Klonopin. How Slippery Of A Slope Are Benzodiazepines?

[Deleted member 37085]

Since 3/12 have been prescribed clonazePAM p.r.n. (generic for Klonopin) had it on hand yet did not like side effects (memory deficit, etc.) then changed primary physicians to a 20yr. army doc and he warned me recently that this drug will adversely effect memory which I'd experienced this side effect and is why I had it on hand yet would rarely take it.

Then about a month ago I weaned off both clonazePAM p.r.n. due to my own personal memory loss issues which was scary! Also weaned off hyrocodone p.r.n. which had been prescribed for car/bike crash permanent back, neck, knee injuries, etc. This drug also adversely affects memory and I was noticing a prominent loss of ability to retain short term memory information and also long term memory storage information as well.

I am utilizing natural supplements to help regarding anxiety, sleep issues, and panic as well. To each his/her own and for a time p.r.n. I needed above both prescriptions and now I do not. Perhaps I will again someday need either drug, but I hope not for I would prefer to have memory intact rather than the awful memory side effects of either drug. Again, to each his/her own and what works for one may not work for the other. I only hope everyone here is able to find relief from their anxiety, sleep, panic, etc. issues and I appreciate this thread, thank you. JJ

 

[Heather]

Its interesting because my psychiatrist and I have talked about addiction factor and he doesn't seem a bit concerned. I can take 1mg 3x a day if needed...rarely do I need that much. He is what my therapist refers to as old school.

I was seeing an aprn (she was younger/new school) who refused to give me a script for them and tried off label meds like neurontin (seriously?). It did nothing.

So I tracked down the old school psychiatrist and he put me back on it. I use it when I need it and right now I need it.

 

[Deleted member 37085]

Its interesting because my psychiatrist and I have talked about addiction factor and he doesn't seem a b...

As I already shared if and when I need either of the aforementioned drugs that I discontinued then I will take them period. And what is working for one is the most important part of the equation. No one can tell another what to/not to take because again what works for one may not work for another and vice versa. Wow, this OTC melatonin is making me oh so sleepy. May need to turn in here shortly. Jade

Wow, hope I didn't sound harsh, geez, @Heather, you take medication that's working you go girl. Jade

 

[Heather]

@JadesJewel. I hope you didn't misunderstand I was just talking about my own experience.

I tried the natural route...kava and a few others but I didn't find relief.

If it works for you...that's great. I wished the herbs worked for me.

I was more commenting on peoples response about how addictive it can be. And how 2 medical professionals have very different view of klonopin.

I take melatonin as well. It really helps me sleep.

 

[Deleted member 37085]

@JadesJewel. I hope you didn't misunderstand I was just talking about my own experien...

I certainly do understand @Heather, yes you were talking about your own personal experience. And, I'm just realizing that melatonin works for me when I lie down after I've taken them instead of fighting through sleepiness and gung ho starting cleaning of my home! WT Geez, when will I learn to lie down after taking melatonin after I start feeling sleepy, hmmm?

Yes, melatonin, magnesium (various means of utilizing same), and B6 are now my newest three besties, LOL! And not surprising that 2 docs have differing opinions on anything, LOL! Nigjt-night, or I will say Morning Heather. Jade

 

[RandyMac]

I started with Xanax several years ago, my Dr would prescribe a few at a time and not always when I asked for them.
When I started flipping out at work, Xanax worked, however my supply was very limited, not having them to lean on made things worse. I left my job after a series of nearly violent melt downs and was put on Ativan and Paxil. The Paxil sucked, I will get back to this at some point. So now I had big bottles of 2mg Ativan and soon it had it's hooks in deep, no Ativan, no sleep. My pill Doc gave me what I asked for, 2 and a half years later I knew I had to stop, it took me several months to finally kick Ativan.

 

[EmmaOwl]

Just remember that they do lose efficacy. So, the longer you use them, the less they work, and the more you need to take. Then, you hit the point where they will not work at all.

Just want to throw in here, this is not an inevitable scenario.
I've been on the same dose of xanax xr for more than 6 years now. It's a pretty high dose but it has not lost its efficacy. It works just as well as it did starting out.
I suggest you be careful, and discuss all these concerns with your doctor... but don't assume you're automatically going to become addicted and gain tolerance.

I think the time to worry would be if you felt the need to increase your dosage. From the original post, it sounds like your dose is well in hand. Just watch it if you feel like you need more. That's when you need to talk to your doctor and keep an eye out.

What's more of a worry is psychological dependence ... A lot of that is genetic. Physical dependence can be dealt with, with a good doctor tapering you off... but benzodiazepines carry similar risks that alcohol has - some can drink with little or no problems, but some cannot control themselves and become alcoholics.

I do wish I wasn't on the high dose of xanax that I am on now. Though my dose still works, I will most certainly need help from a doctor to get the stuff completely out of my system.

But - after all these years! - I'm working on it. I am finally in a position where behind-the-scenes med changes are now on the table. But, that's me, and as JadesJewel so wisely says:

to each his/her own and what works for one may not work for the other. I only hope everyone here is able to find relief

JadesJewel, thank you for your welcome dose of reality!

 

[ninja]

I take ativan as needed. And it has helped a lot. I've worried a little bit about developing a tolerance to it, or addiction but so far I have not had a problem. I save them for when I absolutely cannot cope on my own, or when I need to be functional in the outside world and I can't spend a lot of time talking myself down. I don't take it otherwise because I don't want to have to take more to feel an effect, and quite frankly I don't want to go on an SSRI, which is what would be suggested if I were to use too many of them too often. It has really saved my butt a few times.

 

[Panda Bear]

Ive been on .50mg for almost a year now and haven't gotten any more. Initially she gave me .50mg 2x a day, but I ended up with tons of extra pills. So now it's just .50mg 1x a day. The 30 day supply last about 3.5 months.

While I take 1/4tab at night, it's enough to help me fall asleep but not leave me feeling hung over or druged. I can't really take more than that! Once in a blue moon, there will be a string of bad days and I'll talk a 1/2 a pill. I'm sure I'll could even skip the 1/4tab, and do at times.

Needless to say, after a year, I'm not to worried about becoming addicted to them.

 

[Iamsensative]

I have been using klonopin for over 5yrs. I do not take this prescription lightly. I am terrified of addiction. I grew up with it, so i know the results. I have a drink occasionally. I am able to go off klonopin for a week and then go back on without side effects, i have times i take 3 times a day or not at all. But everyone is different, i know this because i have been on the medication merry go round for 6 yrs.

 

[EmmaOwl]

he warned me recently that this drug will adversely effect memory

Sometimes this is a welcome side effect, to me.

 

[Deleted member 37085]

Sometimes this is a welcome side effect, to me.

I so do understand this @Allie D. however, for me hon this drug (only for me) and hydrocodone combination was literally serioiusly stealing away my short term and messing also with my long term memory. This kinda made me nervous so I dc'd, again if I need them I will take them! Oh yes!:hug:lalalalalalala!:hug: