Anyone on Klonopin?

DFC1994
DFC1994 Member Posts: 163
edited June 2014 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

My Dr recently put me on Klonopin to help with anxiety and insomnia.So far so good. I have slept so much better on it. He started me out on 1mg and has slowly upped it to 2mg. I take it at bedtime only. Just wondering if anyone else is on it and it helps. It helps me cope better during the day even though I only take one at night.I have tried about every antidepressent there is but none helped and he decided to try the klonopin and I have had luck with that.

Thanks

Dee

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  • worldwatcher
    worldwatcher Member Posts: 205
    edited August 2011

    Dee, I am sending you a PM about klonopin.

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  • JacquiAL
    JacquiAL Member Posts: 54
    edited August 2011

    Worldwatcher,

    I am taking Clonazepam (generic for Klonopin).  I would appreciate any information you can give me about it.

    Thanks,

    Jacqui

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  • worldwatcher
    worldwatcher Member Posts: 205
    edited August 2011

    Jaqui, I am PMing the information to you.

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  • DebRox
    DebRox Member Posts: 437
    edited August 2011

    I'd like the info as well. Thanks

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  • worldwatcher
    worldwatcher Member Posts: 205
    edited August 2011

    Deb, check your private messages.

    Note: to anyone who is reading this thread, the reason I am not posting this publicly is because it's my personal experience and not necessarily for everyone to know unless you are specifically interested in klonopin.

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  • YramAL
    YramAL Member Posts: 1,651
    edited August 2011

    I took clonazepam several years ago during a stressful period in my life, before I had breast cancer. I only took it at night to help me sleep, and had no adverse side effects. I only took it for about a month.

    Mary 

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  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 1,632
    edited August 2011

    Technically, clonazepam is not really an antidepressant. It falls into the class of meds called benzodiazepines, which also makes it a controlled substance: similar to alprazolam/Xanax, lorazepam=generic Ativan and diazepam (brand name Valium).

    Very good drugs when used appropriately for anxiety, etc. 

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  • worldwatcher
    worldwatcher Member Posts: 205
    edited August 2011

    The benzos "if used appropriately" should be prescribed by a doctor who informs the patient that short-term usage  is recommended and that there is a possibility of dependency. 

     Mary, IMO a month is most likely in the safe range for avoiding dependency for most people. 

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  • momoschki
    momoschki Member Posts: 682
    edited August 2011

    Yes!  You can count me in as yet another Klonopin consumer-- I had terrible insomnia even before all the breast madness, and I have to say that it is remarkable that during the worst period of my life, I have slept the best.  No question I have the Klonopin to thank for that.  During the day I also sometimes take it, as needed, just to take the edge off.

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  • DFC1994
    DFC1994 Member Posts: 163
    edited August 2011

    momoschki,

    in almost 2 years the klonopin is the only thing that has helped me sleep. I just started it a couple months ago so you can imagine how many sleeples nights I have had in almost 2 years. i have never taken it during the day yet.The Dr said I could if need be but so far I have not.

    Love Dee

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  • Cat123
    Cat123 Member Posts: 296
    edited September 2011

    I, too, am taking Clonazepam but intermittently.  Is it addictive?  I really need it to help me sleep and to cope during the day.  I usually only take a half a pill.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited September 2011

    There is a some information about Klonopin (chemical name: clonazepam) on the main Breastcancer.org site.

    For more detailed information, including important Precautions and Side Effects details, check this article about Klonopin on the Mayo Clinic site.

    Judith and the Mods

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  • Katarina
    Katarina Member Posts: 386
    edited September 2011

    I've been taking 1mg Clonazepam (Klonopin) for 7 months. It has kept me sane and I don't suffer anxiety attacks...anymore.  I take 0.5 in the morning and then same in the evening. Low dosage but works for me. I tried valium and diazepam and they just weren't effective. - same drug family (Benzos).

    I sleep really well and get through anxious issues involved with treatment.

    I asked my Psychiatrist yesterday if it should be short term and go off at some point and she said it's not addictive and fine for long-term use, depending on the dosage, and if I need it.  She's UCSF graduate with 20years experience as an MD. I trust her knowledge.  

    I plan to stay low dosage but have the option to increase to 1.5mg a day if needed. I do know that you should never just stop using it and should be weaned off of it.

    Everyone has their own experience with it, so this is just my share and experience.

    Hugs,

    Kat 

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