Anyone using Clonazepam for neuropathic pain?
 

Has it been helpful?

Never tried clonazepam. But I do have lorazepam (similar drug) that I use very rarely for anxiety issues. I hadn't used the lorazepam in several months, but took it last night due to a stressful situation. Today, I'm feeling better than I have in a while. I have noticed in the past that this drug does seem to help. Unfortunately, not something that's very good for long term/daily use.

That's what my doc said but if it brings relief the addiction might be worth it. I might be able to use it on the worse days only. Maybe once or twice a week. That way I'd avoid some of the addiction issues etc.

clonazepam
 

I've used clonazepam for anxiety and sleep over the years. Since I've developed the neurological disorder and pain disorder I've noticed that if I take a bigger dose it has sometimes eased the pain. At times dramatically. Not sure if it's because your muscles relax and nerves are therefore calmed too or what. Re addiction I've successfully come off clonazepam three times in the past. If you're determined and focused I don't think it's an issue and definitely worth a go.

Thank you for sharing your experience. That's all good to know. At my age addiction is less of an issue then for someone in the prime of life. I was wondering if for sleep issues you took it at bedtime or did you take it earlier for the anxiety lowering effect?

The addiction potential is one thing. But, the benzo's also tend to require larger and larger doses to have the same effect. And, there could be a rebound effect (trading improvement now for worsening of symptoms once it wears off).

It's certainly something you could try, as another "tool" to be used occasionally. Just go in with with the understanding that it is a tool to be used with care.

As for the addiction, I used the lorazepam regularly for a while and had to come back off. Not fun, but not nearly as bad as coming off gabapentin was for me.

Thanks for the information. I'm going to keep it in mind.

clonazepam
 

I take it about 30 minutes before bed with Melatonin too. I'm also on Nortriptyline for the pain and the pain specialist suggested taking a bigger dose at night. So I take 50mg in the a.m and 100mg at p.m. Think I've slept a bit better since, maybe because it holds the pain down during the night. Had been waking every 2 to 3 hrs due to pain.

Totally agree re addiction with clonazepam - not a major problem compared to trying to manage neuropathic pain. Hope you get some good results if you try it.

Although sometimes prescribed to relieve neuropathic pain, the class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines - which includes Clonazepam (aka Klonopin) can also cause neuropathy like symptoms.

If you've been taking Clonazepam prior to the start of neuropathy you may want to look into this being the reason.

Do not suddenly stop taking clonazepam. The withdrawal can be severe and a taper plan needs to be put in place.

Here's a link to more explanation:

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/in...?topic=48613.0

For further info try searching "benzodiazepine causing nerve pain"

I've never used it before. Thanks for that info.

There is another thing to consider besides the good information so far posted on this thread.

That is AGE. As people age, their kidney functions go down, and become less efficient. The elderly therefore need dosage adjustments to be lower than normal people would get.

You need to find out if your kidneys are working properly, to avoid a build of up the drug in your system which will cause serious consequences. Many insurance programs will stop an RX for a benzo for an elderly patient, and require a pharmacist's override (which takes responsibility), or a call to the doctor to verify the dose, or discussion with the doctor, before giving it to you.

I have regular kidney function tests but again I'm holding off on using it until I look further.