Does klonapin cause brain fog

Hoo boy, I know a lot about this topic. I was prescribed klonopin for anxiety and insomnia way back when (cheating spouse and 2 little kids). Much later in my life, I was told it was intended only for very short term use (6 weeks max) and I was prescribed through my PCP for 25 YEARS!!! In 2018, I moved to another state and found a doctor who agreed to help me get off of it which is very hard to do - it took me a year. Not only does it call brain fog, but it causes memory loss and long-term use of benzodiazepines may increase the risk of developing dementia by 32% to 84%. I was so relaxed while on it and slept like a baby and I'm sorry it was EVER prescribed to me.

@mialola
It can because it's a central nervous system depressant so can cause brain fog and other cognitive issues.
I agree with @babs10 regarding short-term use, however not everyone has that option. For example, people with seizure disorders. Unfortunately, illnesses like epilepsy are rarely short-term conditions.
There are 6 benzodiazepine anticonvulsant meds used for epilepsy, three of which are primarily used as emergency meds.
Seizure medications like most other drugs are not usually user-friendly.
Take care,
Jake

Thanks Jake.

How did you get off of clonazepam? I take 1mg 2x/day and have been for quite a while. I'd like to quit (taper, actually) and was wondering about your experience.

Thanks very much!

Joe

heyjoe415
Taper 1/4 of a .5mg pill every 3 weeks. A slow taper is the best way to avoid any problems.

@heyjoe415
Tapering is very individual but less is best. I believe it took me 2 years but I was taking 18 mg a day for seizures. I decreased my dose, usually every 3-4 weeks. I don't remember how many pill pieces I cut the pills into. But I cut my dose very slowly.
Good luck,
Jake

@jakedduck1 I also used a site called Benzobuddies to learn how to titrate (taper) - I read a lot of success stories.

It can be done! Good job getting off of 18 mg / day. I was on 1 mg and thought THAT was hard. Kudos to you.
https://benzobuddies.org/

Thanks very much Jake for the thoughtful advice!

Joe