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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ottawa, ON

I was just reading an article on chronic pain and in the list of medications that help chronic pain was anti-seizure medications. I know they always want to prescribe Lyrica or Gabapentin but they have so many side effects! I looked up anti-seizure meds and Clonazepam is on the list. It makes sense since in is a central nervous system depressant and our central nervous systems are involved.

August 15, 2015 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members shared strong concerns about clonazepam for fibromyalgia, with many describing it as highly addictive, difficult to discontinue, and... Read more

Members shared strong concerns about clonazepam for fibromyalgia, with many describing it as highly addictive, difficult to discontinue, and causing side effects like feeling drunk or foggy. Several members recounted personal experiences trying to taper off the medication after years of use, noting withdrawal can take months and requires careful weaning, while others mentioned it helped with anxiety, sleep, or muscle relaxation but came with significant tradeoffs. A recurring theme was the frustration that most fibromyalgia medications carry serious risks and side effects, leading many to prioritize quality of life, minimize pharmaceutical use when possible, and focus on diet, activity, and self-advocacy in managing their condition.

A MyFibroTeam Member

It's extremely addicting and it's one of those drugs that you can't stop taking suddenly. You have to be weaned off of it. I was on it for a few years, it's not a wonderful drug by any means. It's like a long acting valium but worse. I felt like I was constantly drunk and not in a fun way.

August 16, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I take clonazapam and it helps with my depression along with lamictal. These have helped a lot. Now it's the waiting game to see how long they will work. So far so good.

February 25, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I take Savella for Fibro. It is awesome. When I first started taking it I was taking 50 mg twice a day and the fibro fog went away. I didn't take a pain pill all day. Not long after I started taking it, my blood pressure became elevated. So, they took me off it. Then I found out I have gastroparesis. I could no longer take arthritis meds. So, I begged the doctor to put me back on Savella. Gabapentin doesn't work for me. He agreed, but would only put me on 25 mg twice a day. It helped some. Well that was 7 years ago and now it's not working much, but better than nothing. I can sure tell if I don't take it. I have convinced a few people to take it and they love it. A friend is on 100 mg twice a day. She loved it. Now her insurance won't pay for it. Insurance companies suck.

August 18, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I HEAR YA!!! Fight it all the way if you have the strength. Once you try to work, you'll find you probably won't be able to. Stinks!

August 17, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

YES - A RESOUNDING YES...QUALITY OF LIFE IS EVERYTHING. Normal people, and I say that jokingly, remember the days of the week and live for the weekend. We sufferers don't know what day it is and typically don't care. What we care about is being blessed with a half hour free of pain and suffering. We don't have to do a thing but sit there and enjoy that moment in time. It is an "aaaaaaahhhhh" moment that we wish we had more of. That is my life anyway. I no longer feel guilty not pushing myself to go out and do something when I have one moment of freedom from pain. I revel in that moment.

August 17, 2015

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