So, I’ve been diagnosed with MdDS, but it’s still possible I might suffer from MAV/vestibular migraines. Anyway, my neurologist is about to start me on daily Klonopin, as it’s more or less the only effective treatment for MdDS. What I’m wondering is, have any of you with a definitive MAV diagnosis found relief with Klonopin? I’m quite worried about using this rather notorious and potentially addictive medicine on a daily basis, and am also concerned about how long it will actually provide relief for me on a daily basis before not working anymore. No need to reiterate how dangerous it can be - I know quite well. But it’s either take the risk or continue being unable to work due to my 24/7 symptoms.
Any opinions, advice, or personal experience from people who have used Klonopin, with or without success? Thanks so much!
I would strongly advise against taking it long-term unless you have little choice (i.e. symptoms are unbearable or other options exhausted). I can speak from personal and professional experience about Benzodiazepines.I took Clonazepam daily for several years, and didn’t realize how dependent I was on it/how much it clouded my thinking until I came off of it. Remember, these are primarily anti-anxiety medications, and they WILL reduce your anxiety, even the “good anxiety” that spurs us to do hard things or be motivated to push ourselves.
Also, the withdrawal from Benzos is the absolute worst I’ve ever experienced, and I’ve been on just about every migraine preventative out there, as well as various stimulants. Now, it’s not the same for everyone, but we’re talking auditory hallucinations, anxiety through the roof alternated with depression, it was horrible each time I tapered the dose. Professionally, I’m required to know about these drugs, and I know that my experience is a common one. Benzos are well-known in the scientific community as possibly the worst drug to withdraw from, recreational or pharmaceutical.
My advise would be to carefully consider this decision, and don’t take any more than you absolutely have to.
Since I’ve been diagnosed with MdDS, I basically have absolutely no other choice. What little research there actually is on MdDS concludes that migraine preventatives, anti-anxiety agents, and other medications that generally work for virtually all other types of dizziness-inducing vestibular disorders do absolutely nothing for MdDS sufferers - besides Benzos. I’ve spoken with people who say it’s the worst thing in the world, and I’ve spoken with a dozen or so people with MdDS who have not only said that it’s worked for them, but practically saved their lives, and they’ve been on it for years. Of course, it seems to be hit or miss. So I basically have no other choice. If it gives me a few good years, I’ll be happy. Right now, I’m unemployable and had to drop out of school. Even if Klonopin works for me for ten months, that will be enough to get me through school so I can at least graduate. Why did you decide to quit taking them after being on them for years? If they work for me, I’ll gladly stay on them the rest of my life, though it seems most people grow accustomed to them and they just quit working after several months or a year or so. Oh well. If that’s all I have left, I’ll make the most of it!
It sounds like you’ve thoroughly researched your options, Nick. Believe me, I know what it’s like to be in a demanding educational pursuit and just wish you didn’t have to deal with such debilitating symptoms, even for just a few hours a day. That’s really the reason I stopped taking the benzos; I felt they were impeding my mental clarity, just in a different way than my migraine symptoms. I wanted to give it a go without them. Honestly, I’m very happy I did, even though things aren’t great. That said, it sounds like you’re in an unenviable position where you’re choosing between the best of two pretty undesirable options. Have you thought about just taking it on bad days at first, maybe a couple times a week, and see if that settles your system down enough to give you some relief, without risking dependence? I’m not as familiar with MdDS as I am with MAV, so I apologize if I’m misspeaking about the condition.
I take it daily. It is not dangerous. It is one of the most safest medicines on the market today. The only problem is that when you want to quit there can be a withdrawal waiting for you. Do not combine with alcohols otherwise severe sedation will result.
I take it daily. It is not dangerous. It is one of the most safest medicines on the market today. The only problem is that when you want to quit there can be a withdrawal waiting for you. Do not combine with alcohols otherwise severe sedation will result.
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Respectfully, the withdrawal is why it’s considered so dangerous. Like any pharmaceutical, taken correctly it’s not inherently hurtful and has quite a lot of benefit. But there is not much research regarding long-term daily use, and the addiction potential is one of the highest you’ll find.
I take it daily. It is not dangerous. It is one of the most safest medicines on the market today. The only problem is that when you want to quit there can be a withdrawal waiting for you. Do not combine with alcohols otherwise severe sedation will result.
— End quote
Respectfully, the withdrawal is why it’s considered so dangerous. Like any pharmaceutical, taken correctly it’s not inherently hurtful and has quite a lot of benefit. But there is not much research regarding long-term daily use, and the addiction potential is one of the highest you’ll find.
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The addiction potential of benzodiazepines are exaggerated. These drugs do not cause a feeling of rush/high like other addictive drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, opiates etc. If you want dangerous withdrawals take a look at the predecessors of benzodiazepines the barbiturates. One of the withdrawal side effects from them is death itself.
I take it daily. It is not dangerous. It is one of the most safest medicines on the market today. The only problem is that when you want to quit there can be a withdrawal waiting for you. Do not combine with alcohols otherwise severe sedation will result.
— End quote
— End quote
Respectfully, the withdrawal is why it’s considered so dangerous. Like any pharmaceutical, taken correctly it’s not inherently hurtful and has quite a lot of benefit. But there is not much research regarding long-term daily use, and the addiction potential is one of the highest you’ll find.
The addiction potential of benzodiazepines are exaggerated. These drugs do not cause a feeling of rush/high like other addictive drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, opiates etc. If you want dangerous withdrawals take a look at the predecessors of benzodiazepines the barbiturates. One of the withdrawal side effects from them is death itself.
— End quote
There doesn’t need to be a super high or adrenaline rush to make a drug highly addictive; that’s not how addiction or biochemistry works. Unfortunately, I speak from firsthand experience when it comes to how difficult and uncomfortable the withdrawal effects of even the newer class of benzos are. And I’m far from the only one - my experience is not the exception. If long-term use works for you, that’s great; it’s your decision. But that doesn’t mean others shouldn’t be made aware of the risks so they can make the most informed decision they can.
There doesn’t need to be a super high or adrenaline rush to make a drug highly addictive; that’s not how addiction or biochemistry works. Unfortunately, I speak from firsthand experience when it comes to how difficult and uncomfortable the withdrawal effects of even the newer class of benzos are. And I’m far from the only one - my experience is not the exception. If long-term use works for you, that’s great; it’s your decision. But that doesn’t mean others shouldn’t be made aware of the risks so they can make the most informed decision they can.
methanol, thanks for the links! As a 24-year old male with a girlfriend, I’m also quite concerned about the sexual side effects of Klonopin. Have you ever experienced any unpleasantness in that area, if you don’t mind me asking?
There doesn’t need to be a super high or adrenaline rush to make a drug highly addictive; that’s not how addiction or biochemistry works. Unfortunately, I speak from firsthand experience when it comes to how difficult and uncomfortable the withdrawal effects of even the newer class of benzos are. And I’m far from the only one - my experience is not the exception. If long-term use works for you, that’s great; it’s your decision. But that doesn’t mean others shouldn’t be made aware of the risks so they can make the most informed decision they can.
You’re right about that. As I stated, I’m not denying yours or anyone else’s experience. But on average, long-term use carries significant risk. Nick should be aware of that probability.
methanol, thanks for the links! As a 24-year old male with a girlfriend, I’m also quite concerned about the sexual side effects of Klonopin. Have you ever experienced any unpleasantness in that area, if you don’t mind me asking?
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I had no trouble there, Nick . Honestly, I’ve found my desire and performance suffers more from being dizzy than any med I’ve been on!
Ah, DMC, I suppose I could have directed that to you, as well! Haha, my bad. But yeah, I suppose that’s one good thing about MdDS - the more we’re in motion, the better we feel. I seem to be able to perform alright in that aspect. Much easier than trying to just lay still and watch Netflix or fall asleep. But I am somewhat concerned about Klonopin’s apparent potential to affect libido or cause impotence, though some of my friends who have taken the drug recreationally before have assured me they didn’t have any issues in this area whatsoever. I’m just afraid it really WILL help me with my dizziness but will cause me to be impotent or something like that, in which case, I’ll probably have to make the hardest decision of my life.
Ah, DMC, I suppose I could have directed that to you, as well! Haha, my bad. But yeah, I suppose that’s one good thing about MdDS - the more we’re in motion, the better we feel. I seem to be able to perform alright in that aspect. Much easier than trying to just lay still and watch Netflix or fall asleep. But I am somewhat concerned about Klonopin’s apparent potential to affect libido or cause impotence, though some of my friends who have taken the drug recreationally before have assured me they didn’t have any issues in this area whatsoever. I’m just afraid it really WILL help me with my dizziness but will cause me to be impotent or something like that, in which case, I’ll probably have to make the hardest decision of my life.
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No worries, Nick. And on a lower dose you should be fine in this area. Secondly, if it does work you can factor in the increased energy/good mood that comes from feeling better. And worst case scenario, there’s always Viagra. You won’t be relegated to a life of celibacy ;). You mentioned you’re in a relationship? I’m sure your partner’s aware of your condition then, and as long as you’re open with her that there may be an adjustment period, I’m confident it won’t be too hard for you (actually, poor choice of words haha).
There is a slim chance that Klonopin could negatively affect your sex drive . I personally am not affected. The real sex drive killers are antidepressants and antipsychotics.
DMC, thanks for the advice. I suppose you make some good points with the Viagra, as well - though I hope it won’t come to that. I am anticipating a rather turbulent adjustment period when I start on the K, just because I’ve heard so much about it making people lethargic and tired more than anything else. Oh well - I’d rather be sleepy than dizzy. Hopefully I’ll be able to adjust to that after a while and it will lessen.
Methanol, thanks to you, too. I hope the chance is slim. I’ve seen certain things online that say about 3% of people are affected in that area, but the real number could be as high as 10%. If you don’t mind me asking, aren’t Benzos like Klonopin antidepressants themselves? Or are you simply referring to things like Cymbalta and Pristiq and what not?
Methanol, thanks to you, too. I hope the chance is slim. I’ve seen certain things online that say about 3% of people are affected in that area, but the real number could be as high as 10%. If you don’t mind me asking, aren’t Benzos like Klonopin antidepressants themselves? Or are you simply referring to things like Cymbalta and Pristiq and what not?
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Benzos are benzodiazepines ( benzo for short). They are NOT antidepressants. Benzos have following properties - anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant, sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsant properties. Examples of benzos -xanax,klonopin,ativan,valium etc
Cymbalta and Pristiq are antidepressants. They increase the concentration of endogenous neurotransmitters in synapses and this somehow lifts the mood.(exact mechanism unclear)
Examples of antidepressants-Prozac,Sertraline,Fluvoxamine,Citalopram,Escitalopram,Amitriptyline,Nortriptyline,Imipramine,Nardil,Parnate,isocarboxazid etc
Let me know if you want me to explain more or if you have other questions. I would be happy to reply.
DMC, thanks for the advice. I suppose you make some good points with the Viagra, as well - though I hope it won’t come to that. I am anticipating a rather turbulent adjustment period when I start on the K, just because I’ve heard so much about it making people lethargic and tired more than anything else. Oh well - I’d rather be sleepy than dizzy. Hopefully I’ll be able to adjust to that after a while and it will lessen.
Methanol, thanks to you, too. I hope the chance is slim. I’ve seen certain things online that say about 3% of people are affected in that area, but the real number could be as high as 10%. If you don’t mind me asking, aren’t Benzos like Klonopin antidepressants themselves? Or are you simply referring to things like Cymbalta and Pristiq and what not?
. Honestly, I’ve found my desire and performance suffers more from being dizzy than any med I’ve been on!