Does anyone take Klonopin as a sleep aid?

gleechick609
gleechick609 Posts: 544 Member
edited December 16 in Health and Weight Loss
Just wondering if anyone else on this site takes Klonopin (Clonazepam) as a sleep aid? I haven't been able to sleep for 5-6 months and have tried every remedy and OTC med in the books (if you name it, I have probably tried it). I give myself 8-9 hours for sleep every night but my body doesn't want to fall asleep until 2 am and I need to be up at 6 am for work. Not sleeping is affecting everything (job, moods, weight, relationships, stress)

I went to my doctor and he prescribed me Klonopin before bed to help with sleep (because it helps promote the stages of sleep)

Just curious if anyone else has taken/takes this and could provide any feedback? I have only been on the medication since last Friday and I have no idea if it is working or not.

Replies

  • cakeums
    cakeums Posts: 228 Member
    I have only taken it for anxiety, so this probably isn't that helpful, but I do think I would have been able to go to sleep if I had taken it at bedtime. I have a tough time falling asleep too and medications like ambien and soma haven't worked for me in the past. Do you know if there is a reason he prescribed that vs. valium? I only ask because I hear of valium being used more widely than klonopin.
  • Julie0529
    Julie0529 Posts: 1
    I've been taking it for anxiety for over a year. I'm sure it helped me fall asleep in the beginning. I will say that it is addicting. I'm in the process of getting off of it...another week or two. When I don't take it, I feel horrible. I can't believe your Dr. prescribed it....but I guess they think they know best....be careful.
  • jennifershoo
    jennifershoo Posts: 3,198 Member
    Benzodiazepines are highly addictive. They work, but you'll get hooked. Also, over time, the same dose won't work anymore and you'll have to take more and more.
    I also suffer from insomnia, I understand you. Try something more natural like melatonin or 5-htp or tryptophan or GABA (only one of them, NOT all together). Try adding more magnesium to your diet. Most people are magnesium deficient and don't even know it. I suggest you do a thorough search on supplements. It's important to know what you can take and what to avoid taking to avoid interactions in your body. If you don't already eat a clean organic diet with no processed food and zero junk food, then do it.
  • november03
    november03 Posts: 205 Member
    Klonopin is not a typical med to prescribe as a sleep aid....... There are many other meds out there to try first.

    I started taking Magnesium 2 days ago. One of my good friends started it a couple weeks ago and has had great results.

    Cherry juice also helped me a great deal....2 tablespoons mixed with water...heat it up and drink 1 hour before bed.

    Google both and see what you think.
  • Bookers23
    Bookers23 Posts: 187 Member
    From medical professional point of view. Be careful, dependency comes fast and easy. I am not saying addiction but rather tolerance and dependency. There are far better options. Also klonopin is a longer acting med. same family of meds including Ativan and Xanax are much faster acting and stay in system for shorter periods, less morning drowsiness. They also act faster resulting in quicker onset of sleep. Again, start small. Give magnesium a shot or other non benzo alternatives. It's a slippery road. Good luck!
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