Clonazepam (Klonopin, Rivotril)

*Laurie* · 10:37 PM

I think we need to differentiate between 'addiction' and 'physical dependence'. I have never abused Klonopin, nor am I addicted to it. I take it exactly as prescribed. I don't have addiction issues, just don't have that tendency. I do, however, have a physical dependence upon Klonopin. That is, my body is so used to the daily Klonopin that if I don't take it, I have physical withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, I am weaning myself off the medication very slowly.

This is a good source: Is there a difference between physical dependence and addiction? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

A18793715 · Aug 01, 2015 at 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LauraBeth

I think we need to differentiate between 'addiction' and 'physical dependence'. I have never, ever, abused Klonopin, nor am I addicted to it. I take it exactly as prescribed. I don't have addiction issues, just don't have that tendency. I do, however, have a physical dependence upon Klonopin. That is, my body is so used to the daily Klonopin that if I don't take it, I have physical withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, I am weaning myself off the medication very slowly.

This is a good source: Is there a difference between physical dependence and addiction? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

This. Thank you!

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Vonnegutjunky · Aug 01, 2015 at 11:12 PM

If you do have a dependence to a medication is it really that big of a deal if it can give you a functional quality of life? I am on Paxil and I cannot come off of it - I end up in a fetal position in bed 24/7 if I don't take meds - I recently even had to increase my dosage - I tell you what - each day on my med without praying that I get cancer and die a quick death, beats any day off my meds wishing for cancer so I can die a quick and natural death- I can't image how may people's lives were spared and improved by ssri's and benzos - we only get to do it once - lets enjoy it

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Travelinglady · Aug 01, 2015 at 11:20 PM

I've taken it for a long time, and it's thought that's why I have trouble with my memory. I have gradually cut by dosage down by half, but my therapist says she thinks I should stay on it.

*Laurie* · Aug 02, 2015 at 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vonnegutjunky

If you do have a dependence to a medication is it really that big of a deal if it can give you a functional quality of life? I am on Paxil and I cannot come off of it - I end up in a fetal position in bed 24/7 if I don't take meds - I recently even had to increase my dosage - I tell you what - each day on my med without praying that I get cancer and die a quick death, beats any day off my meds wishing for cancer so I can die a quick and natural death- I can't image how may people's lives were spared and improved by ssri's and benzos - we only get to do it once - lets enjoy it

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Seems like it all depends upon who you ask that question of. In my experience most of us who are patients would rather have the benefits of the medication and live with the dependance. But MD's seem to find reasons to pull patients off meds when the patient is dependent. Some of the reasons my p-doc has stated are cognitive issues (true) and the concern that there is a potential for accidental overdose because of tolerance to the Klonopin (I think that's absurd...for one thing, I never mix benzos and alcohol). What it seems to me that MD's ignore is the very real danger of benzo or ssri withdrawal syndrome. The syndrome being a chronic state of disability due to withdrawal.

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Clonazepam (Klonopin, Rivotril)

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Travelinglady Legendary Wise Elder Member Since Sep 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 49,204 (SuperPoster!) 14 23.3k hugs given	Aug 01, 2015 at 11:20 PM #24 I've taken it for a long time, and it's thought that's why I have trouble with my memory. I have gradually cut by dosage down by half, but my therapist says she thinks I should stay on it.
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