Clonazepam and Depression: What Users Say

• Bbz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 25, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "If I could rate it as a “0,” I would... You shouldn’t be on this drug for more than a couple of weeks. Clonazepam is a nightmare. I’m a month or so in on the withdrawals, and the only thing keeping me alive is my faith in God and my loved ones. It’s hard to eat, it’s hard to sleep, it’s hard to take care of myself. I would never wish this pain on anyone. Please do NOT take this drug for more than a couple of weeks. I know you feel like you should listen to your doctor over some random anon on the internet, but PLS listen. If I can warn people so they don’t have to face the same mental anguish and pain I’m in right now, I will. This is the hardest thing I’ve been through in my entire life. Be wary of ANY drug that’s a benzo. They’re awful, habit-forming, and change your judgment and decision-making... Stay away from this drug... and if your doc keeps pushing you to take it, get a new doctor."

• Gor...
• February 7, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Been on Klonopin for 30 years almost. Took it for problems with OCD and anxiety. Decided to get off it as I feared possible neurological damage. Was on a dose of 1.5mg a day, felt in the end I was just addicted to the drug. Started tapering off from the current 1.5mg level roughly around September of 2019. By early January of 2020, I was down to one half to pill to one pill a day. Hadn't noticed any severe withdrawal symptoms except some minor anxiety, memory issues, some confusion. By middle of January stopped taking any. Did ok for 12 days then the real nightmare began. Had multitude of problems; insomnia, depression, gastrointestinal issues, blood pressure issues, some memory problems, confusion, severe OCD, paranoia, feelings of suicide. My recommendation would be don't use this medication for longer than few weeks at lowest dose possible and only in situations where it's warranted. Myself hopefully I get through it but I wonder about the future."

• Kit...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 12, 2021

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I've been on 0.25 to 0.5 mg of clonazepam three times per day as needed for anxiety for about 4 years. I started out taking 'as needed' but had to take more and more to get the same relief. Six months ago I was fed up. I took 3 mg and flushed the rest of my pills. Four days later I ended up in the ER and then a psych hospital for a week where the doctor scolded me for quitting cold turkey. I started tapering 0.5 mg per week until I got to 1 mg per day. I am now at 0.25 mg once a day for a week and will then go to 0.125 mg and hopefully be done. My husband has been a saint putting up with me. I've had tremors, jaw shakes, anxiety, depression, mind going into overdrive, depersonalization, seeming like the world is fake, just know it has been horrible. I'm hoping the worst is over. And believe me, when I'm finally clonazepam free, I will flush the rest of the pills and never go back."

• Edd...
• July 22, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I've been taking clonazepam for 10 years. Started at 0.5 mg, after that, I went up to 1 mg. It was prescribed for insomnia. Worked great, but as a side effect, not its intentional use. I decided to taper off to 0.75 mg, and now currently on 0.5 mg. The withdrawals I'm experiencing are palpitations, insomnia, and a warm sensation that travels throughout my extremities. I feel so out of it. I feel depressed. Please don't take this drug. Taper off slowly. Good luck to all of us trying to get off any benzo. Wish I would've done some research, but I was desperate and trusted a professional."

• Bxw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2025

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I have been suffering from intrusive and ruminating thoughts that I could not control. I could eat, sleep, and even get my work done. I am also having chronic health issues at 32, otherwise fit and healthy. I was on Prozac, Trintellix, Lexapro, Viibryd, and a few more. Nothing helped. I told my doctor my anxiety was causing suicidal thoughts as it worsened my depression immensely. She prescribed 0.5 mg 2x daily (1 mg per day), and oh my goodness, I actually feel sane! I'm able to drive without any anxiety, hang out with family and friends, and stop worrying about literally everything. Amazing medication."

• Anonymous
• July 4, 2021

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I started on 0.5mg for anxiety & panic attacks. Doctor recommended I take 2-4 times a day. I did that for 2 months then stopped to a few times a week. When I didn't take the medication every 3 days I feel like I was having a panic attack so I would take it thinking it was my anxiety but only to find out it was my body going through withdrawal. I'm trying to get off for good because this has only made me feel worse. Very depressed, stomach issues, bad headaches, arms hand and legs would get tingles and feel like my heart is about to pop from my chest. After doing a bunch of research and speaking with my doctor I was going to taper myself off but since I haven't taken it in 4 days I'm just going to continue to ride this horrible experience out and hope I get better within the weeks to come. If you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks please try something your body won't depend on. Didn't think it could happen to me and it did."

• ABa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I started taking clonazepam after back-to-back panic attacks in the middle of the night that kept me awake. I started taking 1 mg a day in late 2014. I moved to a different state last January and could not obtain a prescription. So, I started taking a lower amount to make it last. I felt I was losing my mind mainly due to no sleep. I went back to my home state a couple of times and got a prescription with intentions to wean off. Now, 8 months later and taking 0.5mg every other day. I try to go 2-3 days in between, but I get terribly sick. I've been depressed. Can't get things moving with my career (self-employed). I can't take it anymore! I intend to start cutting the doses to 0.25mg a day instead of 0.5mg every other day. I think I will take advice to put this in a solution or use a nail file as I have read. Please post your updates with your weaning process, and I will do the same. It helps. Pray you all can get yourself off this junk."

• Tdm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I took 0.5 Klonopin for 4 months and now I am physically addicted. I never used it to get "high", I just used it as prescribed. It is not a high dose. But I have horrible withdrawal when I stop, including horrible mental anguish."

• Phe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2021

For Insomnia "Tried almost everything for helping me sleep: Melatonin, Trazodone, Quetiapine, edibles, valerian, chamomile, L-theanine, lavender, no caffeine, exercising intensely, yoga/walking, alcohol, 5 HTP, meditation, cold temperatures, weighted blankets, and journaling. In 2017, I had become a therapist and started seeing clients. I showed up for my client with body aches, poor digestion, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, irritability, depression, anxiety, and trauma of not sleeping well. In May 2021, I found a health center, and my first session I cried halfway through, exhausted, embarrassed, and totally to the point of give me anything. I was prescribed 5 mg of clonazepam. According to my Fitbit, I was asleep by 9:47 PM, and then woke up at 6:30 AM refreshed! Now? I walk every morning before seeing clients for 45 minutes and do 15 minutes of yoga/stretching. Clonazepam has literally saved my practice as a clinician and changed my life."

• Eri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2019

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I was first prescribed Ativan for panic attacks and was to take it as needed. It made me extremely depressed and suicidal, and I couldn't focus. So I switched to Klonopin, and in my experience, it's so much better. I don't feel 'drugged up' when I'm on it. I just feel calm and have a good sense of well-being. Also helps with social anxiety, I'm not constantly worrying what people are thinking of me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 11, 2024

For Panic Disorder "I have been taking clonazepam daily for 4 years. I'm prescribed 0.5 mg 3x daily. However, I usually only take it 2x daily, if that. I feel like this drug gets such a bad rep. I have never had to increase my dose, in fact, I don't even take what I'm prescribed. On really bad panic days only is when I take the full dose. It doesn't make me feel sleepy, it makes me feel normal. I haven't experienced a full-blown panic attack in years. The doctors have put me on all the SRIs out there... I had terrible side effects with all of them. Some even gave me panic attacks and depression. This is the only thing that's worked for me. It's nice to see others on here taking it longer than me with no adverse effects because anytime I tell anyone I take it, they say how bad it is. My psychiatrist told me taking the medication is better for my body and mind than having daily panic attacks, and I feel that is true. Having severe constant panic attacks really took a toll on my health. Thankful for this medication."

• big...
• February 7, 2010

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Klonopin has made me the woman I was prior to menopause. I am so very grateful. I could no longer stand the sleepless nights, horrific night and day sweats, constipation, anger attacks, anxiety attacks, and bouts of depression. A friend told me about Klonopin. It works without causing any side effects. I pray it continues as I honestly wished to just not exist any longer. I am once again functioning daily, interacting with family, and feeling normal, rested, and happy each day."

• Ric...
• October 3, 2014

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I take 4mg of Klonopin per day. I have done so for more than two years. I went to a clinic where a 'no benzo' policy was established, and I was taken off the medicine. I went through two years of agony. Neurontin was given as a substitute... it made me depressed and nauseous. I finally had to go to a private doctor to be put back on my Klonopin and am returning to normal. The only issue I would mention is that it is not a fast-acting medicine."

• pat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 4, 2017

For Insomnia "I am 50. I have taken clonazepam 0.5 mg every night for 10 years. It gives me beautiful sleep. I have never needed more. I have been insomniac all my life with mild GAD. It kills the sex drive, and so I try just half a tab a couple nights a week. I don't sleep very well with half a tab. With all the hype about how bad it is long term, I have tried weaning back, but with poor sleep, I become depressed and irritable. My estrogen is high, my testosterone has been low ever since I started taking it. I've always wondered what connection it has with hormones. It is a wonder drug in so many ways for me. Maybe when I am finally done with menopause, I will consider weaning off."

• Pax...
• October 19, 2015

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Upping my 10 mg Paxil dose to 20 mg sparked quite a few anxiety episodes for me. My doctor said the Paxil would take 2.5 weeks for the new increased dosage to kick in, so in the meantime, he prescribed me 0.5 mg of Klonopin to take twice a day (morning and night). A year ago, when I initially started Paxil (after a terrible 6 weeks of trying Zoloft), I took a Xanax because the anxiety was so bad. For some reason, the Xanax made me so depressed. Anyway, my first dose of Klonopin was awesome and has been since then (about a week ago). It took an hour for me to start to realize that I wasn't anxious anymore, and I seemed to be really productive and felt normal, which is a great feeling! Klonopin is awesome for those of us who have generalized anxiety."

• aal...
• August 21, 2015

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I have severe panic and anxiety attacks and have for over 20 years. When I tried to go off this medication, lowering my dosage slowly because of a pregnancy, I ended up with the bad anxiety again. Needless to say, I ended up going back on, and my son was born perfectly (at the time, 20 years ago, they were not sure of long-term effects). If anything, he is smarter than my other two children. I also take an antidepressant that works very well with it. I definitely recommend this medication. I am on a higher dose, probably more than most, I take 2 mg in the morning and 2 mg at night. Probably because my depression is worse than it was, but the anxiety is finally under control."

• eva...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 3, 2017

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I've been on 2 mg of clonazepam daily for over a year for REM sleep disorder. Lately, both my wife and I have noticed I was becoming withdrawn, irritable, and impatient. I cut my dosage in half (on my own initiative) eleven days ago and began taking melatonin with the 1 mg of clonazepam. After reading the horror stories of withdrawal, I visited my sleep physician two days later. He agreed with my decision to taper off clonazepam and defined the 2 mg as a fairly low dose compared to what many take for anxiety issues. He recommended I continue 1 mg clonazepam and 4 mg of melatonin. During the 11 days, I have had some minor discomfort while feeling much better emotionally. I will follow up in 30 days to taper further."

• CJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2018

For Anxiety "Was on Xanax and then Klonopin for 10 years. Then I ran into a doctor who refused to prescribe it anymore and cut me off pretty much cold turkey. It's been the worst year of my life. Have been experiencing a lot of health issues that I do believe are due to anxiety now. I've had heart problems, major depression, severe anxiety disorder. My new doctor today said she could try a week's worth to see how I felt and if I felt like it was working, I could go to a psychiatrist and get on a plan. I've only taken one, but I'm already more relaxed, my heart rate is down, my blood pressure is down, and I can actually think. Plan to keep it as an as-needed drug, but with only a half a milligram, I feel normal tonight. I'm almost 60, and I really don't care if I have to take it the rest of my life. I just want to feel normal."

• Har...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 8, 2016

Clonazepam for Anxiety "This 'medicine' ruined my life. I took it just as the doctor prescribed Clonazepam, 5 mg every night before bed. He said I would probably need them for the rest of my life. He failed to tell me these are very powerful tranquilizers (all benzos are). We are only supposed to take these for no more than 2 weeks! It worked well for many years until one day it quit working. Tolerance, withdrawal, sick 24/7, med no longer works, sheer panic. Suffering all since that day, and it's been one year off now. These meds also cause depression over the years. I had a great life until this med caused me to lose everything! Nightmare! Please, don't walk, run from this poison!"

• JAM...
• January 25, 2013

Clonazepam for Anxiety "This is the only medicine that has really taken my generalized anxiety disorder away with so many fewer side effects. I've had GAD just about all my life and am now 36. I have tried Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, Cymbalta, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Buspar and find most of them are too stimulating or make me so tired with no ambition, or feel like I'm going crazy. I would self-medicate and made my life even worse. I have been on Paxil on and off trying to get something that would work, but the Paxil is the best for me for anxiety, but I lost all my ambition, creativity, interest in just about everything. I would get so tired it's crazy. I would lose my sex drive."

• Yea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 9, 2021

For Anxiety "I have taken clonazepam at 4 mg, TID for about 6 years for PTSD. I found it ineffective as a sleep aid. I still had lingering anxiety and, worst of all, depression. They reduced anxiety by a lot and helped with PTSD symptoms. But I have found other benzodiazepines to have better anxiolytic effects for me. I am tolerant to sedation. I have changed to diazepam, and the difference for me is noticeable. With the same tolerance, I am finding PTSD symptoms I experience to be much less intense. I am no longer depressed, and I have no underlying anxiety. I wish I had been taking diazepam from the start. But everyone is different."

• Use...
• May 4, 2008

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I have been taking this medication for a long time now. Before I was put on Klonopin, I always took panic attacks and felt nervous all the time. I stayed depressed and also had thoughts of suicide. My doctor had put me on everything you could imagine. I was on Paxil CR, Lexapro, Vistaril, and Seroquel. They never helped me at all. So I decided to change from my foreign doctor and got a new doctor. I told him my problems, and he said he was going to start me on Klonopin. Since then, my life is great!"

• Wil...
• October 2, 2019

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "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 a 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 are 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."

• Zer...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 21, 2022

For Anxiety "My whole life I have dealt with severe anxiety. Palpitations every day, usually multiple times. Panic attacks put me in the hospital too many times. Almost no sleep because of my anxiety, etc. It was destroying my life. My quality of life was horrible. I can't begin to tell you how bad my mental health was. I have tried everything under the sun: Buspar, hydroxyzine, Wellbutrin, all the SSRIs, you name it. I would still have terrible anxiety with all of these, even combining them. If you suffer from bad anxiety, don't be scared away because of the stuff that you find on Google search results. Klonopin is the best medication for anxiety. It helps with depression as well. When I am taking it, I never have an attack. It is a lifesaver for me. I take it with Effexor, and my quality of life is now a million times better. I am finally able to be happy again. Can't say enough good things about Klonopin, it has given me my life back."

• the...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2017

For Anxiety "Clonazepam has been a wonderful medication for generalized anxiety, OCD, and PTSD in my case. It helps 'round me out' and keeps me feeling stable emotionally. The best part about this medication is that it lasts way longer than other benzodiazepines without the 'I need a Xanax now!' feeling when it wears off. It helps prevent anxiety in the first place so as not to need an immediate relief medication. It doesn't make me feel sluggish or depressed. Best anxiety drug I've taken yet!"