topic Re: Clonazapam in Wellness

Clonazapam

Justholdingon — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:49:49 GMT

Does anyone have any experience with the medication clonazapam?

I was put on it for seizures, but one specialist doesn't want me on it because he says it's addictive and another specialist says it's fine as long as it works. I've read this medication can work, but may have to be upped in dosage as time goes by.

I'm confused.

Re: Clonazapam

stevieb — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:56:47 GMT

All drugs in this and many other classes have the potential for dependence and abuse, but they can be quite effective at treating the disorders for which they're prescribed when used as directed. The physician who prescribed this drug must have believed the advantages in controlling a seizure disorder outweighed any potential negatives. If you have questions, discuss it with the doctor that prescribed it. Perhaps there are alternatives or perhaps he or she felt this was your best option.

Re: Clonazapam

PhilaLady1 — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:02:10 GMT

Best advice is to go with what your doctor says. However, please be aware that my husband goes to the VA medical hospital and knows a group of guys that go to a Veterans Administration clinic. The VA is taking them off of Clonazapam slowly. Some of these folks are having a difficult time because it had been prescribed to them for a long while and now they are very addicted. Their VA doctors will no longer prescribe this drug. I would say take ONLY last resort when needed, but of course I am no medical professional.

Re: Clonazapam

curlygirl13 — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:04:32 GMT

I have been on Clonazapam (Klonopin) for 8 years. My dr said when it's time for me to go off I will have to wean, as it is an addictive drug. I take .5 mg a day.

Re: Clonazapam

vsm — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 17:49:02 GMT

@stevieb wrote:
All drugs in this and many other classes have the potential for dependence and abuse, but they can be quite effective at treating the disorders for which they're prescribed when used as directed. The physician who prescribed this drug must have believed the advantages in controlling a seizure disorder outweighed any potential negatives. If you have questions, discuss it with the doctor that prescribed it. Perhaps there are alternatives or perhaps he or she felt this was your best option.

Yours is the perfect answer, @stevieb, and thank heavens you were knowledgeable and kind enough to give it. No one with a seizure disorder who's confused about being prescribed an addictive drug to control it should be seeking medical advice on a shopping channel board.

Re: Clonazapam

geezerette — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:06:58 GMT

I've used it on and off for the last five years. My doctor prescribed it for me when my husband died. I use it only at night when I can't sleep--maybe once or twice a week. But I cut a .5 mg pill in half and only take half.

My doctor prescribed this over other drugs since he felt that it's safer and not a problem the way I use it. But he does limit the quantities he gives me.

I also recommend talking to the doctor that prescribed this for you if you are leery of possible problems.

Re: Clonazapam

CatsyCline — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 19:02:58 GMT

i was on Klonopin years ago, for anxiety. it didnt really help that well. got off it by cutting the tabs on half.

the pills i got were blue. funny thing, i could chew them and there was no taste at all. maybe they were placebos!!

Re: Clonazapam

Mint2 — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 20:42:36 GMT

I have been taking Clonzapam for over 30 years for restless leg syndrom. No addiction problem for me. My dose is 1.5mg at bedtime.

Re: Clonazapam

moonandthestars — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:05:17 GMT

@Justholdingon You've received some really good replies here.

I would advise talking more to both the doctors - ask about the pro's and con's and if there are alternatives. For the doctor in favor of this drug - find out why (s)he would choose this verses the alternatives. For the one against, I would find out what alternative drug he/she would recommend and why. Also you indicated they are both specialists - do they both have the same specialty?

Re: Clonazapam

Justholdingon — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 22:40:17 GMT

I AM going to speak to the specialist who prescribed me the medication and if there are any alternatives for it. I was just wondering if anybody had any experiences with it. I was not asking for advice and certainly wouldn't follow up on the advice given by non medical shopping channel members.

Both doctors are neurologists ,but one is more specialized and one is more general. They are trying to work together as my case is rather complicated.

Thank you all for your thoughts on this and for not being sarcastic and mean.

Re: Clonazapam

pieman — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 22:46:32 GMT

@Justholdingon

Hi Just,,

I've used it for years, its a very good med.

For me its used as an "off shelf drug" meaning it can be used for other problems.

I myself don't use it for seizures/

Mine is 05.mg and I snap it in half as I fine I don't need the full strength.

Its in what they call the BENZO category, which can become addictive if taken advantage of.

Many physicians are fearful of even writing scripts for them anymore, so its good that you found one who knows the pill and isn't going to let the system dictate what his or her patients are in need of...

Take the drug, as I said, unless you decided to feast on them like M&M's you should be fine with them. Its an old drug, been around for a long time.

Your physician will keep tabs on you.

You will hear horror stories about whatever you take these days, even Tylenol for goodness sakes...

I wish you well, don't be nervous.........Feel better...

Re: Clonazapam

chrystaltree — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:20:00 GMT

Go with what the doctor who prescribes the Clonazapam says. You can tell him or her what that other doctor said but, the prescribing physician is the one in charge. You can also ask that they consult with each other since you are getting conflicting information.

Re: Clonazapam

NYCLatinaMe — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:46:53 GMT

@Justholdingon I have never taken that medication, but have taken at times pain medication that many people find addictive and have had zero problem quitting them when I no longer needed them. IMO, in making the decision of what to take, consider your own history and that of other close relatives with regards to addiction. Don't assume you will have a problem if you have not had it before!

Re: Clonazapam

Trailrun23 — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:58:47 GMT

It is classified as a controlled substance and like many other drugs in its class, can be addictive. Epilepsy can be difficult to control. Never stop taking any prescribed drug for seizures without first talking to your doctor. Stopping them cold turkey can trigger a seizure. They will wean you off of it in a specific way if necessary or if they want to put you on a different seizure drug. I take lorazapam, also in the controlled substance class, as a rescue med when an aura occurs. I take two newer meds for seizure control that are not addictive. There are many new seizure drugs now; they are expensive but worth it. No ambulance trips is worth the price. Clonazapam and lorazapam are both old-school drugs used for seizures but also for anxiety, etc.They are generic names for other brand name anxiety drugs. I would try whatever your dr prescribes and go from there. Taking it doesn't necessarily mean you will be addicted to it, but definitely voice your concerns to your dr.

Re: Clonazapam

Trailrun23 — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:29:39 GMT

Taking this drug for seizures may not be the reason the VA men had it prescribed. I know many drugs that are classed as controlled substances are no longer being prescribed by the VA.

Controlled substances are still required for many for seizure control, at the lowest dosage possible, and with monitoring by a physician. Changing the drug requires weaning off of it, also with a physician's supervision.

Re: Clonazapam

Sage04 — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:24:19 GMT

@Justholdingon wrote:

I AM going to speak to the specialist who prescribed me the medication and if there are any alternatives for it. I was just wondering if anybody had any experiences with it. I was not asking for advice and certainly wouldn't follow up on the advice given by non medical shopping channel members.
Both doctors are neurologists ,but one is more specialized and one is more general. They are trying to work together as my case is rather complicated.
Thank you all for your thoughts on this and for not being sarcastic and mean.

@Justholdingon I read your Post a few times looking to see where you asked for advice. I guess some people interepret things differently.

Really hope that both Doctors can come up with something that will work for you.

By the way, is that medication working for you?

Re: Clonazapam

Nonametoday — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:33:36 GMT

I have gone from klonazepam to gabapentin, lyrica and oxcarbazepine. I think you can become addicted or your condition can become resistant to these drugs and you might need to be switched to something as effective but different. However, as long as it is preventing seizures, I might be inclined to stay on it. I am on oxcarbazepine and have been for several years. It works for me.

I don't worry about addiction at this point. Anything that crosses the blood-brain barrier such as steroids, benzodiazepines (of which klonazepam is one) can become addictive and one must taper off gradually, but I think you should discuss with the professionals. Please consider that before making any adjustments in your routine.

May G-d bless and keep you in control whatever decision is made by you and your physician(s).