Benzos and Covid

[Anonymous]

I have Covid and it's giving me a lot of anxiety. I very occasionally take a small dose of Klonopin (0.25 or if it's really bad, 0.5) to cope with anxiety triggers. I read that you shouldn't take benzos while you have Covid because they can worsen breathing problems. Anyone have experience with this? TIA!

[Anonymous]

Benzodiazepines can lower respiratory rate, yes. If you're having difficulty breathing, not making it harder would be the smart course. If this is something you take regularly, maybe take half (and maybe consult your doc first).

If you don't already take drugs from this class, as someone who has dealt with benzo withdrawals, I'd say "please don't start." Meditation and a hot bath, and listening to relaxing music are good ways to deal with anxiety w/o substances. Herbal tea and sleep are both good for anxiety (and fluids and rest are important during covid). CBD and melatonin also. NyQuil might be a better choice. Hell, I'd even suggest cannabis over benzos, but that's a whole separate thread (and may not be legal/accessible where you are).

[Anonymous]

Don’t get in a hot tub.

[Anonymous]

It’s fine. Benzodiazepines by themselves, in the doses you are addressing, don’t depress respiration (it’s one of the reasons they replaced barbituates, which do). They are synergistic with opiates and should not be taken together.

[Anonymous]

This is the first I’ve heard not to give benzos while on covid. My 4yr old takes a daily benzo medication and also uses klonopin as needed as a preventative medication. If I recall correctly, when she had covid, we gave her klonopin too and didn’t have any problems. She takes the same dose as you. But her only covid symptoms was being tired, which lasted half a day before she was fully asymptomatic. No breathing issues and we only did one dose.