Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Hey, Kim,

It's funny how much Klonopin comes up on several different boards here. I don't know much about it's effect on PD, or interaction with PD meds, but long story short: I am not a fan of this drug, and I know people who have had trouble getting off it once they are on.

I did scan your profile real quick, and it seems like your mom is having some cognitive issues. My theory: For benzodiazepenes, or tranquilizers, the old ones are better than the new ones. If you go with a drug like Klonopin, or Ambien (which is actually a hypnotic, and which probably would NOT be recommeded) or a tranquilizer, I would use a simpler, older one. Ativan, to me, is the winner of the benzos. Very low abuse/habituation potential, and it seems to clear the bloodstream pretty fast.

New drugs in this class really seem like "copycats" that don't work as well. Hey, if it were a great new Parkinson's drug, that would be different-- maybe try the new thing, if there is one. (We are all hoping!) But for tranquilizers or sleep drugs, the low hanging fruit has already been picked, the major discoveries probably have already been made.

I just know two people who had serious problems with Klonopin, and I can't believe the drug is still on the market.

See what your doctor advises. You want something that is out of her bloodstream quick, so that when she wakes up, she is as with it as possible. The Xanax may be totally fine if she uses it just a couple of nights a week; if she has to use it more often, ask about Ativan... and trust your doc as the final authority, of course!

--Cat

I use xanax to help with sleep. The extended release type works better, but is very expensive. Now I take 1/2 at bedtime and another 1/2 if I awaken in the middle of the night. If you are suffering with insomnia, this short interruption of sleep is relatively easy to deal with.

Hey Kim,

I take Klonopin (2 mg. daily) and it works but it is so addictive and it seems I will never get off of it I would stay away from this one!

Don.

Hi Kim, I take Xanax for anxiety and used it to help sleep also, but recently found it was not helping as much. My neurologist suggested Klonopin for help with sleep. I was very hesitant at first but tried it and it has helped greatly. I believe it is the lowest dose and I cut it in half and take it about 30 minutes before bed. Do be aware though, it is very habit forming and can have weird side effects if taken in larger doses. Hope this helps! You and Mom hang in there!

I would be very careful giving Mom anything that is not prescribed by her physician. There are so many drug inteactions that I wouldn't take a chance. What may seem right for one person could be deadly for another.