OSA and Restless Legs

I use to think the Clonazepam made me groggy in the morning, but now I don't notice it anymore. I think I am just sleeping better, which helps a lot of things. I have been on Clonazepam for about a year and a half. During that time I have never gone completely off, but did at one point wean myself to 1/2mg, but then I blew some disks in my neck and ended up back at 1 1/2mg. I am interested if anyone else has had experience with giving it up. My Doc has warned me to reduce gradually, but he also told me it is non-addictive. That is not to say it won't have its side effects if I ever get off of it.

I also was diagnosed with severe PLMD several years before my severe OSA was diagnosed.

Lots could be said about this, but I would prefer to point out a couple of important things about the medication. Just as an FYI, I do take Mirapex, Clonazepam, and have tried Requip.

The use of the terms habit forming, addiction, tolerance, dependency (either psychological and physical) can be confusing, but there are important distinctions to made.

Benzodiazepine medications include:

Generic Name - Brand Name
Alprazolam - (Xanax)
Clonazepam - (Klonopin)
Diazepam - (Valium)
Lorazepam - (Ativan)

Nobody should ever try to get off benzodiazepines cold turkey if they have been used at high doses and especially if they have been used for a long time. The risk can be life threatening, or merely just horribly unpleasant.


The most troublesome features of the benzodiazepines are the development of tolerance (decreased effectiveness of a given dose with continued use), and both physical and psychological dependence, especially with long-term use of high doses. Benzodiazepines indeed may be habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

Some benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia. However, if used regularly (for example, every day) for insomnia, they usually are not effective for more than a few weeks.


In addition to the risk of dependency, benzos can have significant side effects. Some of these are of particular concern for older people:

Over sedation – because of age related changes, even the short to medium acting benzodiazepines can have a prolonged life in the older person.

Impaired blood pressure regulation and balance control have been linked with both short and long acting benzodiazepines

Cognitive impairment, memory loss and pseudo dementia

Nocturnal urinary incontinence is more common because of decreased awareness of bladder stimulation and lowered mobility.

Respiratory problems – exacerbated in people with existing conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Drug interaction the more drugs a person takes increases the risk of drug interaction. Many older people are already taking a number of medications.

Anyway, I hope this information is helpful. Lots of stuff on the Internet, but be sure your information comes from reliable sources.

drB