Klonopin (clonazepam) [Benzo]
Description:
Klonopin is a commonly-prescribed benzodiazepine derivative, used as a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant. Many SAD sufferers find that it benefits them, especially when they need a quick and strong-acting result. Klonopin is often used in conjunction with SSRIs or SNRIs in order to reduce the side effects of those medications and to strengthen how well they work initially. Recent research describes it as very effective in the treatment of social anxiety.
Klonopin is normally prescribed for short-term use since most people will build up a tolerance if it is used for more than a few weeks at a time, but there are individuals that do take it over longer periods of time. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported with extended use. Klonopin has a longer half-life than Xanax, and can be more difficult to discontinue. The side effects sometimes experienced with Klonopin include memory loss, drowsiness and impaired motor function.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonazepam
Askapatient.com Ratings:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=17533
RevolutionHealth.com Ratings:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/klonopin
Klonopin is normally prescribed for short-term use since most people will build up a tolerance if it is used for more than a few weeks at a time, but there are individuals that do take it over longer periods of time. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported with extended use. Klonopin has a longer half-life than Xanax, and can be more difficult to discontinue. The side effects sometimes experienced with Klonopin include memory loss, drowsiness and impaired motor function.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clonazepam
Askapatient.com Ratings:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=17533
RevolutionHealth.com Ratings:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/klonopin
Klonopin helps me
Shared by Anxiety75 on May 29th, 2009
17 out of 19 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
My experience with clonazepam(Klonopin) has been amazing. It has a longer half-life than alprazolam(Xanax) and it doesn't just drop you, leaving you anxious and rushing to take another. Itstays in your system longer.
For me, it seems to be less addictive, not as strong as alprazolam but still calming to the mind and body. I would say that it just works better than any anti-anxiety drug I've taken.
It does help in certain social situations and takes the edge off of social anxiety.
Taken properly, this can be a helpful drug for social anxiety, generalized anxiety, anxiety attacks, and panic disorders.
My experience with clonazepam(Klonopin) has been amazing. It has a longer half-life than alprazolam(Xanax) and it doesn't just drop you, leaving you anxious and rushing to take another. Itstays in your system longer.
For me, it seems to be less addictive, not as strong as alprazolam but still calming to the mind and body. I would say that it just works better than any anti-anxiety drug I've taken.
It does help in certain social situations and takes the edge off of social anxiety.
Taken properly, this can be a helpful drug for social anxiety, generalized anxiety, anxiety attacks, and panic disorders.
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Great med!
Shared by Kanes on May 28th, 2009
9 out of 10 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
This drug is great for SA. It literally takes all of my fear away. I am like a completely different person on it. It feels similar to alcohol in some ways but without the euphoric type effect.
Side effects include sleepiness and anterograde amnesia. You need to find a good middle ground dose where the side effects aren't too strong. For me this is around 1mg although I will take 2mg for particularly intense situations. I typically take it at least an hour before needed since it takes a while to take effect.
I only use it a few times a week since tolerance can be built up.
This drug is great for SA. It literally takes all of my fear away. I am like a completely different person on it. It feels similar to alcohol in some ways but without the euphoric type effect.
Side effects include sleepiness and anterograde amnesia. You need to find a good middle ground dose where the side effects aren't too strong. For me this is around 1mg although I will take 2mg for particularly intense situations. I typically take it at least an hour before needed since it takes a while to take effect.
I only use it a few times a week since tolerance can be built up.
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The medication that's really worked for me
Shared by Drew on Dec 24th, 2008
26 out of 35 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
Klonopin has worked very well for me. I started taking it with a lot of hesitation and concern in general about benzodiazepines: addition, withdrawal, tolerance, etc.
I take it at night, every night, and then an "as needed" dose during the day. When I take it during the day anticipatory anxiety of social situations just dissolves away and in the social situations themselves my anxiety is significantly reduced. So far, I have not built up any tolerance or experienced any negative side effects.
I've tried many forms of treatment for social anxiety disorder (as you can see if you take a look at my other Treatment Experiences), but this was the final piece of the puzzle. Since I've started taken this, my life has just "clicked" so to speak and I can feel at peace living the life I value and doing the social things I want. Sure, I still have some anxiety about social events, but it's what I would consider a normal level, and a level that means I can actually enjoy them without introducing alcohol. Now, I'm not saying that Klonopin is the magic bullet. Without the CBT, group therapy, individual therapy, and the various ways I challenged my anxiety over the years leading up, I don't think Klonopin would nearly have had the effect it has.
That being said, it does make me a little drowsy when I take it during the day, but I've found that a little caffeine helps with that, without making me anxious
Long term I do have some concerns about it's long term effects on cognition as discussed here: http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/forum/f30/the-effects-of-benzodiazepines-on-cognition-53688/
As with all medications, your experience will be based on your biology. Everyone reacts to medications differently.
Klonopin has worked very well for me. I started taking it with a lot of hesitation and concern in general about benzodiazepines: addition, withdrawal, tolerance, etc.
I take it at night, every night, and then an "as needed" dose during the day. When I take it during the day anticipatory anxiety of social situations just dissolves away and in the social situations themselves my anxiety is significantly reduced. So far, I have not built up any tolerance or experienced any negative side effects.
I've tried many forms of treatment for social anxiety disorder (as you can see if you take a look at my other Treatment Experiences), but this was the final piece of the puzzle. Since I've started taken this, my life has just "clicked" so to speak and I can feel at peace living the life I value and doing the social things I want. Sure, I still have some anxiety about social events, but it's what I would consider a normal level, and a level that means I can actually enjoy them without introducing alcohol. Now, I'm not saying that Klonopin is the magic bullet. Without the CBT, group therapy, individual therapy, and the various ways I challenged my anxiety over the years leading up, I don't think Klonopin would nearly have had the effect it has.
That being said, it does make me a little drowsy when I take it during the day, but I've found that a little caffeine helps with that, without making me anxious
Long term I do have some concerns about it's long term effects on cognition as discussed here: http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/forum/f30/the-effects-of-benzodiazepines-on-cognition-53688/
As with all medications, your experience will be based on your biology. Everyone reacts to medications differently.
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Treatment Experience
I decided to give klonopin a try finally (my first shot with a benzo!) and I went on it for an entire week straight. It was relatively easy with klonopin's extremely long half-life. A single 2 mg pill lasted up to a full day or two for me. Note that I have absolutely no benzodiazepine or GABAergic tolerance whatsoever however.
The experience was excellent. My social anxiety is only light to moderate and it was damn near completely destroyed. It was an excellent week. The side effects weren't that bad either. I felt clear in my head, though my balance was slightly off, I slurred my speech a little and my memory was also slightly impaired however. Compared to the other benzos I'd definitely say klonopin is the cleanest and it's my personal favorite.
I decided to give klonopin a try finally (my first shot with a benzo!) and I went on it for an entire week straight. It was relatively easy with klonopin's extremely long half-life. A single 2 mg pill lasted up to a full day or two for me. Note that I have absolutely no benzodiazepine or GABAergic tolerance whatsoever however.
The experience was excellent. My social anxiety is only light to moderate and it was damn near completely destroyed. It was an excellent week. The side effects weren't that bad either. I felt clear in my head, though my balance was slightly off, I slurred my speech a little and my memory was also slightly impaired however. Compared to the other benzos I'd definitely say klonopin is the cleanest and it's my personal favorite.
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Treatment Experience
I've been taking Klonopin for a couple years. It works well by "taking the edge off". I'm able to get through the day much better. I have an easier time making conversations with people, and I'm not as nervous at work. The bad side is that it does make you tired. Also, if you take it on a regular basis, it is very difficult to get off of. I'm trying to get off the drug now, and I'm very irritable and anxious. This will probably go on for two of three weeks before I'm back to normal (this is what I've experienced in the past). My advice is not to take this medication more than once per week.
I've been taking Klonopin for a couple years. It works well by "taking the edge off". I'm able to get through the day much better. I have an easier time making conversations with people, and I'm not as nervous at work. The bad side is that it does make you tired. Also, if you take it on a regular basis, it is very difficult to get off of. I'm trying to get off the drug now, and I'm very irritable and anxious. This will probably go on for two of three weeks before I'm back to normal (this is what I've experienced in the past). My advice is not to take this medication more than once per week.
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Klonopin (Clonazepam)
Shared by Foh_Teej on Oct 30th, 2008
15 out of 24 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
While Clonazepam certainly isn't a magic pill, it does offer relief for a wide range of anxiety situations. Won't cure your problems but it can make a hell of a difference in making it through a tough time.
While Clonazepam certainly isn't a magic pill, it does offer relief for a wide range of anxiety situations. Won't cure your problems but it can make a hell of a difference in making it through a tough time.
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Panic Attacks and SA
Shared by Wellington on Oct 28th, 2008
14 out of 23 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
It seems to lower my inhibitions quite well, but not totally. It relaxes my body more, and my throat muscles so I can talk more clearly. Lasts about 8 hours for me, but I can still feel slight anxiety relieving effects the next day usually. I take .5mg as needed 2-4 times per day I use it, but I don't take it every day.
It seems to lower my inhibitions quite well, but not totally. It relaxes my body more, and my throat muscles so I can talk more clearly. Lasts about 8 hours for me, but I can still feel slight anxiety relieving effects the next day usually. I take .5mg as needed 2-4 times per day I use it, but I don't take it every day.
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2nd best to Adderall
Shared by Noca on Oct 31st, 2008
13 out of 22 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I take this with adderall. A simple 2-4mgs will vaporize even my worst anxiety. However it can knock you out if you dont take the adderall with it. It can be great for sleep when needed.
I take Klonopin on a PRN basis to avoid tolerance and dependance issues. The drug seems to last about 6-8 hours for me.
This drug is VERY cheap, only costing about $25 a refill for 120mgs.
This was my favourite drug before the godly Adderall XR came by me. Definately worth a try for any anxiety sufferer!
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Great sleep aid
Shared by livingnsilence on Oct 20th, 2008
16 out of 28 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I'm probably the only one that finds klonopin does nothing for thier anxiety. I was originally prescribed .5mg to 1mg prn, but I would try 1-2mg for stressfull situations and it didn't calm me at all. So I tried 3.5 mg at once one day and it made me tired, zoned out, and worsend my dystymia some but still didn't help with the anxiety. I take 1-2mg before bed a few days a week because it helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep without leaving me drowsy so long as I don't go over 2mg.
I'm probably the only one that finds klonopin does nothing for thier anxiety. I was originally prescribed .5mg to 1mg prn, but I would try 1-2mg for stressfull situations and it didn't calm me at all. So I tried 3.5 mg at once one day and it made me tired, zoned out, and worsend my dystymia some but still didn't help with the anxiety. I take 1-2mg before bed a few days a week because it helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep without leaving me drowsy so long as I don't go over 2mg.
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Amazing when taken PRN
Shared by gordonjohnson008 on Nov 20th, 2008
14 out of 25 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I've found klonopin to be extremely effective. It relaxes me physically and disinhibits me. It is able to turn me from "mute boy" into a very outgoing, sociable person.
However, it has side effects. It makes me drowsy. It builds dependence and tolerance when taken long-term. It damages cognition, learning, and memory. It makes me extremly drowsy.
I take it on weekends only.
I've found klonopin to be extremely effective. It relaxes me physically and disinhibits me. It is able to turn me from "mute boy" into a very outgoing, sociable person.
However, it has side effects. It makes me drowsy. It builds dependence and tolerance when taken long-term. It damages cognition, learning, and memory. It makes me extremly drowsy.
I take it on weekends only.
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About Treatment Experiences
The individual experiences about treatment for social anxiety disorder (social phobia) are not a substitute for medical advice.
You should always consult a qualified health care professional before beginning, changing or stopping a treatment.
