Clonazepam and Addiction: What Users Say

• Mr ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2025

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for a long time and have taken SRI’s and benzodiazepines off and on for a while. Xanax and Klonopin saved my life. Not at the same time, of course. Started on Xanax and switched to Klonopin due to its longer-lasting effect. 1 mg 2x a day and I just feel normal… not high or euphoric. Just normal. Definitely a substance to use with caution as it can be abused and addictive."

• But...
• February 16, 2017

Clonazepam for Anxiety "As a mental health therapist with anxiety, I tried this to test it out having my doubts. This drug works very well for someone with ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. Keep an eye on the dependency factor, overuse will cause addiction and health issues."

• Naz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 15, 2020

For Anxiety "I’ve been on Klonopin or Paxam or Revotril, which are the Australian brands, for about a year and a half, 2 mg a day for severe social anxiety. I tried countless SSRIs, and Valium and Ativan weren’t strong enough. My psych tried to put me on Seroquel or Zyprexa to get me off, but I declined. This medication works wonders for me. I can see my friends, go out to bars/pubs, and generally do my normal daily tasks like working and driving. The enormous downfall is that they are incredibly addictive, and the potential for abuse is massive, plus the withdrawals, don’t get me started, can make you crazy and can be life-threatening. You just need to have self-control and take it EXACTLY as your doctor tells you to. Otherwise, you’re in big trouble. This is a beast of a Benzo (not anywhere near as bad as Xanax) and not to be played with. All the best to those who are trying it!"

• Log...
• October 6, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I take clonazepam on a daily basis for some of my anxiety-related issues. TRUE, it is addictive and prone to abuse. My dose is similar to some others here (0.5 mg 3 times daily), however, I usually manage with two doses of 0.5 mg instead. Of course, the withdrawal is hard, but if done properly, it can be done! The best way off the drug is a SLOW taper with other supports such as psychotherapy and group therapy. Even after the taper, you will most likely still feel anxiety at times and at various levels. I know this because I've been through it and will be doing it again in a week, hoping my symptoms are at least tolerable."

• BD2...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 30, 2015

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I was prescribed this in 2013. I took it as needed for my terrible anxiety attacks and was able to completely stop after I got pregnant in 2014. I had my baby and got another script because I am experiencing some postpartum depression. I also take Celexa 20 mg. The Klonopin is 0.5 twice a day. I usually only take one and break it in half (0.25) and use it for my situational anxiety. These pills are very easy to get addicted to, and you can build a tolerance, so please take with precaution. That being said, I would recommend it for anyone with bad anxiety disorders. They kick in after about 15 minutes. I refer to them as my little miracle pills. God bless."

• Str...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 13, 2020

For Anxiety "I don’t normally write these out, but I’ll make an exception here. Let me start off by saying I only gave it 8 stars because, yes, your body does become addicted to it. I ran out. Once. Tried this “mindfulness” junk for a week before it hit me like a truck. Next thing I know, I go from okay to in the ER getting injections of Ativan for my BP being 180/140 and heart rate off the charts. After the Ativan, I was perfect in 10 minutes with a BP of 117/80 and 80 pulse. THAT being said, there’s no denying the drug works. And it works pretty darn good. I had a heart attack at 30 years old. After that experience, I developed GAD and it just got worse over time. Unfortunately, Klonopin is the only drug that keeps this under control. The fact my BP and heart rate are directly affected by my anxiety condition makes it a double-edged sword. I’ve been on it 2 years now at .5 mg twice daily. Yeah, you’ll feel a little woozy until your body adjusts, but it will go away."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 9, 2019

For Anxiety "It is hands down the best! I wish I could take it every day, but it's very addicting. Three weeks is all that I could take mentally to be hooked. It makes me feel happy, focused, no depression, think better, do everything better!"

• Nui...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 21, 2017

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I've tried Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin with my generalized anxiety disorder. Klonopin is not super strong but gets the job done and lasts a whole lot longer than the others. Not as easily addictive since you don't feel the need to take more because of its long half-life. Please don't involve yourself with Xanax. It's terrible. Short-lasting and way too strong."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 19, 2017

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I also have been on and off Klonopin and Xanax. I love the way Xanax kicks in quick. And you can actually feel your trouble melt away and your anxiety. When it comes to what I now prefer, it is Klonopin, it lasts longer, it has a long half-life, and it is not as addictive as Xanax. I became very tolerant to Xanax, and it became a problem because I had to take more since it wears off so fast. Klonopin doesn't do that, so it really helps people that suffer with panic anxiety."

• Raf...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 26, 2015

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I was diagnosed with PTSD and GAD after 2 tours in combat. I began to suffer from anxiety in 2009, I was prescribed Zoloft and Klonopin .25 mg (as needed). Klonopin was an immediate relief for unexpected anxiety attacks. 15 minutes later, I was functional again. After 2 years, Zoloft destroyed my libido. So I took myself off and relied only on Klonopin. It began as needed, then 2 a week, once every day, and finally twice a day. The anxieties were reoccurring quite often, I quickly built a dependence to get me through the day. It turns out that I was getting anxiety due to my addiction to Klonopin. I decided to get off cold turkey (not recommended) and I went through 2 weeks of withdrawals. It's a quick relief but addictive. Be careful!"

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 28, 2013

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Anxiety disorder runs in my family, and Klonopin has done us wonders. I suffered a severe car accident in 10/2012. Quit my job, quit fall term, and became paralyzed from anxiety. Initial dose was 0.5 mg 2X a day. I discovered, LESS IS MORE. Now I only take 0.5 mg 2X a day, and it helps me be me. Klonopin is addictive. 20 mg is the max dose for epilepsy. 4 mg/day max for anxiety. 1 mg/day in studies is shown to be most effective for anxiety. Take it as prescribed. DON'T TAKE MORE if you don't have epilepsy. BELIEVE ME! Benzodiazepines should be used with caution."

• way...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2020

Clonazepam for Epilepsy "If you are having trouble withdrawing from this drug, declare war with yourself and exercise like you have never exercised before. With an understanding of what the drug does to the brain, you have to fight for it back. Yes, it's hard-the hardest painful workout I ever did. I went against doctors' advice, and the doctor told me to keep doing it on the next visit. And make this part of your life till the day you are no longer on this earth. Keep fighting the war against addiction. I wouldn't wish benzo use on my worst enemy. Good luck."

• Eva...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 12, 2023

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I have taken varying doses of clonazepam for almost 30 years. Some of those years I took none at all. As a highly anxious person in general, I was scared to even try it for fear of addiction, withdrawal, etc. But after a particularly bad panic attack where I felt I was going to lose my mind, I asked my psychiatrist for Klonopin, because several people in my family have used it with great success. It is the very best benzo I have tried for anxiety and panic; it has a long half-life, which means (for me) that when I finally clear it, I am so far removed from the anxiety or panic-inducing thoughts that I don't simply just fall back into the abyss. I have a deep and abiding respect for this drug, as it has arrested several near falls into runaway anxiety that always leads me to my most feared outcome: a major depressive episode. You can take it sublingually for quicker effect; it has a sweet, benign taste."

• Bac...
• January 14, 2019

For Anxiety "If you’re considering taking clonazepam, this should be a temporary prescription only! I was prescribed this for severe anxiety. What no one will tell you is that this medication is severely addictive to your system. No matter how strong or how healthy you are, you can die from trying to stop the medicine cold turkey. I almost died twice. Whatever anxiety you are feeling now, it will be amplified by 100 times when it comes to trying to stop the medication; it anchors into your body. I was told that clonazepam is harder to get off of than heroin. Just consider that when your doctor tries to prescribe it to you for more than a few weeks. Even then, it should be taken as needed and it should be taken in small doses. And just to be clear, I almost died twice because I was trying to stop taking the medication, not because I took too much of it. Hope this helps at least one person’s life."

• Pat...
• April 23, 2017

For Anxiety "Fantastic. All I have to say: I have bad anxiety since high school. Had social issues in school for as long as I can remember, and it affected me severely even into the college years. Should have had it prescribed years earlier, but it has worked incredibly well for me since 2013. I ONLY take AS TRULY NEEDED... this can be very addictive, so one MUST USE RESPONSIBLY. P.S. Xanax sucked."

• Eng...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 8, 2017

For Panic Disorder "For 19 years, I've had panic attacks, and I've been to hell and back until I discovered clonazepam! Amazing! I don't care about this being addictive, it's a gold star to me and thousands of others. Every day, I wished myself to curl up and die to stop the fear and dread. That wasn't living, I was stuck in hell and became agoraphobic. I panicked over every small matter. I thought I had gone mad until I discovered someone on a site like this saying how good it is, so I asked my doctor, who hadn't even heard of it. But I demanded to try this med as I was so tired of being scared constantly. I hated myself because I couldn't even be a proper family member, as I just lived in fear. I started on 0.5 and got to my right dose of 2 mg! It was a miracle!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2017

For Anxiety "At 19, I have been on Buspar, Prozac, and Ativan; none of which worked. I can honestly say Clonazepam is the only medication that has ever worked for my severe GAD, SAD, and panic attacks. There is always a risk of addiction with benzodiazepines, but if that's the tradeoff to be a functional adult, then so be it. I would recommend this only after less habit-forming treatments have been ventured."

• Sea...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 25, 2022

For Anxiety "There is a drug metabolizing/genetic test for people to take to make sure any potential medication can be correctly metabolized without an issue. I feel this is important to know before you introduce anything into your system. I suspect this might have to do with certain people not being able to correctly get rid of the drug, so it hangs around too long which can cause withdrawal or addiction issues. Personally, I have no complaints with this medication, and my experience using it has truly allowed me to live my life. I have been on and off of it for many years, taking it as needed. I used to use it daily when I was in the military and had no issues coming off after continuous use for 2 years. As of today, it's only as I need it. I understand people have/had issues with this medication, but please get a drug metabolizing test to see which medications will work correctly for you. This will be the missing link for many. Be well..."

• Sar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 26, 2019

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "Not a viable long-term medication. It works okay in the beginning. No, it doesn’t take away anxiety, but it can reduce some symptoms. It was never meant to be used long-term unless the benefits outweigh the risks. However, you have a responsibility to do some research and decide whether it is right for you. Ask questions, talk in forums, call a substance abuse hotline, and ask them to explain the risks. Don’t have complete faith in everything a doctor tells you, they are usually good and mean well, but you are ultimately responsible for yourself. Getting addicted to anything is bad news. You cannot just stop when you want to, nor should you."

• 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."

• Eam...
• February 23, 2023

For Panic Disorder "I have been on Klonopin for 20-plus years. I was on 2 mg a day and recently went up to 3 mg due to severe anxiety. I have to try to get off this medication due to its addictive nature, but I have found it almost impossible. I have finally decided that my quality of life is so much better when I take it, so I am going to take the risk and take the medication, regardless of what other doctors might say to me about it being addictive. I think people who truly have severe anxiety and panic disorder understand. I think people who have never experienced what it’s like have no idea, and my one fear is that they’re going to make this medication so hard to get that I will have to come off of it, and I’m not sure my life will be worth living without it."

• 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."

• f2v...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 4, 2017

For Panic Disorder "I started having panic attacks 30 years ago. I didn't know what was happening to me. Up at night, couldn't sleep, and everyone else slept. I would have a feeling of detachment from myself when driving and hyperventilate. I found out I was having panic attacks and had agoraphobia, social anxiety. I was afraid to drive across bridges and pass cars. I was prescribed clonazepam wafers 0.25 and Zoloft 25 mg to start, then 50 mg of Zoloft. Clonazepam really helps my anxiety and driving. I had anxiety at night, afraid to go to sleep, it has helped me. People say it's addicting, well, it helps me, so I will continue to use it. I was tired of having anxiety all my life since the 1980s. This is 2017, too long suffering with this disorder."

• Bed...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 14, 2016

For Anxiety "This is the only thing that has ever worked for me and continues to work for me on a regular basis. As long as I take it according to the dose my doctor prescribed, I have never had an issue with this drug not working the way it's supposed to. On that note, I wouldn't say that it's for everyone, and if you are going to use Kpins, be aware that this drug can be addicting, and the withdrawals are next to unbearable. So use them with therapy for the best results, not just a script from an M.D. best."

• Kan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 15, 2019

For Anxiety "The drug is great, calms you, lets you sleep with anxiety and major family illnesses. However, do not use on a daily basis after 30 days. I was not informed by my general practitioners (2) to be exact how addictive this med is. Now I am going through tapering (a nice word for withdrawal) after 8 years. It is the worst feeling in the world. Now trying to get into Med Detox. Be very careful with benzos. In fact, only take when you are dying. It will calm your death anxiety."