. Over the next three months, I struggled to wean myself off the medication by taking it only 3-4 nights a week and enduring sleepless nights on the other days. It wasn't until I consulted a psychiatrist that I was able to establish a proper tapering plan. I gradually tapered off this medication over a period of 10 weeks. Although there were still a few challenging moments during the process, I am now able to sleep naturally without relying on it. Based on my experience, I do not recommend this drug for sleep purposes. Please exercise caution and be well-informed before considering it."

• Yoh...
• October 3, 2010

For Seizure Prevention "Excellent. Haven't had one seizure since I was switched to Klonopin (clonazepam). It helps with my car accident injuries, which I did not expect, and not only with the broken bones but almost as an antidepressant, better than Paxil, which I was given and didn't make me feel more relaxed. I sleep well again because I don't take pain medicines, even though the doctors prescribed it. Highly worked for me. Start out at a low and comfortable dose if you can't afford to be drowsy at work, etc. Tell your doctor, and slowly he will bump your dosage up until you are comfortable."

• jan...
• August 26, 2010

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I agree, Xanax works well but in limited duration - Klonopin is better because it relaxes you for longer. Just mellows you out so you don't freak out - has changed my life and made it better. My doctor told me to let it dissolve on my tongue, since I have issues with burning tongue from a nerve injury. This has added benefits of helping me not panic about the pain and other things I feel out of control of in my life. I take a small dose and feel that I can continue taking for a while without negative side effects, though it can make you a little drowsy during the workday."

• Tlm...
• November 4, 2015

For Anxiety "I'm 22/F, have GAD and anxiety for a long time. Just in the last year, I've developed panic attacks. I quit my job, never left the house. It caused me to basically fear life itself. Doctor recommended Klonopin 0.05 mg at night. Benzos make me very drowsy starting out. So I was told to take 1/4 of the pill (0.25) and slowly increase every few days! I'm at a little over 1/2, and I'm seeing a major difference. I still have some anxiety, but I'm also still on a low dose. But this medicine allows me to think more clearly. I developed nausea and excessive belching after eating everything. When I started getting panic attacks, I've seemed to notice a difference in that as well. I considered about addiction though."