[SouthOfQuirky]

So, I mentioned this in a reply to another message, but then I thought: man, I'm really curious about this...I should start a new thread...

Has anyone else found that Klonopin actually makes you feel MORE awake/alert/energetic, etc? (Or any other benzos, for that matter.)

The first week, it made me extremely sleepy, but once my body got used to it, I found that it actually was really invigorating. I've since weaned off for a while, mostly because I have "unstable moods" and was worried I might just be hypomanic. The energy level definitely dropped slightly once the Klonopin was out of my system. (Then again, I also got sick.)

Just wondering if anyone else had the "opposite effect" from a benzo. Most people complain about it making 'em über sleepy, zoned out, etc.

Think anxiety is just so exhausting, it actually sucks out more of your energy than a benzo? That's my theory.

[kst7488]

my bf is this way.

[resonance]

I sometimes have mood swings where I'm both wired and really sleepy at the same time, and when that happens it both calms me down and wakes me up.

[Rabbit37]

I wouldn't say that I have a huge energy boost for a regular dose (1-2mg), but I don't feel sleepy at that level, just more calm. To be sleepy, it takes 4.

[celestia]

SouthOfQuirky, on Aug 9 2008, 07:44 PM, said:

Think anxiety is just so exhausting, it actually sucks out more of your energy than a benzo? That's my theory.

I was on it for a long time and this would be my first guess. I never got an energy boost, but, meh.

S9

[lysergia]

resonance, on Aug 9 2008, 09:33 PM, said:

I sometimes have mood swings where I'm both wired and really sleepy at the same time, and when that happens it both calms me down and wakes me up.

i think that's what happens here. the energy has someplace better to go than in circles panicking.
i've never heard anyone else say they get wired and sleepy together - we get that a LOT.

[LikeMinded]

I think I'm going to have to agree with a few people here and say that it's not Klonopin itself that directly gives me the energy boost, it's what it does to my psychology and neurology that gives me an energy boost.

Klonopin helps me with my rare Concerta-induced anxiety states (they only happen if I accidentally take a dose of Mirapex with it, which I'm not supposed to as it apparently blocks methylphenidate's exit from your body), and as it relieves the anxiety, makes me feel more energetic and productive.

Moreover, it really helps with my "physical" (non-"psychiatric") leg muscle pain (a condition called dystonia, think RLS, but very painful and 24/7). That really does make Klonopin a God-send so that I can get through the day (although there's not much in my days now, spare for lying around on my bed with a fever most of the time).

[alcheme]

On many levels, absolutely!!!! I have severe thinking / organizing / planning / perfectionistic OCD. At first it was prescribed to me as a sleeping pill for my Bipolar (gotta get good sleep or bad things happen...), but after about a week, it really didn't help with sleeping at all. My pdoc gave me Seroquel for sleeping, AWESOME BTW, and recatgorized my Klonopin for anxiety (before he found out I had severe OCD). He prescribed 0.5mg once or twice a day, but I am popping 1 - 1.5mg 2 -3 times a day (calling him about it tomorrow). I finally have the the lack of anxiety holding me back and feel like I can act and implement my plans and make progress. It is the best drug I have been prescribed. It makes me want to cry in a good way. I don't feel so overwhelmed and crushed by life and like I really do have a life again (and want to go out and live it)...

This post has been edited by alcheme: 13 October 2008 - 07:07 PM

[wondernut]

since you asked about benzos in general as well ..the answer is yes ..sometimes I do get an energy boost from valium I am stunned when it happens because usually it does relax and sedate me (I only use it for muscle spasms or dental visits) my usual xanax calms me completely

This post has been edited by wondernut: 12 August 2009 - 05:02 PM

[recoverymouse]

this discussion reminds me of another depressant that can make one feel energetic: alcohol. point being, depressants (benzos are a hypnotic that depress the central nervous system) can have paradoxical effects. from wikipedia

Quote

Paradoxical effects
Paradoxical reactions, such as aggression, violence, impulsivity, irritability and suicidal behavior sometimes occur. These reactions have been explained as consequences of disinhibition, that is loss of control over socially unacceptable behavior. Paradoxical reactions are rare in the general population, with an incidence rate below 1% and similar to placebo.[6][59] However, they occur with greater frequency in recreational abusers, individuals with borderline personality disorder, children and patients on high-dosage regimes.[60][61] In these groups, impulse control problems are perhaps the most important risk factor for disinhibition; learning disabilities and neurological disorders are also significant risks. Most reports of disinhibition involve high doses of high-potency benzodiazepines.[59] Paradoxical effects may only appear after chronic use of benzodiazepines.[62]

[MarkP]

I don't take clonazepam, but I know that benzos have worked wonders in helping me get a restful night's sleep, which really makes me un-depressed, and energetic during the day.

What's completely bizarre, IMHO, is the likes of Heather Ashton running around claiming that there's never a reason to use benzos for more than a couple weeks. This has been miracle medicine for me, given my life back, after suffering from sleep problems for so long. I no longer fear the bedroom, because I know that I'm in control of my sleep, which in itself, is quite calming.

This post has been edited by MarkP: 18 August 2009 - 03:38 AM

[felnx]

SouthOfQuirky, on 09 August 2008 - 06:44 PM, said:

So, I mentioned this in a reply to another message, but then I thought: man, I'm really curious about this...I should start a new thread...

Has anyone else found that Klonopin actually makes you feel MORE awake/alert/energetic, etc? (Or any other benzos, for that matter.)

The first week, it made me extremely sleepy, but once my body got used to it, I found that it actually was really invigorating. I've since weaned off for a while, mostly because I have "unstable moods" and was worried I might just be hypomanic. The energy level definitely dropped slightly once the Klonopin was out of my system. (Then again, I also got sick.)

Just wondering if anyone else had the "opposite effect" from a benzo. Most people complain about it making 'em �ber sleepy, zoned out, etc.

Think anxiety is just so exhausting, it actually sucks out more of your energy than a benzo? That's my theory.

Klonopin used to give me a HUGE energy boost. 1 milligram of it and I could stay up all night and be clear headed the whole day after. Now it just levels my moods out.
Xanax did that too but not ativan. Yeah, I think it was the anxiety fuckes up your energy level thing.

[beetle]

I haven't read through the whole thread so maybe it's been said, but paradoxical reactions can happen to people on benzos...as well as other meds for that matter.