Is clonazepam really addictive?

37-year-old woman7 years ago
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37-year-old woman · 7 years ago
Hello I am a 30 year old female with ADHD and extreme anxiety. I am currently taking concerta 72 kg, strattera 60 mg and effexor 150 mg. I was already prescribed clonazepam a small base dose at first for my anxiety in the emergency room and when I saw my doctor she said she would rather give me something else because this medication is addictive. At first she tried escitalopram but I didn't see any effect so she gave me effexor. It's good but it doesn't calm me down as much as clonazepam ... I feel constantly "speeded up", I panic at nothing. I talk constantly and when I took clonazepam (mini dose) I felt more "zen" and thoughtful ... Is clonazepam really addictive even if I take the same dose (small dose) all my life? If not, is there another similar drug that is not addictive? Because I don't mind taking a big dose of effexor that doesn't change much and doesn't calm me down as well as taking a small dose of clonazepam that works? Last thing is clonazepam dangerous in the long run? In fact my father in law took it for years and from one day to the next his doctor made him stop and he doesn't understand why...? Thank you in advance for your answer!
Claude Tourigny-Gauvin · 7 years ago
Hello,
For your first question, yes clonazepam creates a psychological dependence, that is to say that we can feel a feeling of withdrawal like cigarettes when we don't take our regular dose. Also, it creates a physical dependence, which is seen by the fact that the medication is not as effective as it was at the beginning and that the dose must be increased in the long term. The problem with this family of drugs is that they work quickly but cause problems over time.
To answer your second question, antidepressants like effexor are, I believe, the best class to help you. They may help you more in the long run than drugs like clonazepam. It is not uncommon, unfortunately, to have to try a few molecules before finding the right one that works for you. I suggest that you discuss this with your pharmacist. He or she can look at the different pharmacological options that are appropriate for you and send a request to your doctor.
To answer your third question, yes, taking clonazepam over the long term is not without risk. In addition to what I mentioned earlier, this type of medication can cause memory problems and confusion in older people. I can't tell you if your father-in-law's doctor has stopped the medication for this, but it is a possibility.
Thank you for asking your question and I hope I was able to help you.

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