Someone who really needs it, and has been on it for 10 years! But am also on opioid medication for severe pain! But with the new black box warnings! And even though I have always taken just as prescribed and always from the same Dr! But unfortunately my Dr had to retire because of health problems! I have followed everything my new Dr has asked of me! And always taken my scripts only the proscribed! What are Ppl like me supposed to do! You follow all the rules and your still treated like a drug seeker! This is just not rt!
Why won't Drs prescribe klonopin to someone who really needs it and has been on it for over 10 yea?
Question posted by Tammy Moulton on 23 Oct 2018
Last updated on 4 February 2022 by Kimberly P
5 Answers
Kimberly P
4 Feb 2022
I couldn’t agree more! It’s so frustrating, You will more than likely have to go through a psychiatrist, ( I was also, for 7 years, for high anxiety, and the Norco I got from my then- pain management doctor,) I have arthritis in both hips, knees, shoulders, and severe arthritis in my left hip ), I’ve tried a lot- but I was now told for any benzodiazepines I would have to go through therapy and see a psychiatrist. So I’m now jumping through those hoops. I am in Michigan. I get a few hours of sleep and I’m back up because I cannot sleep on either hip anymore. I am sorry for everyone that is going through anything like this, I’ve never cried so much or prayed so hard. Good luck
kevinb1953
13 Nov 2021
Hello.
My doctor gave me a choice and could only have my benzo or an opioid but not both anymore.
The FDA cracked the whip with all the uproar over many overdoses and the insurance companies started to not cover their costs and the doctors were caught in the middle.
Best regards,
Kevin
MetalMastodonASD
12 Nov 2021
Pretty sure it was found that Klonopin mixed with any opioids was resulting in a significant increase in instances of death (medical causes) due to their interactions.
Stephen Treloar
24 Oct 2018
Firstly, I agree with everything Rathmullan said but would like to add some extra information also. If you have been taking the same dose of Clonazepam daily for ten years it is likely that you have become both habituated and dependant. The anxiety you feel without it is the dependency rather than the lack of therapeutic effect. In fact, it is unlikely at this stage that the dose you take actually helps to treat anxiety but rather just tops up your blood plasma levels to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Clonazepam has been banned for use to treat anxiety in my country for more than 15 years because of this issue exclusively. People trying to quit after long term use tend to curse it.
Inactive
24 Oct 2018
Stephen, I have a question for you on the part of your comment which I copied and pasted here: ~~"The anxiety you feel without it is the dependency rather than the lack of therapeutic effect. In fact, it is unlikely at this stage that the dose you take actually helps to treat anxiety but rather just tops up your blood plasma levels to prevent withdrawal symptoms."~~Just wondering, do you feel as though the same is true when taking antidepressants as well ? Dependency, therapeutic effect, tops up your blood plasma levels to prevent withdrawal symptoms, as you have stated here - can these also be effects of taking antidepressants long term?
Stephen Treloar
25 Oct 2018
Hi GMc, truthfully I don't know but I do believe that the mode of action of most common antidepressants is quite different to that of Benzodiazepines but also am aware that many people complain that the antidepressant that they are using for extended periods can 'poop out' but in those cases they (the people concerned) all seem to have insight into their condition. They know when it has simply stopped working or is no longer effective. Benzodiazepine users, not so much.
My experience, over years, with anti-depressants was not positive and I currently feel a little blessed that my last episode with severe depression was almost 18 months ago and that was a prolonged very unpleasant experience.
I do have extended experience with Clonazepam (which I liked) before it was banned here as well as Alprazolam and now Diazepam (only as needed). It has taken me over 25 years to get where I am now and I am far more cautious and honest with myself in my use of medication these days.
I apologize too for sounding so opinionated.
Inactive
25 Oct 2018
I respect your opinions and appreciate your taking the time to get back with me on this benzo/antidepressant controversy. It can be very confusing. I get frustrated as a patient about how long I have to take a particular med, about whether it will finally help or not. I honestly, to date, have not had what I would call outstanding relief with antidepressants. I don't know if I allow my frustrations to get in the way of my progress in the meantime.
I take lorazepam only for anticipatory anxiety of upcoming dental or medical procedures (not very often). I have been taking buspirone successfully to keep my anxiety under control. I don't know if I am a good candidate for antidepressants. Currently trying to be compliant with my doctor with Trintellix. But last visit she left it up to me whether I wanted to lower the dose, stay at present dose, or quit taking it altogether, considering the side effect I am currently being confronted with. I am at a crossroads once again.
Thank you for your input.
Tammy Moulton
11 Nov 2018
No it's not because I was dependent I'm sure I was! But I also have medical reasons to be on it. I've been off it for 3mths and every day is worse than the last. And yes I have tried all the antidepressants mentioned and had bad reactions to them. I have followed all the rules and never took more than prescribed actually lowered my dose myself. It is the only thing that works for me!
Rathmullan
24 Oct 2018
Hello Tammy:
I understand your dilemma. Unfortunately, the new recommendation for Klonopin prescribing is that the duration be kept to a minimum. I'm not sure what that means other than that it should not be prescribed as a long term solution to anxiety. Have you spoken to your Doctor about an alternative such as Buspar, Lexapro or Zoloft. You might find these medications helpful and they too could be prescribed for years.
All the best and take care for now.
Related topics
klonopin, pain, panic disorder, opioid, prescription, medication, severe pain
Further information
- Klonopin uses and safety info
- Klonopin prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Klonopin (detailed)
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