Clonazepam for Panic Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• admic...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 31, 2016

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I had my ovaries removed (outpatient) 5 years ago at age 41. Next day (never fell asleep) I had paralyzing fear, but had no idea why. My husband took me to the ER where my heart rate was 173! I was in the hospital for a week; 3 days no sleep. I was given Klonopin; it was AMAZING! I had been admitted for my first ever panic attack! After leaving the hospital I continued having insomnia and panic attacks. My GP now prescribes 0.5 mg as needed. I have a bottle in my purse and by my bed. I only take HALF a pill, ONLY WHEN NEEDED; and RARELY do I take the other half 30 min later. Just knowing I have a med that works on hand reduced number of attacks. When used RESPONSIBLY, Klonopin is a LIFESAVER! Never take more of any med than you actually need!"

• zephe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2015

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I've had panic disorder for 36 years, in addition to PTSD, and OCD. Clonazepam 1mg twice daily has enabled me to have some sort of life. Panic disorder reduces quality of life, and I more or less live in a bubble. However, integrated with CBT, I am finding that my 'bubble' is expanding. I'm able to go out of the house, drive, and function throughout the day. After taking it for several years with success, my new psych wants me to discontinue it due to addictive properties. So, back to living in my bubble, I guess. Why do they create a useful medication, and then tell you that you can't take it any longer? Doctors overprescribe, FDA cracks down, and those that benefit from it are left in the dirt."

• anxiety...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 17, 2012

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I have been taking Klonopin for many years. I started having weird feelings, like I was going to die. I kept ending up in the ER. The doctors kept telling me it was anxiety. I didn't understand why anxiety would make me feel this way. When the anxiety would kick in, I literally thought I was dying. My heart would race, my body would get tingles, and I would feel choked. It was scary and still is. I have tried many anxiety medicines—Paxil, Effexor, Xanax, Lamictal, Geodon, and many more. None have worked the way Klonopin works. With Klonopin, I feel safe and I do not get jittery feelings. I am so grateful to have a medication that actually works for me. If I miss a dose, I will get severe anxiety and a panic attack."

• Jude
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 21, 2019

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I have had anxiety and depression for many years. When I returned from service almost 50 years ago I had raging panic attacks and agoraphobia. I overcame the agoraphobia and panic attacks through talk therapy since the stelazine the clinic gave me made life a living nightmare. I still had anxiety and depression and about 20 years ago I was diagnosed with moderate to severe OCD. I have been treated with cognitive therapy, buproprion and Zoloft successfully. When I have very occasional anxiety that I am unable to control, I have 1mg Klonopin from my psychiatrist. It works every time. Oddly, I don't feel a calming effect. Instead I realize that I feel "normal." My experience with Klonopin has been positive probably because I take a dose very occasionally."

• Kenny...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 15, 2015

Klonopin (clonazepam) "Klonopin saved my life!!! I have been having panic attacks since I was 8 years old. Klonopin is the only benzodiazepine that helps take the panic away. Life saver!!! Don't worry about the sides it can't be worse than the attacks."

• Untit...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 26, 2014

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I'm diagnosed with Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia. I started to see a doctor at the age of 16. I was on Xanax 1mg till 19-20 years old and it didn't do the trick anymore and made me mean. My doctor put me on Klonopin 2mg, 1 tablet 4 times daily and it's brought my life back."

• Alexa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 23, 2015

Klonopin (clonazepam) "Caution: this medication is highly effective for almost every anxiety disorder that exists, somewhat TOO helpful, which is how it's easy to abuse it; but doing so will be life devastating. Using this drug responsibly at a reasonable dosage is highly effective in managing anxiety disorders, and I testify that it complements antidepressants very well. Daily users need to prove the benefits outweigh the risks. Taken daily for 5 years, still as effective and no need to 'up my dosage'."

• happy...
• March 23, 2008

Klonopin (clonazepam) "Works great to stop anxiety and panic attacks. I take the low dose 0.5 mg pill only when needed. However, after using it occasionally for 2 years, I feel I am a little emotionally dependent on it. If I'm out of these pills, I feel nervous. I would recommend using this pill only when in panic or anxiety and also learning other coping strategies, such as regular exercise, meditation, self-talk, yoga, crafts & artwork or something fun & productive, or a relaxing bubble bath!!!"

• Dad...
• December 16, 2019

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I was dealing with financial struggles, marital problems and I couldn’t focus on making a plan to move forward. Klonopin/Clonazepam stopped my heart from racing 24/7 and I finally I could function. Klonopin + an antidepressant did it for me. I’ve never used meds before - if anxiety is getting the best of your life - this a good solution. Btw I stopped Clonazepam cold turkey for 6 weeks after 6 months of 3x0.5, sure my heart started racing a little again but went back on full dose, then after 2 months I cut down to just 0.25... so not everyone is affected by the addiction or withdrawal. For those who need this drug, it works miracles. Btw my doctor didn’t demand to down the dosage but anyone using meds should always listen to their body and keep to a minimum if possible"

• Willie
• October 2, 2019

Klonopin (clonazepam) "BEWARE! My doctor prescribed me this medication to help control my severe anxiety attacks. I was informed this medication was for emergencies only and was to take two .5 MG pills a day as needed. I only took the medication for emergencies and had no problem... UNTIL I took the medication for 5 days in row, as prescribed, to control a bad string of anxiety attacks. When I stopped taking the medication after the 5 days I felt horrible. I literally felt like I was losing my mind and experienced the worst anxiety and depression. It took two weeks before I felt close to being normal again and was able to leave my house. Please read about the risks of this medication. It’s highly addictive and the withdrawal symptoms and horrible. Research Stevie Nicks and how this medication ruined eight years of her life. Everyone should do some research before taking this HIGHLY addictive medication. If you get comfortable with the medication, you’re dancing with the Devil."

• miler...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 13, 2017

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I have been on Klonopin for 17 years. I started with 0.5mg in the morning with an SSRI. Over the years, all the SSRIs would work for a bit, then I would have to change. In the last year, I lost my husband suddenly at 38 and have changed SSRIs 4 times, and finally said no more. I am currently on 10mg of Lexapro and 1.5mg of Klonopin. The withdrawal of Lexapro and before that Effexor have been hellish. If not for Klonopin, I wouldn't make it through the day. Addictive or not, it works."

• Soyer...
• September 17, 2019

Klonopin (clonazepam) "My doc has me taking 0.5 mg of Klonopin once daily for my GAD and panic disorder. When I was younger I was on 0.5 mg of Klonopin too, and it stopped working. I generally take 1mg (two 0.5mg pills) to get a 1mg effect in the morning, so I can get through my day calmly. All I can say is that I always favored this benzo over others, due to the fact that it takes longer to work, but LASTS MUCH longer. Def a 10 for anxiety, and panic disorder."

• TET
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 7, 2024

Klonopin (clonazepam) "Klonopin saved my life. It’s a shame because some people like myself who have severe anxiety and panic attacks may need a benzo. Doctors force SSRIs down everyone’s throat when we know no antidepressant is stopping a bad panic attack. I don't really care if I am on it the rest of my life. That's mine and my doctor's opinion on it. I'd much rather live a life worth living than suffer for the rest of my life in the dark world I was in before medicine. It is addicting, can be abused, and a tolerance will be met if you take them every day. I have epilepsy so my neurologist wants me on it too. Only advice I can offer is to try and take them as needed if you can. It will work a lot better when you don't take it every day. Best of luck! Don't ever give up."

• Ricky...
• December 29, 2015

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I started having anxiety or panic attacks 30 years ago and 'suffered' through them for almost 10 years. My psych wanted me to experience the anxiety to show how it wasn't harmful and I'd get over it. Well, guess what, I never got over them and my GP wrote me a prescription for Klonopin to take as needed, and it has worked out great. Although I am not 'cured' of my illness, I am able to function, enjoy life, and do things I didn't think would be possible without it. All without any physical side effects. By the way, numerous times I've had skin cancer removed from my face while sitting in a chair for 4-5 hours. I've had dental implants in my mouth, which went on for 2-3 hours. All this was possible with Klonopin."

• blueb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 3, 2020

"When panic and anxiety have taken over your entire life. To where you basically don't even have one. Clonazepam can be very helpful. This along with therapy and having honest conversations with your psychiatrist. Its disheartening to see so many people bashing it because you can become dependent on it. If your dependent its probably because its doing what its supposed to. The same way I'm dependent on my BP meds. I need those also. Don't misuse any drug and take it as you are prescribed. If you can't do that. Then don't even start. It works well for me and has given me a much better quality of life. I've been on 1mg for two years and I have no plans of ever stopping. There is no need to live your life in fear. Therapy is also a great addition. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Don't be afraid to get help."

• Beltie
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 30, 2019

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I’ve been on clonopin for probably 25 years it’s worked so much better than Xanax. I got down to taking .25 at night and .25 in morning But this year my mom died and I had been her caregiver for a long time with zero support. I did great until she died now I’m having panic attacks again I have fought with myself about upping my dose since I do know what withdrawal is like but today I took extra . My dr told me I should. To be honest I am ready to feel normal again I’m tired of not being able to participate in life."

• svinc...
• May 28, 2008

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I have been on Klonopin for ten years. My doctor took me off for a while, and I was a mess; panic attacks, depression, and almost suicide. Finally, he put me back on it, and I feel 100% better. Klonopin has saved my life. I need it for my severe panic attacks and my depression."

• Denis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 31, 2015

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I highly recommend this medication for panic attacks. Without Klonopin, I could not function in life. I couldn't hold a job or go on trips. I couldn't even go to the store without having wave after wave of panic. It works quickly, too, because with panic attacks, we want them gone or at least minimized. I only use it when needed as the body does become adjusted to them and it's not as effective. Thank goodness for this medication!"

• Virgi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 29, 2013

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I struggled with anxiety and panic disorder most of my life. As a child, I was unable to eat in the cafeteria or read aloud because I hated to be watched by others. Progressively it got worse, peaking when I graduated from college and got my real job. Having tried Buspar, Effexor, and Lexapro with no progress but a whole lot of weight gain, I gave up. Finally, my doctor offered me 0.5 mg Klonopin prescription, and it has been life-changing. I have been taking it for about 8 months. My only issue is that he is still suggesting another SSRI, which I'm tired of trying. Now he's suggesting Paxil, which I don't want. I just want to stick with what I know works right now, which is 0.5 mg Klonopin as needed."

• Collin
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 18, 2017

Klonopin (clonazepam) ""I serverd in the United States military and was diagnosed with a horrible panic disorder. I left 70% disability due to severe Anxiety and a crippling panic disorder with Agoraphobia . I have been on everything there is including all the REAL serious meds in my 4 psychiatric visits at the VA. Nothing worked absolutely nothing besides benzodiazepines. Klonopin in my opinion works the best out of the benzo family. Has a very long half life and will come on slower but last way longer than others like xanax or Ativan witch hit you FAST but leave fast leaving you with wanting another dose quicker witch in my opinion sucks. In conclusion Klonopin saved my life I have been on it 5 years at .5mg 3 times a day""

• Coonh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 19, 2020

Klonopin (clonazepam) "Klonopin is a very good drug. It is much safer than SRIs, SSRIs and Tricyclics which are over prescribed. Klonopin saved my like at home and in the ER. You see I suffer a Life threatening serotonin reaction with SSRIs. The Black box warning on new antianxiety medications is scary and people can't stop them."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 19, 2023

Klonopin (clonazepam) "Hello, wish all well who read! I was prescribed clonazepam, first at 1 mg a day. Little did I know, after two years of seeing my caring physician, we learned clonazepam has been a bit of a lifesaver for me! I suffer mainly from social anxiety with agoraphobia, afraid of new places, being seen out. A half a year into taking the medication I titrated up to 2 mg a day as needed. My doctor 'experimented' with alprazolam at night on me for 14 days. I had rebound anxiety along with a few days of panic attacks. I couldn't wait to take my dose of Klonopin that night! I was diagnosed as being a bit bipolar soon after my prescriber was informed of my impulsivity and isolation. Mania was in overdrive along with severe OCD and even attention disorders stemming from distress in the nervous system, high strung, sensitive stomach, etc... Today I take a total of 4 mg a day as needed, some days I take 2-3 or 3-4 mg. This medication has been a lifesaver for people like me. Other anxiety-reducing exercises help as well."

• Mark
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 9, 2015

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I started having panic attacks at the age of 15. I had no idea what they were until I was 32. I lived in a silent hell from 15 to 32. I was finally diagnosed at 32 with panic disorder without agoraphobia. I was prescribed Prozac and Xanax, but I also have a pill phobia and continued to battle this horror meds free until now; I am 44. I was at my wits' end, and my doctor begged me to try Klonopin. She even let me take it in the office and wait. Thank goodness, it felt like I finally had some help. I take 1 mg daily, and I can live with some hope that if I have anxiety, something can help me. I can't believe I lived without anything for so long. YES, you can do it without meds, but the damage you're doing to your body is not worth it. Thanks Klonopin."

• Rocco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2023

Klonopin (clonazepam) "I began having panic attacks back in November 2022. I was prescribed 1mg a day and while it helped in the moment after an hour or two the anxiety would return and I’d need another so after a really bad panic attack I went to my Dr and he suggested 1mg 2x a day. It has changed everything for me. I’m back to work and eating again but way more healthy . I haven’t had a panic attack since and my anxiety is gone. My depression also lifted because the anxiety was gone. Saved my life! I was going to commit suicide a few days before I was prescribed this miracle drug ."

• Quaal...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 7, 2023

"It literally cracks me up to see and hear the controversy over clonazepam. It's like the U.S. DEA has put the fear of God into prescribers over this benzodiazepine. I've been on it for years and it's made my life functional and worth living. I ABSOLUTELY HATE anything that I might be at risk for being medically dependent upon (and yes folks, that's totally different than being ADDICTED) but you AND your prescriber have to weigh the risks and benefits. After I leave their exam room, they don't have to go home and hop in my shoes and live my life away from their practice. I think what most folks don't understand is that Klonopin (clonazepam) is a very SUBTLE, yet powerful drug, unlike Xanax (alprazolam) and the rapid relief it brings. I've never taken Klonopin and experienced that kind of reaction. Sure, it kicks in about 45 mins-1 hour, and it's certainly a drug that demands respect, but can honestly say I've never experienced anything near euphoria with Klonopin."