Posted by Quintal on December 10, 2006, at 22:28:12
In reply to Does clonazepam lose effectiveness over time?, posted by Guy on December 10, 2006, at 15:10:31
I used clonazepam for about five years almost continuously. I took it to help with social anxiety and I found it was the most effective med out of all I tried for that problem. I didn't notice the depressive effects many people seem to experience during long-term treatment, but I was taking some powerful ADs during that time. I did become very emotionally unstable and suicidal one time after withdrawing when I went back on it. The life circumstances may have been contributing to that though.
My usual dose varied between 2-4mg. I did abuse it though toward the end and was taking about 20mg for a short while this time last year.
I think it was still quite effective. Besides, if clonazepam does lose effectiveness you can usually regain your tolerance by lowering the dose temporarily or taking regular 'drug holidays'.
>Looking back, however, I'm wondering if I just panicked because I missed a night of sleep...perhaps it was still working OK and I should have stayed on it.
That may well be true. Clonazepam didn't help with my insomnia beyond a few weeks and I took additional sleep aids at night. You are likely to build tolerance to the sedation, but this is usually viewed in a positive light when benzos are being used to treat daytime anxiety. It can sometimes be mistaken for loss of efficiency.
If you are suffering badly I would recommend you try it again.
Good luck.
Q
poster:Quintal
thread:712213
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061206/msgs/712363.html