Do you take Clonazepam regularly? Does it actually help with tinnitus?
I've considered it as well, although doctors in our country are very reluctant to prescribe it.
Doctors are correct to be cautious with Clonazepam; the problem is, no one fully understands tinnitus or is eager to treat it. I found myself in a critical situation with my career in a different city when I experienced a severe spike in symptoms and went days without sleep. Fortunately, I knew someone who could vouch for the fact that I am not a drug addict, so I described my urgent situation, and he prescribed Clonazepam over the phone without an in-person visit. He instructed me not to take it until I returned to my apartment, but I was getting absolutely no sleep, which was not sustainable. Just like air, food, and water, you need sleep. So, I took 1 mg, and the next thing I knew, I had slept four hours. My first thought was, "Oh, I slept," and my second was, "Where did the tinnitus go?"
After a few weeks, I started sleeping too much, which is also not good, so I decided to stop. Being in a university town, I visited an ENT clinic, but the ENT specialist was unhelpful, even suggesting a shot of whiskey would be just as effective. As if I would risk showing up to work hungover. Fortunately, Dr. Farnell, one of the city's top family doctors, was far more supportive.
Now, I reserve Clonazepam for managing severe spikes. Once, I had shingles and was prescribed some 5 mg Morphine tablets. Morphine is rarely prescribed, so I guard it closely and only use it sparingly, maybe two tablets a year. The challenge with Clonazepam is building tolerance, but if I have a spike, I need to suppress it, even if it means spending a couple of days in bed. Some people experience migraines and need similar rest. I have not found many doctors as competent and supportive as Dr. Farnell was for me. That was ten years ago, and now I am on 0.5 mg, which I try to taper down slowly. I am probably somewhat dependent on it.
My doctor is cautious about prescribing Clonazepam because it is a controlled substance, but I am fortunate to have a 1.5 mg prescription. I save what I do not take so that if I need 2 mg to manage a spike, I can take it for a short period, around three to four days, and then quickly taper back down. My job requires clear thinking, and if I drive impaired, it is a criminal offense that could cost me my career. Clonazepam is incredibly useful, but nothing can completely make this condition disappear. When I am sleep-deprived, my tinnitus intensifies, and I cannot function.
Currently, I am experimenting with CBD, CBDV, CBG, and THCV, which are novel cannabinoids. THC used to help, but it no longer does, and accessing these newer cannabinoids is not easy. Thankfully, laws are improving, and prices and availability are becoming more favorable. Still, nothing compares to Clonazepam for suppressing a spike. I also take Seroquel, Mirtazapine, and Lyrica. Lyrica is also a controlled substance. My pharmacist, who knows I am not a drug seeker, is sharp and understanding. In the end, it is about finding the right balance of treatments that work for you.