Clonazepam and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Jay...
• November 17, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I was on clonazepam for 12 years - 0.5 twice daily with the larger dose at night to help me sleep. I never increased my dose. It allowed me to have a life, a business, and a relationship and be normal again. I am now in my late 50s, and our country has decided this medication can't be taken long term, so I weaned myself off them. It was horrible, and I miss the feeling of being relaxed. So far, nothing else has worked for my anxiety, and now it is a struggle every day. Clonazepam was a lifesaver for me, and although I feel much brighter mentally off it, I struggle so much with physical exhaustion, lack of sleep, and other issues. The side effects feel like they were worth it for my quality of life, but I am unable to access this medication. As I slide into my 60s, I feel like this should not be a time I have to relearn how to be a normal human again... :( I lose 20-30 hours per week of unproductive time, I have high blood pressure, horrible insomnia, pulled muscles in my body from stress..."

• Jay...
• November 17, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I was on clonazepam for 12 years - 0.5 twice daily with the larger dose at night to help me sleep. I never increased my dose. It allowed me to have a life, a business, and a relationship and be normal again. I am now in my late 50s, and our country has decided this medication can't be taken long term, so I weaned myself off them. It was horrible, and I miss the feeling of being relaxed. So far, nothing else has worked for my anxiety, and now it is a struggle every day. Clonazepam was a lifesaver for me, and although I feel much brighter mentally off it, I struggle so much with physical exhaustion, lack of sleep, and other issues. The side effects feel like they were worth it for my quality of life, but I am unable to access this medication. As I slide into my 60s, I feel like this should not be a time I have to relearn how to be a normal human again... :( I lose 20-30 hours per week of unproductive time, I have high blood pressure, horrible insomnia, pulled muscles in my body from stress..."

• New...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 29, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Six years ago, when my husband died suddenly, my PCP gave me a prescription for clonazepam (1 mg) at bedtime to help with my anxiety attacks and as a sleep aid. I had to call her every month for a refill because it is a controlled substance in the U.S., and she warned that I should NOT withdraw quickly. I recently met and married a Canadian man and moved to his country. In becoming established with a new MD, I learned that they do not like to prescribe clonazepam here. I had reduced my dose from 1 mg to 1/2 mg, and when she asked about my withdrawal symptoms, she felt that I was OK and didn't prescribe more. I suppose that I am OK, but my ears are ringing, my skin is burning, I had blazing headaches, and severe muscle pain for the first two weeks that I was off the 1/2 mg dose; I haven't had a good night's sleep since reducing my dose from 1 mg to 1/2 and now to none at all. I am anxious, have palpitations, and generally feel unwell."

• 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."

• 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."

• Jun...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 20, 2018

For Insomnia "For 10 years, I took 0.5mg chewed up for sleep. If I took more, the effect would be reversed and wake me more. I quit once years ago as I noticed I became forgetful. Then gradually started with 1/4 of one mg at night time only. Moved up to 0.5mg only. At 75 years of age, I noticed double vision and memory failing me often with names, etc. I feared Alzheimer's. So, for 3 nights, 1-2 hours of sleep, but noticed my sight was better and my old 250 strength glasses worked again, with the double vision in the evening gone. Names immediately sharpened. Tried melatonin 5mg, but no help. I fear the danger of no sleep yet treasure my eyesight and memory. All brains work differently. I have been a light sleeper most of my life. Now I wonder if I will ever be able to sleep without clonazepam. I cut out sweets in the evening and am so stressed with no sleep for 3 nights. I love seeing others' comments. Thanks."

• Zeb...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 29, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I have been on clonazepam 2 mg for about 12 years now. It was first prescribed to me for anxiety and sleep help. I've run out a total of 3 times in that 12-year span. It was after taking it for about a year. It was absolutely horrible. NEVER felt that bad from anything in my life. I've had over 10 serious spinal surgeries and also take prescribed morphine now for the pain. It started with hydrocodone, then oxycodone, then methadone (which got up to a dose of 350 mg daily). I was finally switched to the morphine. I've been through both withdrawals... narcotic and benzodiazepine. The clonazepam withdrawal was MUCH WORSE than any narcotic withdrawals. The opioid withdrawal was intense for 3 days, then slowly got better. After 2 weeks, I felt better. Now the clonazepam withdrawal lasted at least 2 months. It was also much worse for me than the opioids. It is horrible, and after much study, I found that the suicide rate was almost 3 times more from benzo withdrawal than from opioid withdrawal."

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

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "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!"

• 70...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 18, 2016

For Insomnia "I have taken Klonopin for twenty years. Sadly, over the years I became resistant to the lower doses. I am extremely dependent on it and it became 'necessary' for the dosage to be steadily increased over the years. I was all of the way up to 5 mg at night. This had disastrous side effects...extreme confusion being the most alarming. It was difficult to start to titrate down slowly. After many months, I was down to 3 mg. and then down to 2.5 mg. It was not easy and there were many restless nights filled with anxiety. Over the last 6 months, I have decreased down to 1.25 mg. I am struggling but determined to get off within the next year. Do NOT let this happen to you!"

• 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."

• Ros...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 27, 2019

For Insomnia "Been using clonazepam for over 10 yrs. Started when my son became critically ill. Was having anxiety and insomnia. I take .25 MG every night, and when I am having some anxiety problems, I'll take another .25. Been out of town for a few days without the medicine, no side effects other than not sleeping as well. Very pleased with the meds."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2020

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "Was prescribed this three months ago for muscle twitching and involuntary movements related to antipsychotic withdrawal. Medication works great, sometimes too great. Am aware of the risks of taking it, but it does help insomnia, anxiety, mania, and twitching. Please be careful and don't take more than prescribed."

• Ann...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 22, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I've been on clonazepam 0.75 mg per day for 4 years for my supposed epilepsy, with horrible side effects: memory loss, sleep issues, weight changes, irritability. Now another doctor has found out that there are no indications of epilepsy, and I'm finally going on a tapering plan. It will take me up to 1 year to finally be clear of this awful drug, and I just can't stand it. Removed the first 1/4 off one of the doses the other day - I'm scared of the side effects, but I so want to be free of this nightmare."

• emo...
• August 13, 2013

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I've suffered with depression, anxiety, and panic along with various health problems. I have tried just about most medicines that claim to help with these problems. Nothing, until I tried Klonopin, and it just changed so much about me. Although I will say, in the beginning, I felt very cheery and super friendly. Though that particular feeling has decreased, it still controls my anxiety. And no side effects, only thing is that it doesn't help with sleep, so I take a Seroquel instead at night. It also helps keep me calm when worrying over my bad health conditions. Found deep belly breathing can help while in the midst of a panic. I plan on staying on it. Take care."

• Fir...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 8, 2016

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I was put on Klonopin at age 17. I took it as prescribed for 20 years, going from 0.5 mgs to 3-4 mgs a day. While it worked great for anxiety and insomnia, I wish I had never taken this medication. Last year, I was detoxed off of it. When I tapered off, I didn't sleep at all for 11 days. After that, I had extreme anxiety and agitation. I couldn't sit still for months, I had to take a non-addictive medication to be able to sleep at all. I was unable to eat well for months. Doctors don't think to tell you that this medication makes you physically dependent. You cannot stop abruptly, or you risk seizures. It is made for short-term use, about 2 weeks. I wish I had never taken this medication. I will never take another benzodiazepine again."

• Res...
• July 14, 2015

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I went through severe panic and anxiety that debilitated my life. I experienced shakes, suicidal thoughts, fear for no reason, a fast throbbing heartbeat, no sleep for ten days because of fear my body was dying, a 38 lb weight loss in 1 month, vomiting, a foggy mind, couldn't speak, and so much more. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I visited hospitals over 6 times with no answers, but the doctor telling me I'm crazy, smh. Went through gastric procedures, and nothing was found but GERD, which is a symptom of anxiety. I finally broke down and took the meds prescribed to me. Xanax was the only one that worked for a short time, and I had taken many medications. Clonazepam is working amazingly with no side effects. I feel great along with Zoloft."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 14, 2019

For Insomnia "I take this drug due to REM disorder and periodic limb movement, which causes insomnia. I was awake 30+ times a night before this medication. Lack of sleep caused me to gain over 60 pounds. The sleep doctor, after a sleep study, did try other medications before this one, but this is the only one that has worked. I have to take 4 mg a night to be effective, which is a high dose. It has started to only last about four hours, however. Has anyone else noticed this?"

• Fra...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 13, 2024

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Was placed on clonazepam over 30 years ago at 3 mg per day. Taken as 1 mg every 8 hours. I had no idea this was going to be so horrible. I have been forced to taper even though I didn't abuse the drug. It was given for GAD and severe PD. So, last September, the tapering began. The issue is, the NP doing it has no clue how to do it, so I've very carefully taken matters into my own hands. I'm now on 0.25 three times a day and cutting another 0.25 very soon. This is a horrible drug. It's a scary drug. Please never take this. I've been suffering with sleep deprivation, heart palpitations, blood pressure increases, more anxiety, and was even hospitalized. This drug is no joke. Do not take it. I don't even feel real anymore. Please protect yourselves and your loved ones from this. I've been cutting 0.25 about every 8 weeks. That's when withdrawal calms down enough for me to cut the pill again. Please, just don't take anything unless you know all the facts first."

• Bon...
• June 24, 2017

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I was diagnosed with general anxiety, social anxiety, and panic attacks about 17 years ago. I was prescribed many different medicines, but what has worked best with my panic attacks and overall anxiety is Klonopin. I was prescribed 0.5 mg 3 times daily, it has been a godsend. I do not go above my prescribed dosage and can take it any time of day and stay right on track at work, etc. I have been on this dosage for 7 years, and it's made a huge difference in my quality of life. I will say that I ran out over a holiday weekend and couldn't get any more until the following Tuesday. 3 days without it caused severe withdrawal symptoms: unable to sleep, watery mouth, dry heaves, and clammy skin, it was awful. So don't miss dosage(s) and you'll be fine."

• Don...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 16, 2016

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "My doctor began prescribing Klonopin 1 mg 3 times a day when I was 23 years old to help treat anxiety and sleep disorders. I took Xanax for 11 years, and it did help my symptoms, although I did build up a tolerance pretty fast but kept at the same dose. But when my doctor retired and a new doctor took over his practice, I was abruptly discontinued from Xanax. This was a dangerous thing to do. I began to go into withdrawals within one day without the Xanax. The withdrawals were excruciating and lasted for weeks. I was in constant extreme anxiety. Sleep was nearly totally absent for more than two weeks. My thoughts started to become almost to the point of psychosis, which also lasted for weeks. So never abruptly stop benzos unless medically supervised."

• sin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 19, 2013

Clonazepam for Seizure Prevention "I have taken Klonopin for at least 20 years now, and it is the only medication that prevents absences and myoclonic seizures. Sometimes I have breakthroughs, but not often. I vary in my doses from 1 mg a day to 3 mg at times due to needing a little more or less. Since I have been on it for so long, I am able to do this. I take it at nighttime because I cannot function during the day if I take it in the morning. I think I have been on every seizure medicine there is and have had nightmare stories concerning them, but Klonopin works the best for me. I believe every person is different, and what works for one may not work for another. I do have to put up with occasional side effects like bouts of insomnia and breakthrough optical migraines."

• Pop...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 25, 2015

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Was warned about benzo's by my first psychiatrist, but in all fairness, I haven't seen a (major) dosage increase. I first started with .25 mg when I needed it, mostly at night, to .5 mg again, mostly at night. To then routinely taking .5 mg in the morning and at night. Never straying to take any more doses per day because of said addiction warnings. I have had some lapses in taking the prescribed amount for a couple of days, of which I paid for with loss of sleep, but with any negatives I've found for this drug, the positives have outweighed the negatives significantly. The biggest negative for me is the controlled substance and the hoops one must go through in order to maintain a routine for the medication."

• dj1...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 8, 2018

Clonazepam for Seizure Prevention "I have a seizure disorder that isn't epilepsy. I had an incident where I had seizures back to back for days and was sent to multiple hospitals to try to help me. When I finally came out of them, I was on Klonopin and Keppra. Keppra alone wouldn't stop them from happening again, is what I was told by medical. I also read about Klonopin and know that it is prescribed for preventing seizures and happens to be good at stopping seizures that happen quickly back to back, or whatever it was that was going on specifically with me. I am glad something worked. I have never had anything so rough and weird happen to me. I love Klonopin because I also have anxiety and insomnia, both things that Klonopin helps and eases as well, which also could be triggers for seizures or symptoms of."

• Roc...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 11, 2023

For Insomnia "This medication was truly a lifesaver for me... until they tried to take me off. Went from 4 mg/day to zero and life fell completely apart. I never abused it from the time I was prescribed it. Took it exactly as prescribed. Found the 3 mg/day was pretty much the sweet spot for me, but the pressure constantly to get off this medication now has me suffering again badly at 2 mg/day. The need to do a study on how many lives are destroyed when they take people off this drug when they are doing just fine on that dosage. They would find that when you strip people off this med when they are dependent on it, you send them to likely full-blown insomnia, mania, high blood pressure, and even suicide attempts. I ask why are they doing this? This is a very cheap and effective medication and life-saving. If some people abuse it, punish them, but do not punish those that truly need it to function in society. I am so happy to see recent reviews of people finding doctors to prescribe."