Clonazepam and Memory Loss: What Users Say

• 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 24, 2021

For Insomnia "After trying pretty much everything at different times - melatonin, meditation, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, CBD, 5-HTP, Seriphos, Ambien, Alpha Stim, and a combination of apigen, magnesium, and L-theanine, I discovered clonazepam. I found that CBD, which if taken in high doses will send me to sleep (although with short-term memory loss and next day ‘hangover’). Ambien just made me feel really weird, dizzy, and hallucinating, whilst not really improving my sleep. Apigen, magnesium, and L-theanine occasionally work but it’s a bit hit or miss, and the other therapies make no real difference. I find that 0.5 mg-1 mg clonazepam, if taken an hour or so before bed, usually relaxes me and takes away my anxiety, ensuring a restful sleep. For me, the biggest concern is physical dependence, and so I’m careful not to take clonazepam more than 2-3 times per week unless I’m going through a particularly intense period of insomnia."

• 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."

• 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."

• Nan...
• August 1, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I was put on 1 mg Klonopin TID for 17 years. For 10 of those years, I was in tolerance withdrawal and had no idea what was wrong with me. I went off this medication too fast and still suffer 2 years later with internal vibrating and burning nerve pain that is constant. At first cessation, I experienced hallucinations and the feeling of being dropped in an elevator very fast, with the constant sensation of being on a boat. The boat feeling still occurs 2 years later but is less frequent than a year ago. I have cognitive and memory issues, and I experience crushing bone pain in my legs and feet, still 2 years later. I lost my ability to work, lost my home, and am now very dependent on my family for help, living with my brother in another state. This has derailed my life! This medication is dangerous, and anxiety should be addressed with nutrition, meditation, and exercise, NOT PILLS for a quick fix. Take these stories seriously and do your research!"

• Nan...
• August 1, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I was put on 1 mg Klonopin TID for 17 years. For 10 of those years, I was in tolerance withdrawal and had no idea what was wrong with me. I went off this medication too fast and still suffer 2 years later with internal vibrating and burning nerve pain that is constant. At first cessation, I experienced hallucinations and the feeling of being dropped in an elevator very fast, with the constant sensation of being on a boat. The boat feeling still occurs 2 years later but is less frequent than a year ago. I have cognitive and memory issues, and I experience crushing bone pain in my legs and feet, still 2 years later. I lost my ability to work, lost my home, and am now very dependent on my family for help, living with my brother in another state. This has derailed my life! This medication is dangerous, and anxiety should be addressed with nutrition, meditation, and exercise, NOT PILLS for a quick fix. Take these stories seriously and do your research!"

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 1, 2020

For Insomnia "Have taken clonazepam at a dose of 0.5 mg once daily at night for insomnia caused by anxiety. I’ve been on this 3 times in my life. The first was for 9 years, the second was 1 month, now about one and a half years. I was weaned off the first time over 3 months, not a problem. The second time was 6 years later and was easy after only one month. This time is harder than the first time. It’s taking months down to 0.125 mg after 4 months. The 0.125 has only been a few days. I slept the last two nights. I’m taking gabapentin to manage symptoms and can get off gabapentin much easier than benzodiazepines. I like how clear my head feels, I like the idea of being med-free. I never increased my clonazepam dose, but had breakthrough panic attacks, signals a need for more (no thanks) or time to taper off. Side effects negative were dependence and breakthrough panic, withdrawal if taper too fast, memory problems sometimes, IBS, and feeling controlled by the meds. Positive has been no panic in general, sleep. But hey, it’s addictive."

• Cuj...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 29, 2024

For Epilepsy "Klonopin has been the only one out of at least 50 that has been effective at controlling my seizures. I've been on it since I was 7. I don't know why the neurologists had to go screwing around with my brain like I was a guinea pig. At least they always kept the first-line treatment going (Klonopin), which eventually became available as generic in the '90s-and by then they were done poking and prodding, trying this, that, and the other... just left me be. Today, it's almost September 2024, I'm 55 years old, I've been on Clonazepam since it came out in 1975. And I'm still on the same dose today, seizure-free, as I was (titrated up to over the course of 12 years) 35 years ago-20 mg/day. They say I could get dementia. Well, I say back: if I can live this well, long enough to get dementia, I'll be too happy to remember to forget to remember I have dementia."

• RLS...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 2, 2020

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I've had RLS since I was about 25, when no one knew what it was. I'd explain symptoms, having to go sleep on the carpet so I could rub my legs on it. I'm 69 now, have been on clonazepam for 24 years, a miracle, even with an increasing dose. Started at 0.5 mg, then up over the years to 3 mg before bed. It's getting so difficult to find anyone who is willing to prescribe it. Luckily my doc is, but I suspect they are going to try and get me off it. The main reason is memory loss. Am now additionally trying gabapentin and have tried a couple of others. Nothing as good as the clonazepam for relief. I've read other reviews where people would rather deal with the side effects than the RLS, and I could not agree more!! (I'm scared about memory though) I sleep with rough towels or folded blankets between the sheets to rub my legs on. If you talk with someone who doesn't have this, they have no clue the misery it causes."

• Anonymous
• July 10, 2017

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "This is an amazing medication for OCD and generalized anxiety. This medication has truthfully changed my life. If you are considering which benzo to take, I strongly suggest this one because it does not make you feel 'high' like Xanax does or the weird blackouts that can come from Xanax. Only thing to keep in mind is that there have been studies linking Klonopin use with Alzheimer's and overall memory issues. Best of luck!"

• 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."

• gle...
• February 5, 2017

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I've taken Klonopin off and on for many years, and I have to say it is very effective and much longer lasting than Xanax. I've been prescribed Xanax as well, and it is effective, but I truly believe it shouldn't be taken on a regular basis, especially several times a day. It's fast-acting, and it helps with panic attacks and similar situations. But to take it day in and day out seems ludicrous. Klonopin has a much longer half-life, and I don't feel withdrawal when I come off Klonopin, that's not the case with Xanax. Not only that, on Xanax, I was finding that I would have periods of forgetfulness, meaning periods of the day. I was at a job interview, and I really couldn't tell you what was said by me or the interviewer. I did get the job, however."

• Ant...
• December 15, 2015

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I used to have panic and anxiety very bad. For many years, I self-medicated with illegal drugs. Finally, at 29 years old, I wearily went to a doctor who gave me Klonopin and an antidepressant. In one hour, I gradually felt all the panic go away, anxiety was gone. I really smiled for the first time, the world was great. I was contemplating suicide a day before I was prescribed Klonopin, this drug saved my life. I continue to take it 1 mg twice a day with Lexapro 20 mg. My life is good, and I am happy, but now my mental health doctor reads that benzo medication 'may' lead to dementia, etc. So now she wants me to stop taking it, she says she does not want her name on anything linked to her prescribing benzos. Now I must detox? Find another doctor!!"

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Clonazepam is the only substance that has any effect at all on my severe obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) type 2 symptoms, besides cannabis. Clonazepam allows me to function like a normal adult without OCPD at all. I would rate it at 100% effective. I am also ADHD, and it treats those symptoms as well. My OCPD type 2 makes it impossible for me to take amphetamine-based ADHD medication, and I have not been a functioning adult for most of my life. Finally, it has given me a full, rich life, I run my own business and live off-grid on solar power. Thank God this medication exists. A large enough dose of cannabis gives a partial decrease in symptoms while at the same time increasing the cognitive impairment symptoms, while clonazepam does not. No other benzo works besides Valium, which also puts me to sleep and defeats the point. Clonazepam acts on me like an amphetamine would act on a normal person. My brain must be wired reverse of other people. It's like it was made just for me."

• Man...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2016

Clonazepam for Bipolar Disorder "Great for 'resetting' at bedtime when feeling a little upswing with bipolar. I have noticed after a day of being a little up, the Klonopin drops the intensity and brain energy nicely to allow for rest and relaxing. I do notice that if I don't take it, because I may not feel like I need it one night, that it is harder to get to sleep. I also have experienced some short-term memory loss when taking 1.5 mg (3 x .5 mg) the next day. It has also helped me with anxiety when depressed. Great drug!"

• Big...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 12, 2019

For Anxiety "I’ve been on Klonopin for almost 25 years. I’ve been mostly .5 mg 3x per day, but I usually only take it twice. Klonopin is an excellent medicine for panic and anxiety, which is what I use it for. It takes the edge off. Keep in mind though most medicines have a trade-off. For me, Klonopin has been a miracle drug, but it does take the edge off everything. Creativity went way down, attention span, sex drive, memory. Everything. Went off it cold turkey many years ago, and it tore me up with withdrawal symptoms."

• Whi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 26, 2013

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Klonopin works pretty well at low doses (2-4 mg). I'm 46, 6'4'', 260 lbs. Higher doses just make me drool and shuffle, and cause horribly painful foot cramps if I miss a dose or two. Low dose, no problems. One wicked side effect is memory loss and speed of comprehension. Sleep is better. Withdrawal is pretty easy at low doses. Taper from high doses. It also was a major asset in discontinuing opiates, and their various temporary-but-forever withdrawal effects."

• Eri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 16, 2017

Clonazepam for Anxiety "This drug should not be prescribed for more than two weeks (and this has been known since the eighties). Most doctors in the USA don't have a clue about what benzos do to the lives of the patients they are prescribing to, and especially how difficult it is for patients to withdraw from these drugs. I was completely dependent on clonazepam after 30 days and remained on it for about eight years before I realized I had to get off of clonazepam if I wanted a chance to become healthy again. It took me 7 horrifying months to taper off, and I became disabled during that time. I lost about 85% of my long- and short-term memory during that time. I am educated, but I did not research this drug before I took it. Please don't make that mistake."

• zio...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 1, 2015

For Insomnia "Yes indeed, Clonazepam is a 'wonder drug' for sleep (and anxiety); but beware... if I can just save one person from this drug... yes!!! I ended up on this drug for 18 years, and it took me four months of a slow taper to wean myself. During and after withdrawal, I had horrible side effects: nausea, insomnia, panic, loss of memory, etc. I have been totally off the drug for 8 weeks, and my side effects are slowly going away, but I still have a horrible metallic taste and smell. I'd try anything other than a benzo. It is not worth the side effects. Look at the drug warnings; they state the drug is meant for short-term use. Good luck."

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 17, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Don't take it for longer than 1 month. I'm addicted to 4 mg daily, and I can't get off. Side effects - Short-term memory and long-term memory are gone (REALLY GONE). I'm so, so tired (I sleep all day), and I have 0 motivation. It's amazing for short-term anxiety of all kinds. Just do not get addicted. IMO, max 1-2 mg for max 1 month. 2-year user. 27-year-old male. Kills anxiety in its tracks, but not to be used long-term. Look into Nardil/Parnate if SSRIs fail. Asenapine is great if you need your racing thoughts controlled. DO NOT LET ANY PSYCH GIVE THIS TO YOU LONG TERM."

• doo...
• January 17, 2018

For Anxiety "I'd been to four doctors before the problem of anxiety was properly diagnosed and I was put on 1 mg 2x a day Klonopin, and it changed my whole life for the better. I had no idea I had anxiety problems. I was getting sick every evening, getting hot flashes and shakes. I went to the ER, a cardiologist, and my family doctor. I was having hard, painful heart palpitations 20 to 30 times a day. Now I have 0 to 1 a day! I feel like doing things again! The only drawback I see is constipation and some short-term memory loss. A welcome trade-off for how much better I feel!"

• Kat...
• September 21, 2016

For Seizure Prevention "As soon as I feel any sort of seizure coming on, I need only take a half to a full 0.5 mg dosage. Within 20 minutes, I feel a sense of calmness overcome me, and all of the strange sensations disappearing. For me, I'll get an intense tingling all over my body, my thoughts become rapid, my hands jittery, and my heart pounding (as my warning signs). Clonazepam has the ability to literally take that away, at least for me. It does make you a bit tired and at times forgetful. But is it not more worth it to be seizure-free and have some sense of security that you will be alright? I've been taking it for two years now, and although I am not a fan of taking medication, period, this is my one exception. I feel much safer knowing I have it on me."

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2021

For Borderline Personality Disorder "I have BPD, OCD (pure O (intrusive thoughts)) and dissociation that comes from anxiety. I have tried all sorts of benzos, and my opinion is that Klonopin works the best for anxiety and comorbid conditions. It helped me put me in balance, and the longer I take it (a longer period of time), I see improvements in my general mental health because it clears my brain fog caused by anxiety. I am able to think straight, and it is helping me to put in check symptoms that I cannot control on my own. I take it for 2 weeks, 0.5-1 mg per day with a few days off, for now, it works great. Also, I use omega-3 and do cognitive exercises just to prevent some cognitive deficits like memory loss because of benzos. Of course, like all benzos, be careful taking it, and if you don't need it, don't take it. Don't use it for experiencing some highs or something, benzos are extremely dangerous if you get hooked on them. Wish you all the best and good health✌"

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 27, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I began taking Klonopin about a year and a half ago, 1 mg twice a day for OCD and the crippling anxiety that tends to come with the disorder. Clonazepam has changed my life for the better, yet it does have some potential for abuse, and I have found myself taking more than prescribed during times of high stress, but have since stopped that bad habit and started taking a dose every other day as needed. It is extremely helpful for a plethora of anxiety-related issues and is the least addictive and safest benzodiazepine that I have taken. (I've been prescribed nearly every benzo you can name). I would say you could potentially stay on Klonopin for a few years before you would have to taper down, unlike Xanax and Ativan with their short half-lives and extreme abuse potential. The only side effect I've encountered was some short-term memory issues that have since been resolved. Please keep in mind that Klonopin is still a benzodiazepine, only take as needed!"

• For...
• November 5, 2017

For Restless Legs Syndrome "In 1993 (age 44), I was having real problems with my legs, moving so much, I could not sleep. I had a sleep study done and was told I had restless legs. The doctor first put me on Neurontin, but I could not take it. He then put me on Klonopin 2mg. This worked very well. I only take it at night. Sometimes, if I am too active, the sensations in my legs get worse. I have been taking 2mg for 25 years. When I first started taking it, nobody discussed side effects. All I knew is I could rest at night. Now, at age 68, I wonder about my memory. At the time I was prescribed the pill to take, it was not a controlled substance. I think I am too old now to get off it, and because I have taken it for so long."