Klonopin is indeed very addictive. I personally think it's okay to take it occasionally as a PRN, if you're having especially severe symptoms one day a week or something, but it sounds like this might not be the med for you.

From what you describe, you have debilitating anxiety day in and day out. It might be worth talking to your pdoc about a different type of drug. Beta blockers might help with the racing heart and some of the other symptoms. There are other anti anxiety drugs out there as well.

Have you tried any cognitive behavioral therapy? There are exercises to help center you and minimize the degree to which the anxiety spirals out of control. That would be my recommendation, as there's no risk of addiction.

Wishing you peace and healing.

ETA: it is safe to take 0.5 mg every day and some on these boards do it. The problem is that you may become physically dependent on it. However, your functioning sounds so poor right now that it might be worth the risk of physical dependence. Only you and your doctor can make that decision.

Klonopin is a longer acting drug so it doesn't surprise me that it took a couple of hours to kick in. The benefit is that it lasts longer than other drugs. Be careful whatever you decide to do.