Clonazepam and Drowsiness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2016

For Insomnia "I was hopeful this medication would help me with insomnia, but have had a mixed experience. At 0.5, I get very sleepy but don't necessarily fall asleep. It does last long, which helps with morning anxiety if you take it at night. I do find it helps me to sleep if I pair it with an antihistamine (I use hydroxyzine, under a doctor's prescription, 15 or 20 mg). So clonazepam is a decent anti-anxiety medication, but I didn't find it to be very helpful (alone) as a sleep aid."

• Anonymous
• August 30, 2023

For Insomnia "It's helped my son with insomnia. He had 2 hours of sleep only for two days, after that, the doctor prescribed clonazepam for him, and he slept for 7 hours that night. Side effects: drowsiness and feeling tired."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 27, 2016

For Anxiety "A nurse at a psychologist put me on this drug along with Prozac over 3 years ago. She told me it would be a band-aid until the Prozac started working. I went for a follow-up appointment a month later and she said since it's working she didn't want to change anything. Months went by I still felt great, no panic attacks, nothing. Started to gain weight and felt extremely sleepy during the day, so I wanted to start weaning off-spent 1 1/2 years trying to wean myself off only to start the withdrawal symptoms: electrical shocks, extreme night sweats, and nightmares. Finally, I weaned myself to .5 mg Klonopin and 10 mg of Prozac. Last Friday night (10 days ago today), I came home and flushed the pills. Going through hell now. Don't start, get help naturally!!!"

• Jeb...
• September 7, 2015

For Anxiety "I started taking this medication to replace Xanax in the early '90s. I am now 44 and have been on 0.5 mg-2 mg/day of this drug for almost 25 years. I also take sertraline (Zoloft) and buspirone (Buspar) for my depression, anxiety, panic, and OCD-all of which I've suffered with since childhood. The clonazepam has been a wonderful drug that has allowed me time free from the agony of anxiety. It has also caused me problems with drowsiness and memory. Withdrawal has been manageable on a couple of occasions. I am currently on 0.25 mg/day PRN and am trying to get off of it completely per my MD. The couple of times I came off of it precipitously to avoid drug screenings at work were some of the worst times of my life."

• kev...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 23, 2017

For Panic Disorder "MAGIC MED!!! It has done wonders for my anxiety, panic, and constant worrying. It actually makes me concentrate better at the task at hand. I was able to study and get my GED after dropping out of high school many years ago. I got my confidence back and regained my positive thoughts. I also take Sertraline 100 mg. But Clonazepam is my go-to for panicky situations. I've been taking it on and off for years... It actually is better than Xanax because it lasts longer throughout the day and is not as sedating for me. I'd say it's the safer of the Benzos."

• CW2...
• April 25, 2017

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I was prescribed Klonopin for my sleeping anxiety. I just have a fear, I guess you would call it, of going to sleep. My mind constantly races over really bad things and keeps me up all night. I can't fall asleep until I'm extremely drowsy. However, this is an anxiety medication, so would I be okay to take during the day at work to calm my anxiety, or will it knock me out like it does at night? Just curious that maybe since I have the mentality that I'm going to bed soon is why it makes me so drowsy as opposed to being up and busy at work. I get overwhelmed with anxiety at work sometimes and have nothing to help with it."

• jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2014

For Panic Disorder "I was prescribed this along with Cymbalta and Atarax to help with diagnosed agoraphobia, panic disorder, and depression. I have only been on 0.5 mg twice daily for 5 days, and I'm already noticing an improvement. Hoping some of the drowsiness goes away eventually, but I'm sure it will. So far, it seems like a lifesaver. I have been searching for the right treatment and physician to help me for over 15 plus years and finally feel like some relief has finally arrived. Will have to see over time, though, but so far, very satisfied with Klonopin's results."

• ben...
• January 10, 2010

Clonazepam for Anxiety "This drug is pretty good. I like how 1 dose can last most of the day, but I was on 1 mg Klonopin after being on 2x2 mg lorazepam a day, and the Klonopin doesn't seem as effective. I like it because it does not cause as much drowsiness as Xanax, but it does make me a lot more drowsy than lorazepam. You can take it once a day for simplicity, but like all benzodiazepines, it is addictive. I started suffering bad panic attacks after switching, but I believe that was the mistake of my doctor by not converting the doses correctly."

• luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I got my life back, I could not even go out of my house, I would cry and break down on a daily basis, my chest was always pressured, my breathing was always difficult, until I met Rivotril. No sleepiness, no drowsiness, just peace."

• luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I got my life back, I could not even go out of my house, I would cry and break down on a daily basis, my chest was always pressured, my breathing was always difficult, until I met Rivotril. No sleepiness, no drowsiness, just peace."

• mat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 21, 2023

For Insomnia "I was prescribed 0.5 mg per day for General Anxiety Disorder. The only downside is that it makes me drowsy during the day. The half-life is 48 hours, so I decided to take 1 mg at night and sleep like a baby. It can cause erectile dysfunction in some men. I am 62 years of age and still have the desire but not the means. I asked my doctor what can be done to avoid this side effect, and he said to stop taking it. The positive results of low anxiety and better sleep outweigh the other side effects. I would highly recommend it."

• 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!"

• Hut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2018

For Anxiety "Was given clonazepam 0.5 mg three times a day for my anxiety. At first, it did help, but after two months, anxiety came back worse, so doc upped it to 1 mg three times a day. It did get rid of the anxiety, but all I wanted to do was sleep. So, doc tried to find the right dose, but in the end, it made me worse than I was before I started. After 3 months, jumped off it, and I actually feel better off it than when I was taking it. What works for some doesn't work for others."

• 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."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2021

For Night Terrors "I have had instant relief from my intense night terrors (smashing windows, breaking down doors). I have taken 0.25 mg (half of 0.5 mg) every night before bed. Reduced sleep talking and yelling. I will increase the dosage if I need to. I have no side effects of sleepiness or drowsiness during the day or the night."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2021

For Night Terrors "I have had instant relief from my intense night terrors (smashing windows, breaking down doors). I have taken 0.25 mg (half of 0.5 mg) every night before bed. Reduced sleep talking and yelling. I will increase the dosage if I need to. I have no side effects of sleepiness or drowsiness during the day or the night."

• Bar...
• May 20, 2017

For Periodic Limb Movement Disorder "Started on 0.5 mg at bedtime for possible restless leg syndrome, developed flat affect, lack of emotion, somnolence. Reduced to 0.25 mg at bedtime. Kept on this med by another neurologist who diagnosed tardive dyskinesia. The third neurologist increased to 0.5 mg at bedtime in an attempt to promote better sleep (had restless sleep to this point). Found not helpful with sleep, still woke up many times and restless with increased somnolence the next day, so decreased back to 0.25 mg. The med was somewhat helpful in decreasing uncontrolled movements of TD, but not a lot. While not effective in my case in promoting better sleep, it was somewhat effective in reducing some of the uncontrolled movements of tardive dyskinesia, for which there are few effective meds."

• Hin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 26, 2022

For Anxiety "I recently started taking clonazepam for my anxiety attacks. It works well, except for the drowsiness I feel throughout the day. At least it is helping me sleep and is working well for my anxiety. However, for the past few days, I'm experiencing nightmares. It had stopped, but it's back again. I still don't understand if it's the med or what."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 9, 2015

For Panic Disorder "I would like to share some of my experiences. When I was 25 (now I'm 27), my father passed away. He was my hero and always will be. After that life-changing blow, I started getting severe panic attacks in the form of severe nausea, sickness, and eventually throwing up every 3-5 minutes, and I'm not throwing up anything. I feel like I am truly going to die at that moment. The ONLY thing that has helped me is Rivotril or clonazepam, they say it's the same. The only problem is that when I have to take R while I'm having an attack, I have to concentrate not to throw up again the medicine. After 15 minutes, I feel like nothing happened except a little drowsiness. I take it only precautionarily when I know I'll have a stressful day."

• Ifb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 1, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I am a 9/11 victim. After a year in the hospital, I never took a drug. I never even had drugs before this, nor would I take Tylenol. I didn't drink until my mid-20s. I was 19-almost buried in rubble. I hid my anxiety by canceling or drinking. I was too afraid to take pills, as crazy as it sounds, because I didn't want to not be in control. Ten years later, I couldn't go into a meeting, then step into work, then the train, then my house. Panic attacks are debilitating, and I knew that my life would end. I was given a choice-to take this med or looney bin. It stopped it head-on. Take Lexapro at the same time daily, and three months later, I was off clonazepam. I kept on Lexapro. If you need another med to take daily, use this one when needed. You will be super drowsy, so take it at night."

• Zan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2017

For Anxiety "I've taken clonazepam 1.5 mg a day with 1,000 mg Divalproex, and Adderall IR 20 mg for over 4 months. I have pretty bad ADHD and anxiety/social anxiety disorder. I've taken other benzos (Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Flurazepam), but these new drugs are absolutely the best, in my opinion, for controlling anxiety in any situation. It worked very well for me and continues to, but if you don't prefer sedation and muscle relaxation as side effects, then you should go for a drug such as buspirone. But that's my experience."

• Sna...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 30, 2018

For Panic Disorder "Honestly, the best benzo for anything anxiety-related. At first, I was a bit intimidated by it when my psychiatrist gave it to me, since I knew benzos were addictive and, while desperate to get rid of my panic attacks, I didn't want to develop addiction. Fortunately, nothing of the sort has happened and I feel so much better now thanks to this medicine. My panic attacks have stopped completely, as well as other bizarre symptoms I had that may or may not have been related to Panic Disorder (whenever I closed my eyes, I saw flashes, for example). I take clonazepam in its droplet version, which is far less intense, but it still works due to the drug's long-term action. To anyone who's considering this bad boy, be aware that feeling extremely drowsy in the first dose is normal. Don't be alarmed though, since the symptoms don't go beyond that. You'll sleep like a baby and eventually get used to the drug."

• JPT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 1, 2022

For Panic Disorder "The breakup of my engagement to my ex-fiancée triggered my panic disorder, and I was in absolute nightmare for months. At my worst, I hadn't slept for four days straight...not a single wink of sleep...and I was suicidal from the constant state of anxiety that I found myself in. I got in with a psychiatrist who prescribed clonazepam, and it made me feel normal again within hours of taking it for the first time. It gave me my life back. I've been taking it for 2 years, 0.5 mg twice daily, no increase in dosage...and it still works like it did on day 1. The only side effects I experienced initially were some slight dizziness, daytime drowsiness (naps helped!), and sexual dysfunction (it was hard to maintain an erection, I'm a male in my 20s) for the first week of use. My body got used to the drug very quickly and now I have had no side effects whatsoever. Clonazepam gave me my life back. It's a shame that benzodiazepines are so stigmatized now...they can be so helpful for so many people."

• Mic...
• May 26, 2018

For Panic Disorder "I have chronic anxiety and partial seizures, which eventually lead to full-on panic attacks, which happen more than twice a week. At first, I was prescribed SSRIs, which gave me panic attacks instead of stopping my symptoms. Ended up taking alprazolam after 3 years, a nightmare trying to quit. Clonazepam was then tried, and it was perfect. No heavy sedation, lasts longer, stopped the muscle twitches that come with my anxiety. A great overall medicine, better than lorazepam, because it's stronger, lasts longer, and is easy to taper off of if felt like you need to. I take Klonopin 2mg a day with Lexapro, 50mg a day, and Seroquel 200mg once at night. Perfect combination for me. Clonazepam stopped the physical symptoms that come with my panic disorder, which means everything to me. My psych cut me off, though, because I went to jail for 11 months! And it was the hardest 11 months of my life! Nothing can come close to stopping panic disorder and everything that comes with panic attacks."

• Gel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2019

For Panic Disorder "After going to the ER twice in less than a week, fully believing I was dying, I know the benefits of clonazepam. At 2 mg per day, I noticed that my anxiety increased a few hours after I took the medication. It sedated me, sure, but when my body rebounded, I went above my normal baseline levels of anxiety. This medication should absolutely be taken for a short time or when it is necessary. Clonazepam is like putting a Band-Aid on a wound that won't stop bleeding. It helps in the short term, but to actually control the disorder, Prozac has been the miracle drug for me."