Clonazepam - adverse effects??

I started taking clonazepam four days ago.  I've found that it works wonderfully to help put me to sleep (I suffer from a chronic insomnia that keeps me awake for days at a time -- I've tried everything on the market -- it all either doesn't work at all or quits working after a few days) and then makes me feel amazingly euphoric all day the following day.  It allows me to take carry out my daily tasks happily and efficiently unlike ever before in my life, I am extra sociable and friendly, optimistic, I enjoy art and music more than I ever have -- I feel on top of the world.  But, the positive energy feels almost excessive.  I had been taking two 1mg pills for the first to nights (my doctor advised this so that I could really kknock out the horrible sleeplessness that had been plaguing me for 2 weeks) and then cut back to 1 and a 1/2 the next night and last night only took one.  First I had some weird auditory and mental hallucinations and then I started feeling that daytime energy which of course is not conducive to sleep!  I found that if I lay still I'd calm down.  Then I fell into this weird sort of blank paralysis of both mind and body and did not sleep for the rest of the night.  What is this all about??  How can I manage this medication so that it works the way it is supposed to.

[Jennifer R, RPh]

Primarily I would like to suggest you contact your prescriber to discuss the variable dosing you are using. In my experience using a medication in a more regulated and constant dose will do your system much more good than varying dosing day by day. For example, take 1 tablet daily around the same time and only use another at bedtime if you need it.
Most of the adverse effects associated with clonazepam therapy are central nervous system-related and dose-dependent including: headache, drowsiness, ataxia, dizziness, confusion, depression, dysarthria (slurred speech), fainting, lightheadedness, fatigue, tremor, and vertigo. Tolerance may develop to these effects.

Occasionally, paradoxical CNS stimulation can occur. Symptoms of paradoxical CNS stimulation include hostility, nightmares, talkativeness, excitement, mania, tremors, sleep disturbances, increased muscle spasticity, acute rage reactions, anxiety, restlessness, euphoria, and hyperreflexia. This sounds like what is occurring in your situation.

I would advise you contact your prescriber and discuss possible alternate drug regimens.

Jennifer R RPh www.drugstore.com