Stumbling/falling/lack of co-ordination

[nicholas:)]

Sorry to harp on about Clonazepam but it's still relatively new to me (29.09.11).

My friends worry about me because when walking out if I'm on the kirbside I keep going into the road. I'm also crossing the road without looking to see if cars are coming. I get up in the night and I fall back onto the bed. Today the postman came and I was expecting something important so I tried to get out of bed but fell backwards and knocked the bedside table over- then I had to struggle to get up. Is this the muscle relaxant property of the Clonazepam at work? Are others experiencing something like it? I take 4mg at night then 1mg in the morning.

Nick

 

[Nakamova]

Below are some of the listed Clonazapam side effects; I've highlighted some that might be relevant to the behaviors you mention:

confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
unusual risk-taking behavior, no fear of danger;
weak or shallow breathing;
unusual or involuntary eye movements;
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
painful or difficult urination, urinating less than usual;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
new or worsening seizures.
drowsiness, dizziness, problems with thinking or memory;
tired feeling, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination;
slurred speech, drooling or dry mouth, sore gums;
runny or stuffy nose;
loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
blurred vision;
headache;
sleep problems (insomnia);
skin rash; or
weight changes.

 

[Endless]

Nicholas,

Your doc has you on this temporarily, right? For just a week or so, right?

If taken for too long it can create a physical dependance, and then you'll either be on it for life or go through withdrawal. There's another post somewhere in here where we're discussing this very thing. Look here:

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/anyone-clonazepam-need-advise-13100/

For long-term use, there are other anti-anxiety drugs that do the job, don't create as much of a dependence, and may not have the side effects that this one does for you.

You may want to call your neurologist. Like today. The side effects you are experiencing sound like ones that can't wait.

 

[nicholas:)]

Hi Endless! No, my GP has put me on Clonazepam longterm- saying at my age (50) I would most likely be on the drug for life.

Thanks for replying

 

[nicholas:)]

I really must take my night meds whilst in bed and try not to get up in the night... fell backwards onto my piano and laptop the other night- my friend cannot believe I was more concerned about the piano and laptop than myself... but hey.. they cost lots of money don't they!