[Biba_yu]

I was prescribed Rivotril (Clonazepam, known also as Klonopin) maybe a year ago, by neurologist, for severe anxiety. But I think now I have a lot of problems due to this medication. I took much less than I was subscribed. I was supposed to take 1mg twice a day, like 2mg pill a day, and I was taking only a quorter of pill a day, so 1/2 mg, in the evening, because it makes me drowsy and I fall asleep.
After months of use I feel different, not good at all. I became antisocial, sad, often angry and sad, I feel depressed, and when I am not sleeping under the dose, I feel even more anxious than ever before.
I also have physical problems, don't know if this is related to the drug but I sneeze a lot, all the time, and I am not sick, I have stomach issues, muscle and bone pain, trouble exercising, and lately my muscles are twitching especially on face and feet.
I found some researches that show that Klonopin can cause dementia, brain shrinking, and even Alzheimer disease! It's scary! Why doctors prescribe that?
Once years ago, I was trying to quit benzos on my own and it was HELL! And I was on much smaller doses for shorter time. I can't even describe the hell I went through and I was much younger and stronger back then.
I don't know what to do. Doctors are totally useless. Please, don't get offended but those I met just are.

[TheGal]

What else are you taking? I'm surprised the clonazepam is causing twitching.

And what's your diagnosis, if I might ask?

[Nammu]

It’s more likely that the severe anxiety is causing the twitching. You aren’t taking much of the medication.

[Biba_yu]

I was prescribed larger dose (1 mg), but I stayed at 0.5 mg because I remember how hard was to get off the Klonopin before, so I am scared. I am not sure if these symptoms are related to Klonopin but I found some scary stuff online about this drug. I am trying to decide if it's better to have high anxiety with panic attacks or to have side effects of Clonazepam.
I am pretty sure I am already addicted.
Diagnosis is anxiety, generalized and specific. And it affects my ability to sleep. Sometimes, I change it to Xanax because I got that one too, but I take it more rarely because I got only one month dose (because at the time I was at the peak of anxiety).

[TheGal]

I agree with Nammu, the dose isn't likely to cause twitching.

I have high levels of anxiety and take mirtazepine (Remeron) 30mg to help with both depression and anxiety. I take it in the evening/night and it does help me sleep.

Maybe you could discuss this medication with your doctor?

Also, check our Dr. Claire Weekes' book/audiobook "Hope and Help for Your Nerves". If you can't find it at the library and want a secondhand copy, then visit abebooks.com. There are also YouTube clips available.

Hope you feel better soon... and do speak to your doctor about your concerns, asap...