Klonopin Dosage for Sleep Starts

[ZorkSnooker]

I have been on .5mg of Klonopin for a few months now. My neuro (who gives me all of the time in the world and who I respect and trust) prescribed this because I was having excessive sleep starts. I would fall asleep and jerk myself awake within seconds and this would go on all night. At this point, this has gone on for a year. I know some people on here have had troubles with this (Denise - I know you struggle with these as we've posted on this topic in the past). Anyway, I was having so much trouble getting to sleep that, after 2 sleep studies, I decided to take my neuro's advice and try the Klonopin. It works and I'm able to get to sleep with fewer jerks, but I am terrified of this drug. I keep reading things about the withdrawal and I'm so torn because either I take it and sleep (and then I'm afraid I'll be addicted) or I don't take it and jerk awake all night. I'm just wondering what people's thoughts are about this medication. I don't know if I'm reading too much into a few people's stories or if I should really just stop taking it. I have tried other meds (Trazodone, neurontin, Keppra) and natural remedies (I'm currently trying neurofeedback, I do yoga, shiatsu) and I've changed my diet (no caffeine, no dairy, no gluten), but nothing else seems to alleviate the problem and I really don't want to be on this med forever. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.Thanks,Sophia

 

[DJH621]

Ramona,I've never taken this particular drug but it is in the benzodiazepines family and I do take valium which, I believe is in the same family. I actually requested klonopin, but since I have a sleep study scheduled at the end of August they thought it best that I wait until after that to change my medication. Lack of sleep literally makes me sick; I wouldn't and haven't hesitated taking something when I need it. These sleep starts are really tough because you do fall asleep and then they wake you right up! What I do is take the least amount of whatever medication I need to sleep. I just spoke with the MD who set up my sleep study and he basically told me that "you need to sleep even if it requires taking something". I've always had trouble on and off with insomnia, but the sleep starts are the worse. I've always taken something in the benzodiazepine family to help during these times and just slowly weaned myself off of them. I've never had a problem with addiction. I took them prior to both of my pregnancies and easily quit when I knew I wanted to conceive, (even though I had a few sleepless nights). Maybe you could try to take half or 3/4 dose if you're concerned. I'm not familar with the dosages for Klonopin or how addictive it is. I commend you for trying the natural route; I did as well, it just didn't work for me. I still do the yoga, acupuncture, relaxation, etc., but, unfortunately need to supplement with a drug; I wish I didn't have to! Sorry that I couldn't be of more help. Best Wishes, Denise

 

[cindyandco]

Sophia: I took 1/2 to 1 mg of Ativan nightly for almost a year. When I was ready to wean off, I just reduced the dosage, then switched to something like benadryl. I didn't have any difficulty getting off. I still use it on an as need basis, which may be 2-3 times a month. I used to be terrified of becoming addicted. But, I have learned that sleep is so important with this syndrome. Whatever it takes to get your rest for a period of time do it. You'll be able to put it away when you need to - just follow what you doctor advises.BlessingsCindy

 

[ZorkSnooker]

Thank you for your replies and also for the pm's I received. I have decided to continue to follow the plan my doctor has set out in order to get to sleep. I completely agree that sleep is so important and if I have to take something right now, so be it.... Denise and Cindy - it really put my mind at ease to hear that you didn't have a lot of trouble getting off of these meds. Thank you!!