Smoothing the waves: klonopin’s effect on anxiety is powerful. Benzodiazepines (benzo’s)…they’re heaven sent and a curse at the same time.
I’m currently on Klonopin (Clonazepam) right now. Subsequently, I’ve been taking it since March or April 2024.
I was on it years ago and became addicted to it. Therefore, that’s the curse part of benzo’s. They’re heaven sent because they work quickly.
Some might say they like them becuase of the “euphoria” feeling you get from them. I use it how it’s supposed to be used when my anxiety becomes overbearing.
Defining benzodiazepines, they are a class of medications that slow down activity in your brain and nervous system.
They’re most often used for treating anxiety and related mental health conditions, as well as brain-related conditions like seizures.
These medications are tightly regulated and are only available with a prescription. Now, you have to give the pharmacy your driver’s license to get them.
Clonazepam for Anxiety
Smoothing the waves: klonopin’s effect on anxiety is beneficial. As I have said, I use Clonazepam for my anxiety. Years ago when I first tried it, I was hooked on the “euphoria” feeling and it was stopped suddenly.
That was a no-no. You want to taper off of it. Obviousely, I had a doctor who didn’t know what she was doing. I was plunged into hell.
Besides the depression, schizophrenia and then the anxiety coming back full force, I was a complete mess. Taking away the Clonazepam suddenly was irresponsible.
I don’t even remember if she even put me on anything else. So, I went into a deep depression…in and out of the hospital until I finally changed doctors.
Clonazepam Uses
Clonazepam is used for the acute treatment of panic disorder, epilepsy, and nonconvulsive status epilepticus.
The drug also has many off-label indications, including restless leg syndrome, acute mania, insomnia, and tardive dyskinesia
It is a good med for when I used to have those sleepless nights. It puts me to sleep every night. And, once again, it is helping with the anxiety.
Clonazepam Side Effects
Common side effects
Smoothing the waves: klonopin’s effect on anxiety has it’s drawbacks. These common side effects of clonazepam happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Likewise, disturbed sleep (such as vivid dreams), feeling sleepy (drowsy) in the daytime, feeling light-headed, unsteady or dizzy, muscle weakness.
Keep taking the medicine, but speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
Serious Side Effects
It happens rarely, but some people can have serious side effects when taking clonazepam.
Call a doctor or call 111 now if:
- firstly, the whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin – this could be a sign of liver problems
- you see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations) or think things that are not true (delusions)
- thirdly, you have problems with your coordination or controlling your movements
- you have swollen ankles, a racing heartbeat, a cough and feel tired – this could be a sign of heart problems
- you bruise easily, feel tired, have nosebleeds and have breathlessness – this could be a sign of blood problems
- lastly, you notice mood changes such as talking more than usual or feeling overexcited, restless, irritable or aggressive – these side effects are more likely in children or if you’re over 65
What Does Clonazepam do to Your Brain?
At length, it works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Key facts
- Firstly, for panic disorder and restless legs syndrome, clonazepam should take around 1 hour to start working.
- The most common side effect of clonazepam is feeling sleepy (drowsy) during the daytime. Do not drive or ride a bike if this happens to you.
- It’s possible to get addicted to clonazepam, but it’s not likely to be addictive if you take it for a short time (2 to 4 weeks).
- Lastly, if you take clonazepam for more than 2 to 4 weeks, your dose will need to be reduced gradually before you stop taking it.
If You Take Too Much
Smoothing the waves: klonopin’s effect on anxiety is helpful. The amount of clonazepam that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.
Adverse reactions associated with misuse may include:
- Firstly, Abdominal pain.
- Amnesia.
- Anorexia.
- Fourthly, Anxiety.
- Aggression.
- Poor muscle control.
- Blurred vision.
- Additionally, Confusion.
- Depression.
- Impulsivity.
- Disorientation.
- In addition, Dizziness.
- Euphoria.
- Inability to concentrate.
- Impaired memory.
- Also, Indigestion.
- Irritability.
- Muscle pain.
- Slurred speech.
- Tremors.
- Lastly, Vertigo
Klonopin 1 mg
I used to take 1mg of Klonopin each day, but now I’ve cut that in half (.5mg) because I’m getting symptoms that I’m taking too much.
I’ve had this experience with another similar med and I had to cut that one in half. It’s really weird, my jaw gets really tight and I clench my teeth together.
Don’t ask me why, but I find taking less of it helps. My body is weird. I get a side effect from one med that is really rare to get (like dyskinesia).
Once you get “hooked” on benzo’s, you have to keep taking an increase to get the “euphoria” feeling. I decided this time around, I wasn’t going to go down that road.
Least Addictive Benzodiazepine
Smoothing the waves: klonopin’s effect on anxiety is too short lived.
According to a 2000 article in the AAFP, oxazepam, clorazepate, and chlordiazepoxide may have lower reinforcing effects than other benzodiazepines and are therefore less addictive.
- Oxazepam: Also known as Serax
- Clorazepate: Also known as Tranxene
- Chlordiazepoxide: Also known as Librium
Also, other factors that can affect how addictive a benzodiazepine is include:
Potency
Higher potency benzodiazepines, like alprazolam (Xanax), can lead to physical dependence more quickly than lower potency benzodiazepines
Half-life
Especially short-acting benzodiazepines have a shorter half-life, which means they leave the body faster.
This can lead to more withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug, because your body has less time to adjust.
Long-acting benzodiazepines have a longer half-life, which can lead to a “hangover” effect, but fewer withdrawal problems
Long-Term Effects of Clonazepam Use
Smoothing the waves: klonopin’s effect on anxiety has long-term effects. As previously mentioned, clonazepam—and benzodiazepines, in general—are intended for short-term use.
In fact, the drug’s effectiveness beyond 9 weeks of use is unknown.
Long-term clonazepam use may result in certain adverse health effects, including impairments in learning and memory and even dementia.
However, this information is based primarily on a small number of studies with patients who use therapeutic doses.
We do know, however, that regular clonazepam use can lead an individual to develop a tolerance to it, meaning the individual needs larger doses to achieve the desired effect.
Physiological Dependence
Additionally, an individual, who takes clonazepam regularly for extended periods may develop physiological dependence.
Wherein their body becomes so used to having the drug present that when they abruptly discontinue use or significantly reduce their dose, withdrawal symptoms surface.
Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Individuals who take higher doses over a longer period are at risk of experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Clonazepam withdrawal may include:
- Firstly, Anxiety.
- Irritability.
- Thirdly, Insomnia.
- Tremors.
- Headache.
- Additionally, Depression.
- Sweating.
- Confusion.
- Hallucinations.
- Lastly, Seizures.
Benzos and Alcohol
Smoothing the waves: klonopin’s effect on anxiety is unbelievable.
While any type of polysubstance use is risky, it’s particularly dangerous to mix benzodiazepines with other depressants such as alcohol, which also works on the GABA neurotransmitter.
Since both substances suppress respiratory activity and increase sedation, the combined impact can have severe respiratory effects
Effects of combining alcohol and benzos can also include:
- Firstly, Drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Impaired motor control.
- Unusual behavior.
- Additionally, Memory problems.
- Enhanced risk of injury, falls, driving accidents, violence, and risky sexual behavior.
- Increased risk of alcohol or substance use disorders.
- Slow or difficult breathing and central nervous system depression.
- Lastly, Increased risk of overdose, damage to the brain and other organs, chronic disease, and death.
Research also shows that compared to those with a single substance use disorder, those who misuse multiple substances may have higher rates of:
- Firstly, Suicide attempts.
- Arrests and incarceration.
- Financial and legal problems.
- Lastly, Severe medical and psychiatric comorbidities.
Weaning Off Clonazepam
If you are on Clonazepam and are planning to get off of it, ALWAYS taper off of it. Don’t let your doctor not do that like my doctor did to me.
Hence, you will go to hell and stay there for an expendent amount of time. With any benzo, taper off of it.
During a Klonopin taper, a plan will be made to ensure your body can handle the reduction in medication you’re about to experience.
Usually, professionals follow a typical formula for this process which includes decreasing your dose by 25% each quarter of the withdrawal period—or sometimes per week.
Sum It All Up
Smoothing the waves: klonopin’s effect on anxiety is so profound. So, benzodiazepines can be very helpful, especially with anxiety, but if you’re getting off of it , don’t just stop taking it. Taper off of it.
And the one bad thing with benzo’s is that they are highly addictive. If you don’t have the proper mindset beforehand, don’t take it.
This time around, I made the conscious decision beforehand that no matter what, I wasn’t going to get addicted to it, even if I had to cut back on the dosage.
And I just take the half a pill when I really need it because of the anxiety is getting bad. So, that’s the take on benzodiazepines (Clonazepam). Until next time…
Articles About Clonazapam
-Clonazepam: 7 things you should know
-Klonopin Vs. Ativan: Differences, Similarities, & Which to Take
-How Long Does Klonopin/Clonazepam Stay in Your System?
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy
“One Voice In The Vastness Of Emotions”
“Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.”— Arthur Somers Roche
“Anxiety is a lot like a toddler. It never stops talking, tells you you’re wrong about everything, and wakes you up at 3 a.m.”— Anonymous
“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.”— Kahlil Gibran
“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”— Steven Hayes
Interesting Posts
Why Are Benzodiazepines Good and Bad?(Opens in a new browser tab)
Alprazolam (Xanax)(Opens in a new browser tab)
The Quiet Strength: Embracing Social Withdrawal(Opens in a new browser tab)
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