Wellness

[Justholdingon]

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.

[stevieb]

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. 

[PhilaLady1]

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.

[curlygirl13]

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. 

[vsm]

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@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. 

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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.

[geezerette]

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.

[CatsyCline]

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!!

[Mint2]

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.

[moonandthestars]

@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?

[Justholdingon]

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.