Klonopin (Clonazepam) is killing my workouts

[Snarling Force]

I've been taking this every night to go to bed for the past 3 years. Only recently did I actually bother to read what the side effects of this drug are. I simply (and ignorantly) trusted my doctor. Anyways, one of the side effects of this drug is muscle fatigue and weakness. It all makes sense now because for the past 3 years, I've been puzzled why my workouts are so difficult and I have no stamina. Since I work out in the early morning just after waking, the drug is still fresh in my system and now I realize just how much this stuff hinders me. I realized this fully when I ran out and 2 days into withdrawl, despite having not slept, I had the most energetic and powerful workout in years. I'm now determined more than ever to ween myself off of this slowly but surely.

My question is who else out there takes this medication and works out? How does it affect your workouts? Any tips?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bridger]

what dose have you been on? How long?

 

[guest username]

It amazes me the number of people who are into health and fitness who abuse prescription and non-prescription drugs.

There are a lot of people on here who use benzodiazepines.

 

[Snarling Force]

I'm in no way abusing this medication. I take the minimal .5 mg every night for sleep. I've been taking .5 mg every night for sleep for the past 3 years. I've read some people are stuck on taking 6-8mg per day so I can't imagine how bad they must have it. The main reason I have been on it this long is because I just didn't know any better and trusted the words of my doctor when he said this is mild, no worries, and kept giving me refills. I know I should have researched earlier but I just trusted my doctor. My new doctor was horrified when he learned I had been on it as long as I have and so that is when I started to research what it does.

Anyone else take this and if so, how much? How does it affect your workouts? For me I have 0 stamina and fatigue very quickly when doing a set. I push through it and get a workout in, but its far from what it could be. I've already started to snap the pill in half taking .250mg each night and will do what I can to get off of this bullshit.

 

[Bridger]

I'm in no way abusing this medication. I take the minimal .5 mg every night for sleep. I've been taking .5 mg every night for sleep for the past 3 years. I've read some people are stuck on taking 6-8mg per day so I can't imagine how bad they must have it. The main reason I have been on it this long is because I just didn't know any better and trusted the words of my doctor when he said this is mild, no worries, and kept giving me refills. I know I should have researched earlier but I just trusted my doctor. My new doctor was horrified when he learned I had been on it as long as I have and so that is when I started to research what it does.

Anyone else take this and if so, how much? How does it affect your workouts? For me I have 0 stamina and fatigue very quickly when doing a set. I push through it and get a workout in, but its far from what it could be. I've already started to snap the pill in half taking .250mg each night and will do what I can to get off of this bullshit.

I personally have never come off a benzo but been to rehab for other things and it is no joke coming off those seeing/hearing other peoples experiences. .5mg isn't that high of a dose, but 3 years of continuous use is a long time for a benzo. If you have been taking that for sleep you might need something else for sleep. Lack of sleep could exacerbate the withdrawl symptoms. I would definately keep in touch with your new dr and follow some kind of plan.

 

[KickNitRight]

I personally have never come off a benzo but been to rehab for other things and it is no joke coming off those seeing/hearing other peoples experiences. .5mg isn't that high of a dose, but 3 years of continuous use is a long time for a benzo. If you have been taking that for sleep you might need something else for sleep. Lack of sleep could exacerbate the withdrawl symptoms. I would definately keep in touch with your new dr and follow some kind of plan.

Exactly; all sleep medications and benzos have a tendency to be addictive. If used more than just as needed (ie every night for 3 years), you're probably addicted and need to work through it and get them out of your system. And, not to be a jerk, but, even if you're using a drug that's prescribed by a doc, it's possible to abuse it (though in this case, it seems like your doc is simply enabling you to do it).

 

[Snarling Force]

Thanks guys for all the info. Last 2 nights I've made it through on just .25 mg but today I'm feeling my head on fire is the best way I can describe these withdrawl symptoms. Slowly but surely I'm gonna get off this bullshit.

 

[flajice]

Thanks guys for all the info. Last 2 nights I've made it through on just .25 mg but today I'm feeling my head on fire is the best way I can describe these withdrawl symptoms. Slowly but surely I'm gonna get off this bullshit.

Yeah man theyre a bitch to come off

 

[KickNitRight]

Thanks guys for all the info. Last 2 nights I've made it through on just .25 mg but today I'm feeling my head on fire is the best way I can describe these withdrawl symptoms. Slowly but surely I'm gonna get off this bullshit.

best of luck to you; keep us posted on how it goes

 

[dutchman063]

Ive been taking this drug at .25mg during the day and .5mg at night for 3 weeks now ...how long before i become addicted?