Hi, everyone. I was diagnosed 6 months ago with LPR and given proton pumps, which didn't work. My only symptom is a gasping for breath and an inability to breathe. I have found that Klonopin relieves the symptoms, but I know it can be addictive so I am wondering if there is anything else. My latest doctor diagnosed me with Laryngeal Sensory Neuropathy and Vocal Chord Paresis caused by a virus and he said that can be treated with nerve drugs. So he started me on Elavil, which made my breathing worse! He may try neurotic next. I'm frustrated, scared, and would like to know--is it possible to safely take one Klonopin a day for years? It's the only thing that seems to be helping me.

Thanks, thanks.

Hi Cline, welcome.

First, I think it's important to understand the difference between addiction and dependence.

Briefly, dependence is the body's becoming acclimated to the presence of a substance whose discontinuation or reduction can cause symptoms of physical withdrawal.

Addiction is a psychological manifestation characterized by behaviors that may include impaired control over substance use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.

Also important is the term/concept of tolerance, which is the body's becoming accustomed to the presence of a substance over time, requiring increasing dosage to acheive the same effects.

Definitions Related to the Use of Opioids for the Treatment of Pain: Consensus Statement of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Pain Society, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine

That said/established, most medications used in the treatment of neuropathy cause dependence. Some of them have the potential for addiction, including Klonopin/clonazepam.

Klonopin (clonazepam) is one of a class of medications called benzodiazepines.
Klonopin/clonazepam has other longterm effects as well.
Effects of long-term benzodiazepine use

There are alternative medications, but that will likely have to be a trial & error process, and as mentioned above, most will cause dependence (but not necessarily addiction).

I hadn't heard (that I recall) of Laryngeal Sensory Neuropathy prior to this thread, and in looking it up, I found this article, which may/may not be of help/interest to you.

Chronic cough from laryngeal sensory neuropathy (LSN)

Doc

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

Another cause may be from the thyroid. A nodule there, or goiter, can compress the nerve leading to the symptoms you have.

So that needs to be evaluated if you haven't done so already.

GERD however, is a very common cause, as well.

Welcome Cline.