I know there are many people who have had problems with Klonopin, and for them I am truly sorry. For me, it is the only medicine in my entire fifty years of life that has put a stop to the anxiety attacks which lasted four days, and came every two weeks. I read on here how some have been put on Klonopin and left on it for years and years, that is clearly a misuse of the drug. For me, it has saved my life. I can think again, I can make long term plans again.
Steve
Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is always good to hear what works for people and to find out how they are coping.
Have there been any additional behavior strategies that you have used to help you cope with your anxiety?
Eileen
Yes, Ellen, I practiced religious what I learned in David Burn's book The Feeling Good Handbook. The lessons I learned in that book have helped me tremendously. I was also blessed with an excellent therapist. I also practice meditation, and as a religious person, I pray several times a day.
Thanks!
Steve
hi steve., i am happy to hear that the klonopin helped you so fast., however, when i first started to take it, it took a little while to set in., i took it with zoloft<depression. my doctors never took me off it.
i have been on for 13 yrs., 2mg 3 times a day!! i am beggining to wonder what the long term effects are. however, it has helped me for many yrs., i think it does not work that well anymore., ......
i have suffered from panic attacts since i was 13 yrs old., i am 49., it was only in 1993 that i started to take meds., aka , klonopin and zoloft. so i suffered many years., now, it comes and goes., it still limits me to do certain things., i guess it works in differernt ways on certain people. who knows., all i know is i am tired all the time., and i dont like it... thanks for listening ., sincerely, donna lyn in vegas
Hi Donna Lynn
I hope you are seeing a doctor regularly. There are long term effects of Klonopin use, but I'll be honest with you. When the doctor the first time I took it years ago said, "it will lower your intelligence." My response was "what good is an intelligence I can't use?"
There can be problems. This article should help a little. It's by doctor for doctors, but you can still learn a lot. Talk to your doctor too.
Hope that helps a little.
steve
hi steve., thank you so much for sending me the information i was loooking for., i read the whole page., it gave me some insight on how benzos work, etc.... however, i cant help but wonder after 13 years of taking this particular med."klonopin", 3 times a day. 2 mg., (never take more), if it has harmed me in some way physically? i have a few other health related problems going on., i have copd, and i have premature aterial flutter...paf... i take meds for that, too., i take cardia and atenolol. and crestor for cholest.
so, i am worried. i see a dr. (therapist) once every like 3 months., he talks to me for like 5 minutes., then asks about the meds., how i feel., and just continues with the same meds..... i do not have enough money to see a really great dr. i go to a clinic that goes on a sliding scale. all i can do right now.,
anyway., i appreciate so very much your trying to help. i will see him again in "june". hopefully, he can either change the meds. or something., it can not be a good thing, to be on klonopin for so many years., without any danger? i am scared., tired., and not feeling as good as i used to ., the past 5 yrs., i slowly feel as if i am getting worse as far as my physical condition and mental condition.. i try to be upbeat., but i have really not much energy.
wow., this is a long letter. sorry!
thanks again., a friend in las vegas., donna lyn
Hi donna,
Just reponding to your meesage to Steve. I am in a similar situation. anxiety and panic attacks for nearly 12 years now, the stigma of seeing a "shrink was difficult. and to be honest, the first therapist I say did not help at all... I decide to self medicate with xanax. It worked great for several years and now has little effect on me. Recently I've bee put on Klonopin and prozac by a psychiatrist. I am looking forward to a positive transition to some medication that will help again. I'd like to not be afraid of sudden attacks... and the depression and guilt of the why is this happening to me??
So all in all I'd like to advise you to try something new. I believe waiting only prolongs your anxiety.
Have a Happy Day. People care.
Best Regards
Christie
Thank you for your positive outlook on how the medication has worked for you. Its been difficult lately for me to transition from xanax, I tried reducing the amount is was taking then tried to completely stop. I believe once a person has experienced such extreme anxiety that the medication is need for the rest of our lives. For some time I was not under the care of a doctor but now I have seen both a L.C.S.W and and phychiatrist. Not any easy task once youve been a self medicator. Ive been given Klonopin and Prozac, and look forward to a wonderful outlook on life as you have achieved.
Thank u & God Bless
Christie
I just started taking it and i feel amazing! my mind is always non stop worrying and it effects every aspect of my life! i really hope it works the same for me as for you! How many milligrams did you take? it has made me so less stress free and no more anxiety attacks! are there any side effects? ive realized im not always that hungry anymore.. always a plus for me!
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2013 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
10 Things You Need to Know About Anxiety Medication 
7 Things Anxiety Sufferers Would Like their Family and Friends to Know 
7 Ways Your Body Says 'You're Stressed' 
16 Ways to Stop Stressing Out 
Steve
Thanks so much for sharing your story. It is always good to hear what works for people and to find out how they are coping.
Have there been any additional behavior strategies that you have used to help you cope with your anxiety?
Eileen