Clonazepam and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• joe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2023

For Temporomandibular Joint Disorder "I use clonazepam nightly for TMJ. Take .25 mg to .5 mg every night. I tried to slowly taper off, but insomnia and pain came back. I would highly recommend this for anyone with severe TMJ. Yes, there is a physical dependency, but it's well worth feeling good. Great sleep and helps a lot with the pain."

• Del...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 3, 2018

For Insomnia "I was prescribed clonazepam 0.5 mg morning and night for 30 days for anxiety and panic attacks after I was bitten by a dog. For about 20 days, the medicine worked great. After that, I started getting headaches and a floating feeling every time I tried to sleep, and the anxiety kicked in again, making the medicine ineffective. I am now tapering off the medicine by taking just half in the morning for the past 4 days. This has resulted in disturbed sleep. I do sleep, but I wake up feeling I have not slept. The anxiety is still there. This was the first time I opted for any medication to help deal with my anxiety. And I feel it was the biggest mistake of my life. With my experience, meditation, a healthy diet, and exercise are better options for the anxiety I had. Good luck, you guys."

• Jun...
• September 13, 2013

For Anxiety "I have been battling chronic neck and shoulder blade pain now for two years. Severe anxiety started as well with panic attacks and adrenaline rushes, along with tingling hands and feet constantly. Battling depression and insomnia too. Took citalopram, Effexor, Buspar, Valium, and they were not much help with my anxiety and insomnia. Started taking Klonopin 2 mg at bedtime five months ago for insomnia, and it has helped me so much. I know this medication can be addicting, but the doctor is tapering me slowly, and now I am down to 1 mg at bedtime. This has been the best medication ever. I would definitely recommend anybody suffering from anxiety or insomnia to try Klonopin."

• Che...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 27, 2021

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "Klonopin worked well for side effects of high-dose fentanyl. Fentanyl and other opioids impart nervousness, insomnia, and can trigger serotonin syndrome. Drugs.com is the premier interaction checker. I enlightened a physician that wrote me a prescription for amitriptyline, and in combination with fentanyl, I was hospitalized for severe serotonin syndrome. I lived after 48 hours in the ER. I dropped the amitriptyline and increased my Klonopin. I lived."

• yrm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 17, 2022

For Insomnia "I will rate it at 7 as it has some negative effects on me. It's very much addictive, and anyone who takes it for some days must be dependent on it. Once started, one cannot withdraw from this. If withdrawn, one cannot sleep without it. But, it works like magic. I can sleep without any break for at least 5-6 hours long. It improves my overall sleeping behaviors. But, I repeat, it's very dependent on medicine. If anyone misses a dose, they can't sleep that day."

• Whe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 28, 2018

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "Doc put me on Klonopin 2-3 mg/day after a brain injury. After a few years, my quality of life started falling quickly. After much reading, I found that Klonopin was causing the anxiety due to tolerance withdrawals, caused by increasing tolerance with no dose escalation. I was ripped off of the medication and barely survived. Six months of severe withdrawals: didn't sleep, could barely eat, muscles so stiff that walking was difficult, severe tinnitus, etc., etc. DO NOT take this medication for more than a few days or you are risking one of the most severe addictions known to man."

• Win...
• June 27, 2015

For Insomnia "I can't believe that there can be a clonazepam board without anyone bringing up the physical dependence that comes with this drug and the difficult long withdrawal that produces greater insomnia and anxiety than the insomnia and anxiety that led to starting the medication. That said, when taking it, it works. It, like most, if not all benzos, actually starts messing up the natural sleep architecture. The longer one takes this, and the higher the dosage, the more difficult the withdrawal, both physical and psychological. Never, after having taken this medication regularly, suddenly stop. If you do, within three days or so, you'll know why I post the warning. I take 2 mg per 24 hours and have taken it, with one difficult break, for 9 years."

• 34...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 13, 2016

For Insomnia "I've been taking clonazepam 5 mg to 10 mg tablets as needed for anxiety and nerve pain for 4 years now, and I also have ADD. As of lately, I've noticed that about an hour after taking clonazepam, I felt restless and tense, almost jittery, and my muscles tightened up, and I was wide awake, so I basically got 2 hours of sleep at night. I would say that after long-term use, even if it is as needed, clonazepam definitely causes effects of insomnia and muscle stiffness."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 2, 2012

For Anxiety "I have been on clonazepam for almost 19 years. It was prescribed for anxiety disorder when I was in my late teens and helped immensely. I found that I also couldn't sleep, turns out it's not from insomnia, it's from racing thoughts. I usually only take it at night about an hour before bedtime, and I can fall asleep and sleep through the night. I started on 0.25, 19 years ago, and have only gone up to 1.5 a night, 19 years later. I also have atypical hypertension, meaning my blood pressure will go up if I am anxious. With my doc's approval, I can take this if my blood pressure rises. Much better than getting on a blood pressure medicine that I really don't need. Hoping you the best!"

• Nin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 23, 2022

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I took clonazepam for a year, and the dose was 0.25 once a day for anxiety and insomnia. I decided it was time to stop. I am probably at around week three, and I wasn't expecting severe withdrawal symptoms as I felt that my dosage was low. It has been a rough few days with insomnia, nausea, and some anxiety. I think doctors should probably look to alternative medicine, as most anxiety medications have side effects and are difficult to withdraw from, not to mention that they just aren't good for you long-term. The lure of the benzos is that relief is instant, with minimal side effects initially. Looking forward to feeling better, and have learned a very hard lesson. I am going to pursue natural methods to ease my anxiety and work on coping strategies instead of taking medications that just mask the problem."

• 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."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 28, 2018

For Panic Disorder "My experience with clonazepam or Klonopin began over a year ago. At the time, it was being made by Teva Healthcare. Last August, they were bought out by Accord Pharmaceuticals. I noticed a difference with the color of the pill and the way I felt. To act on my behalf, I have contacted two senators as well as Accord, since it was no longer working. My anxiety and tinnitus picked up a great deal. I have to travel quite a bit to look after my aging parents. I have lost a great deal of sleep due to the buyout. This isn't your grandma's clonazepam anymore. What your doctor knows or contact the FDA or your local congressman. This is not the same medication that it used to be. People with anxiety suffer severely, and these changes have been drastic due to the pharmaceuticals companies."

• Bad...
• September 18, 2021

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I started on Klonopin maybe 12 years ago. As needed. In December of 2020, I started taking it every day for about 6 weeks. 1 mg. I stopped taking it, and it was a nightmare. I ended up in an emergency room. Psych hospital. They gave me 11 Ativan to wean me off of it, and that was it. Cold turkey. I can't begin to describe the misery. High blood pressure. Tinnitus, heart racing. Really crazy. The only thing that got me through was CBD oil. Yes, CBD oil. I still suffer from the side effects of cold turkey and am actually thinking about going back on Klonopin. I'm 75 years old. I think, why not just regulate it and live the rest of my life happy? Doctors keep trying to put me on SSRIs, but there are too many side effects. Escitalopram. Anyone else try this stuff? Diarrhea, insomnia, I had none of those issues with Klonopin. I just feel so much better on Klonopin."

• Duc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 4, 2021

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "My doctor took me off 2 mg Xanax cold turkey after 25 years, and 5 months later I still feel horrible! Gained 35 lbs, up all night every night for 4 months, have 0 energy, can’t work, can’t hang out with my grandkids, can’t play golf, don’t trust myself to drive my car, knees hurt, back hurts, upset stomach. Last night started sweating, got ready to go for a walk today but had a dizzy spell, so basically I’m screwed. Have little hope of getting back to the condition I was in before my doctor decided to stop prescribing Xanax."

• Bir...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 9, 2023

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I’ve been on Clonazepam at different dosages for more than 20 years. My highest dose being 3 mg at night. The issue I’ve been having for months now is as soon as I take my dose, my RLS goes insane. I don’t understand why, so I’ve been slowly tapering my dose to see if this helps. I’m constantly trying to figure out the severe attacks. Too much exercise, not enough exercise, eating something that irritates. This is extremely frustrating, and I'm absolutely exhausted. Reading other comments is enlightening and encouraging, as nobody can understand RLS unless you have it. Feeling like I have snakes crawling inside my legs. Having bruises from punching my irritated area, no sleep, etc. I’m now wondering if the fact that my MRI showed severe cervical arthritis (waiting for surgery) is causing more pain, as I’m having other issues related to arthritis. My goal is to drop down to 1 mg (it will take a while) and perhaps have better results."

• Rob...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 4, 2023

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I have been taking clonazepam for over 20 years. Same dosage on a daily basis. The original pills I was taking were blue and worked great. This latest prescription is now green pills from Teva, and I have had terrible insomnia the 2 nights I have taken it. I know the basic makeup of the drug is the same, but manufacturers have some leeway in the amount of each chemical they add to their specific pill. Whatever is different, it isn't working and is very frustrating, to say the least."

• dul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2018

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I was recently switched from Ativan to Klonopin as I had developed a tolerance to my moderate dosage of Ativan. Three days of insomnia, severe panic attacks, and dissociation. I literally haven’t slept in three days and was having disturbing thoughts at 4 a.m. this morning. Was on the phone with mental health services for two hours this morning, and they said I needed to get off it now. Had to beg the doctor to switch me back to a higher dose of Ativan. Immediately felt better."

• PSa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 5, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I was overcome 24/7 with severe anxiety and had panic attacks. Was on lithium and Paxil. Added Seroquel for about 1 year. Bipolar I; took about 6 years to recover, get off SSDI, and get my life back. Was on up to 3 mgs clonazepam a day, reduced over the 4 years I took it, and was on 1 mg at night for the last couple of years. Recently tapered off completely. I did not rush the tapering and had little difficulty. Mainly had some issues with insomnia."

• Cod...
• March 20, 2017

For Insomnia "I tried 1 mg clonazepam. It did work for my insomnia, but I did look up the half-life of it, which is up to 30-40 hours. Plus the withdrawal from it, so I weaned myself off of it. Spoke to my doctor about what else is there, and I was prescribed 150 mg trazodone. It works great. If you look up the side effects, it will say definitely not to be used for a sleep aid. It is safe to use in smaller milligrams like I use: 150 mg."

• Con...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 14, 2023

For Periodic Limb Movement Disorder "I have been on 2 mg of clonazepam for 5 years for my PLMD. I had two studies done a year apart from each other with the same results. I do not have restless legs. My average leg movement is 15 times an hour. I have found that without the medication, I get fragmented sleep. My daughters are saying that taking this med for a long time frame could bring on Parkinson's or ALS. I also have a genetic gene that metabolizes at a much higher rate than normal. So, if I can’t sleep without Ned, what alternative medication is safer (loaded question)? I have tried CBT, and it doesn’t work for me, sadly. I’m looking for answers as my family is on my case, but they have no clue what it is like to not sleep for an extended period of time. Any thoughts are appreciated."

• Bec...
• June 18, 2016

For Seizure Prevention "I have been taking clonazepam for nearly 30 years. Started at 15 years of age and went from approximately 300 mild absent spells (I call them mind blanks) to 5. Huge impact on my life. I am on the original dose of 1 mg, but on my tired days, I take an extra 1 mg in the afternoon or evening. In the last 6 years or so, I've suffered terrible insomnia, which has me some nights not sleeping at all. So, not sure if that's related, especially given this drug is used for insomnia and anxiety. I may have side effects, but have been taking it so long I don't really notice. Also took this through 3 pregnancies and have 3 healthy children. Wish I could come off, but too busy with work and kids."

• sch...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 29, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I am bipolar, with panic disorder, PTSD, and anxiety disorder. In my 30s during the 90s, I was given every atypical antipsychotic by psychiatrists. (Free samples by the pharmacy reps coming into the office.) The reactions to these medications were severe. I went to the ER numerous times with TD, lockjaw, and mostly severe akathisia-restless pacing, inability to sit down, panic attacks. I could not eat or sleep, a sense of impending doom, and lost weight. I was a guinea pig for over 10 years. Finally, an educated psychiatrist gave me Klonopin, and all panic attacks stopped. I have never taken more prescribed. I am 50 now and live a normal, happy life with a grandson and no more ERs thanks to Klonopin."

• Anonymous
• October 3, 2017

For Anxiety "I had facial nervous twitch and anxiety, and clonazepam was a blessing in the past. Working with the public, it was very embarrassing. I can drive with no problems and it relaxed me enough to accomplish more. Also, if I talk too fast, it slows me down to a normal pace. Sometimes I have insomnia, and taking 2 tablets before going to bed did not work. My doctor said to take 1 tablet an hour before going to bed, then take a second one after that hour. It made a total difference."

• msk...
• October 22, 2009

For Anxiety "I have used the generic clonazepam for about 6 months now... it's been the most effective anti-anxiety medication I have ever taken. Having had anxiety problems all my life. It's nice to live normally again. It also takes away some pelvic pain I've experienced due to sitting at my job for over 30 years under stress. And it's a great sleep aid. I suffered from insomnia for years. This drug has proven itself to me. If I have to take it for the rest of my life, so be it."

• Mic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 14, 2019

For Anxiety "I have been on Klonopin for almost 3 years, and it is the worst drug you could ever be on, in my experience. It is highly addictive, and you become very dependent on it. It caused my depression to become worse, that I have been hospitalized several times for it. And coming off the drug is terrible if you suddenly stop taking it. I get insomnia, worsening of depression, confusion, and muscular pain. You have to slowly taper off of it. I do NOT recommend this drug to anyone with anxiety or depression."