Does Clonazepam sedation go away?

[Vinny687]

I just took 1mg Clonazepam for GAD. My doc told me it lasts longer and is smoother than the Xanax I was taking. With the Clonazepam, I notice a decrease in anxiety but some sedation also. Does this side effect usually diminish over time? I know some benzos last longer than others, but do all benzos make you feel the same in terms of their therapeutic effect? Thanks guys.

-Vinny

[AmyLynn]

For me, the heavy sedation that clonazepam causes initially went away within the first two weeks of taking it.  Still seems to be working for me and I do get dizzy from it on occasion but that "can't keep your eyes open" feeling should go away.  Hope you're doing well.

Amy

[Vinny687]

For me, the heavy sedation that clonazepam causes initially went away within the first two weeks of taking it.  Still seems to be working for me and I do get dizzy from it on occasion but that "can't keep your eyes open" feeling should go away.  Hope you're doing well.

Amy

Hey Amy,

Thanks for your input. So, I guess your body just adjusts to it, which is good to hear. Thanks!

-Vinny

[morelaur88]

Vinny,
Yes your body adjusts to it pretty fast. I used to take klonopin (clonazepam) and it didn't have that sedating effect on me. It worked wonders helping my anxiety though! I take xanax now and I find that it has more of a sedating effect on me than the klonopin did and doesnt last as long. Klonopin has a longer half-life than xanax. But medications affect people differently. You might want to consider taking an SSRI with the klonopin if you don't already. I went through some pretty horrific withdrawals after stoping klonopin use. Not trying to scare you but your body can adjust too much to it. So much so that you will have to take more to get the desired effect. Balancing benzo use with antidepressants is very effective. I take zoloft and since being on it I haven't had to take as much xanax as I used to because the zoloft takes care of a lot of my anxiety. Just a suggestion. Good luck to you!

[Vinny687]

Vinny,
Yes your body adjusts to it pretty fast. I used to take klonopin (clonazepam) and it didn't have that sedating effect on me. It worked wonders helping my anxiety though! I take xanax now and I find that it has more of a sedating effect on me than the klonopin did and doesnt last as long. Klonopin has a longer half-life than xanax. But medications affect people differently. You might want to consider taking an SSRI with the klonopin if you don't already. I went through some pretty horrific withdrawals after stoping klonopin use. Not trying to scare you but your body can adjust too much to it. So much so that you will have to take more to get the desired effect. Balancing benzo use with antidepressants is very effective. I take zoloft and since being on it I haven't had to take as much xanax as I used to because the zoloft takes care of a lot of my anxiety. Just a suggestion. Good luck to you!

Hey, I've been taking Lexapro but it wasn't working very well, so my doc just switched me to the tricyclic Imipramine. I'm only on day 13, so I'm looking forward to balancing both the benzo and antidepressant, once it becomes effective. Thanks for the suggestion!

-Vinny

[morelaur88]

You are welcome!  Good luck! I hope that it works for you!! If not, you should try zoloft or another SSRI antidepressant. I've never tried anything else but the research I've read and professionals I've talked to have SWORN that SSRI's are the best for people with anxiety. So if this med doesn't work out for you definitely consider taking an SSRI. \

Wish you the best! It takes a while to get to that point, but you will find a combination that works best for you and when you do, you will find relief! It's worth the pursuit!

[MissKendra]

I've been on Clonazepam/Klonopin for over four years now. I somewhat remember having a small sedation effect for the first day or so after starting to take it, but it definitely went away pretty quick! Now I take it several times a day for my panic disorder and I've gotten fairly used to it. I hope it works for you! It has helped me a LOT but do be careful as it can be rather addictive.

[gypsyeyes]

I just started taking Clonazepam yesterday and I did not notice any sedation. I felt calmer, my thinking was clearer but I was not tired. I did not feel worried or anxious at all. I am very happy about that, I just hope it works for the long term!

[Irishmanwrites]

I took clonezapm for a short period as I got settle on an SSRI and it worked a treat. I had no sedation on it and no trouble getting of it.

You are on a very low dose. The "sedation" felt is as likely to be your mind playing tricks.

After a few days, I suspect you will confidently feel the side effects have disappeared and you are more relaxed.

[Perfectly_Imperfect]

I take the drug as needed (.25mg , just took my 1st pill yesterday after having the script for over a week) ... and it didn't make me sleepy but it made me feel comfortable, no restlessness, no jitters, etc. I've taken it in the past and at such a low dose the sedation isn't really bad ...

[Irishmanwrites]

Don't let sedation worries overcome you.

Think of it like this, a little bit of sedation and a lot of relief has to be better than a state of distress.