Clonazepam and Withdrawal: What Users Say

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Ok, been awhile since I posted. I’m down from 0.5 to 0.125 once daily. I use a prescribed and pharmacy-made liquid compound to get very accurate doses. I’m having no withdrawal effects right now. It’s been about 6 weeks at this dose. It’s taken nearly 8 months to get this far. In a couple of weeks, I’ll reduce again. I’ll either alternate days, or go to 0.0625 daily. Those will be my last doses. I hold the dose until symptoms calm. It’s never perfect. But I know I can get off this horrible drug. I hate the withdrawals and the anxiety after a cut, but I love getting free. We can do it. Go slow, small cuts in doses, steady progress. Do distractions and healthy eating. Remember, your brain can and will heal."

• 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."

• Ann...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 11, 2016

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Yes, this medication works. It works very well for chronic anxiety disorder and sudden onsets of severe panic attacks. Knowing what I know now, I wish with all my being it had never ever been prescribed to me, and without the absurd nonchalance dozens of practitioners have portrayed. I'm 32 and have been prescribed clonazepam for 14 years. I've been in situations where my health insurance is in transition and I must go off the medication abruptly - this is when I realized how deep I was. Weeks upon weeks of non-stop physical, emotional, and psychological withdrawal effects that are like hell. Words cannot accurately describe just how awful it is. This, again, has been my experience during withdrawal as a long-term clonazepam patient. All skin, especially the face, becomes numb. Vision gets fuzzy and difficult to see clearly. Panic attacks become extremely exacerbated, frequent, and debilitating. Severe irritability. Worst of all: a terrifying disconnection between your mind and body; as if you're an onlooker watching and feeling this horrible thing happen to you, but not actually feeling connected to any of it - that one is tough to explain. All of this... It can last months, maybe more. That's right. Not just some one-week hump to overcome. After finding how awful the withdrawal is, I've been attempting to wean very, very slowly down from 3 2mg doses per day to eventually zero, hopefully. After six months of gradually decreasing in dose, I'm now at 2 - 1mg doses per day, and I'm not sure how or if I can go much less than that. No doctors I've had have been of any help. The wean down was my idea, and the rate of it was also my idea based on experience. It sure would be nice to meet a doctor that truly had knowledge of this withdrawal syndrome and took it a bit more seriously. I am confident that the medication is no longer treating my anxiety disorder, but simply preventing withdrawal from the meds themselves. And there don't seem to be any good alternatives. It's a long road ahead, please think it over and over with someone knowledgeable before being so quick to embrace this miracle drug. The truth is that most of us actually need very real psychotherapy, not chemicals that run our lives. Once again, all my point of view from my personal experience. It feels very good to share this."

• Gor...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 11, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Been on Benzos for many years. I've decided last September to taper off slowly. Well, by the middle of February 2020, I was off them completely for 12 days. Unfortunately, my OCD and anxiety came back so strong that I felt I was going to go crazy. I couldn't sleep or eat or think straight. So I went back to one pill a day and, of course, symptoms vanished. I still want off them but the withdrawal drives me to the point I wonder if I will survive... Help!!! Any suggestions?"

• Orp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 22, 2021

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I hope I can keep someone from going through this nightmare that I'm going through. Was on 3 mg daily for a year, over time, I grew dependent, and they stopped helping and causing worse anxiety and panic attacks upon waking. I didn't wean off properly and am in acute withdrawal. I'm suicidal, and my life is falling apart. Please stay away from this awful drug. IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE!"

• TOa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 20, 2025

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "This drug, even at a medium to low dose, once given - is nearly impossible to stop taking. I for one have no desire to ever stop taking it. It gave me relief at 33 years old from a life of nonstop anxiety. It was godsend. However, the issue lies within the medical profession in different regions of the country. I have relocated 9 times in 15 years for work. 9 times, I was told no, we cannot prescribe a controlled substance to a new patient regardless of Dr. records showing I’d been taking Klonopin for years. I literally have been shut down at the window at a new Dr. office, ERs have made me feel humiliated, previous Drs. can’t call in controlled substances across state lines - NINE TIMES I have had to go through the absolute worst nightmare of withdrawals I have ever experienced. Because the medical profession turned their back on me. And continues. I am terrified to move because this will happen again."

• Mor...
• October 9, 2018

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I started on Klonopin 5 years ago when I was experiencing uncontrollable panic attacks that nearly cost me my job. Prior to that, I was taking Xanax. Xanax works great short term (but is clearly addictive and many people are prone to abuse it). I explained my concerns to my doctor and was prescribed 1 mg of Klonopin three times a day, which worked wonders but decided to taper down over the past six months. I was able to get down to 1 mg once a day without any problems but it's really tough to get lower than that without experiencing significant withdrawal. People are correct in stating that it is very difficult to get off of completely, but like all meds, you have to weigh the pros and cons. I haven't noticed any side effects thus far, nor have I felt the need to increase my initial prescribed dose (actually decreased). If panic and anxiety are ruining your life, the downsides of Klonopin are vastly outweighed by the benefits it provides. Life is too short to live with unnecessary anxiety."

• 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."

• JJa...
• July 13, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "UPDATE (2019-07-13): I am 3 weeks into my tapering plan (reducing 1/4 mg every 7-10 days) and on track. I'm down from 2mg to 1.25mg and it's been manageable but not comfortable. It's taking a full week to accept the lower amount without symptoms of headache, tight jaw, diarrhea, and general discomfort. I have continued to work and live normally. Original post: My doctor informed me that this drug, which I have been taking for years for general anxiety, is now on a list of 'reported drugs' every time it gets refilled. She suggested I wean off of it and use Lexapro instead, which is not physically addicting. I knew I was addicted to Clonazepam because even a 1-day delay in refilling caused major withdrawal symptoms such as my hands shaking and headache. I was taking 2mg a day and I am tapering (1/4 of a 1mg tablet) each week. If all goes well, I should be down to 1mg in 4 weeks. Then, I will re-evaluate how to get off the 1mg. So far, just tapering from 2 tablets to 1 3/4. Will update."

• Don...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 13, 2019

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Been on clonazepam for at least 12 years. I have quit cold turkey and ended up in psychosis. This drug is a nightmare and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I have vast experience with addicting substances, and this is by far the worst. Recently went to my other doctor and went through different approaches of tapering. The one that stuck with me was using two 100ml bottles and dissolving a pill in one, then you can use a child's ml medication dropper to help reduce your dosage accurately. Even removing 5% from your day will send you into at least five days of painful, skin-crawling withdrawal. But at least it's a way to control it accurately. Breaking a pill into fours can be a 10% difference. I hope this helps. I'm down to 0.25 mg twice a day. And feel terrible. But it's temporary. I hope. Good luck to anyone trying to get off of this stuff. It's worse than opiates, nicotine, alcohol, and anything else. I mean that. STAY AWAY!!"

• 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."

• Wen...
• April 2, 2014

Clonazepam for Anxiety "I began getting severe panic attacks in the middle of the night every night. Not just regular sleep pattern problems. But waking up wanting to be dead. This went on for a couple of years until I could not bear it anymore. My doctor prescribed me Klonopin, and it has done the trick. Prior to Klonopin, I tried Ambien, Ambien XL, and Seroquel. I personally think it's a good idea to follow your doctor's instructions and start with the milder medicine. But to those who warn of the withdrawal symptoms of Klonopin, I have to say that opinion does not apply to all. Not wanting to die in the middle of the night every night for 2 years is such a benefit to me that I will risk the withdrawal symptoms that may come with stopping later down the road."

• Dad...
• December 16, 2019

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "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 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 is 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."

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

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "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."

• Bel...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 30, 2019

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I've been on Klonopin for probably 25 years. It's worked so much better than Xanax. I got down to taking 0.25 at night and 0.25 in the 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 doctor 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."

• Dou...
• July 20, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "I've been on clonazepam for 7 years. Recently, I started feeling hazy, and my brain hurt. In fact, it still does. I thought it was another medication causing me all these issues, but after successfully withdrawing from that medication, my symptoms stayed on board. Now I am working with my doctor to wean off clonazepam. I was prescribed a mood stabilizer, however, it was making things worse. Fortunately, I did not take that medication for very long. I want to feel better, and I am deeply disturbed that my doctor would keep me on a medication meant for short-term use. I am nervous about withdrawal, but I am so ready to be myself again."

• Tak...
• April 16, 2014

Clonazepam for Anxiety "This is a miracle for me. I have experienced abrupt withdrawal, but that was my fault, and all that happened was my vision was extremely blurred and I was in bed a few days. Do not drink with this medication, take it as needed instead of all the time. Then you won't have withdrawals if you forget to take it. I don't understand why this old trusted medication isn't prescribed more often. It never produced 'euphoria' or anything like that for me or anyone I know on it - but it's dangerous with alcohol, I guess, and so many people drink. I've been on 6mg a day - which I found way too much and went down to 2mg on my own."

• Gar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 9, 2013

Clonazepam for Anxiety "Please, please, please do your research before ever taking Klonopin or any drug in the benzodiazepine family. Klonopin has caused me great hardship and nearly cost me my life. And I am not alone - thousands of people have had horrific experiences with this drug. Please search 'benzo withdrawal' or similar to educate yourself. Looking back, my original anxiety was nothing compared to the torture I went through once I was addicted to Klonopin. And I am not through it yet. Words cannot explain the horror I went through. That is why I beg you to do your own research. Most doctors don't know or are in denial about the withdrawal effects of benzodiazepines. The stories you will find are not lies or exaggerations. Buyer beware! Please!!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 6, 2020

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "In 2015, I fell into a deep depression after my grandmother passed away. I decided to seek help. I was not sleeping at night. When I expressed myself to the doctor I had found, I was prescribed this disgusting medication in which I should have done my research like I normally would do. I started at 2 mg. It helped at first, but this medication has been the worst thing ever! I’m now tapering off slowly after finding a new doctor that actually listens. I am now taking 0.5 mg. The withdrawal symptoms if you go cold turkey are horrible. Please do not go cold turkey, seek professional help! And if you were given this medication and not yet taken it, RUN as some stated! It will ruin you! These doctors that prescribe this should lose their license. It’s a disgusting medication! Any benzodiazepines are!"

• Tim...
• October 18, 2016

For Benzodiazepine Withdrawal "Stay away from this drug!!!!! Everyone ranking this at a '10' now will regret it later!!!! Please avoid all benzos!! Especially this one!!! It wears off eventually, and you'll have to keep going up in milligrams, and the next thing you know, tolerance withdrawal sets in!! You'll have no choice but to stop taking it, and the withdrawal symptoms are hell on earth if not tapered off slooooooooooooooowly. And even done that way isn't a walk in the park. Again, please avoid all benzos. Especially this one!!!! Google the withdrawal facts and people's stories on this pill....."

• 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."

• Cum...
• February 20, 2019

For Insomnia "I have been taking this medication for 8 years, it was originally prescribed off-label for restless leg syndrome at 0.5 mg at night. It had the added bonus of helping a lot with my insomnia and tooth grinding. So, my doctor put me on 0.5 mg twice daily. Eight years on, it is still effective, although due to tolerance, my dose is 3x 0.5 mg daily. I suffer no daytime sedation or other side effects. It is a strange benzodiazepine, as I have never really noticed I've taken a dose, I only know I'm taking it when I have had to stop taking it for a few days. The withdrawal symptoms are very unpleasant. I'm in the UK and am amazed that I still get prescribed a benzodiazepine for off-label use after all this time. I have never felt the need to increase my dose over the three times a day."

• Mr ...
• February 6, 2019

Clonazepam for Panic Disorder "I have been using Klonopin for over 5 years, and I have found it to be very effective in reducing anxiety in combination with a low dose of Paxil. Take 0.5 mg during the workweek and none on weekends. Also, take 0.5 at night to help sleep. I have not built a tolerance and find it a very useful tool in managing anxiety. My goal has been to use it sparingly but will not hesitate to take more for more dentist visits, interviews, etc. Just know if you do, you will be tired and drained afterward. Wish I had found my right combo of meds before I quit a great job due to anxiety. Also, Ativan didn't treat me very nicely. Had severe withdrawal as it has a shorter half-life. My quality of life has improved because of Klonopin. Oh... no weight gain either."

• luc...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 23, 2020

For Anxiety "I was on 0.5 - 1 mg Klonopin daily for GAD and panic disorder for 6.5 years. Knowing what I know now about benzodiazepines, I'm not sure how my doctors ever let this fly. They should only be prescribed for short-term use (or on a PRN basis only), and certainly not daily use for years on end. Withdrawals were a nightmare, and it took months for me to feel back to normal again. When people talk about the withdrawals, they aren't joking... and this was with a slow and steady taper!! Benzos like Klonopin absolutely serve a purpose and work very well, just make sure you take it daily short-term or, if you are on it for a prolonged period of time, only as needed!"