Steve asked
I started taking Klonopin for RLS (built up from .5 mg to daily dose of 2 mg/day) 4 years ago at age 65. About 3/4 year after started taking I started involving myself in a behavior behavior that could be labeled as sexual addiction/dependency. I titration off of Klonopin 10/2017 due to its loss of efficacy. I have not had any compulsion to continue in the aforementioned behavior. Nor did I have any compulsion for the 65 years previously. I have read that sometimes BENZOS an contribute to this behavior. Is there any evidence, research or know,edge to this effect?
Answer
Benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (clonazepam) are more often associated with decreased libido and sexual dysfunction versus an increased libido.
Klonopin And Libido
However, there have been rare reports of benzodiazepines causing an increased libido. For example, this case study documents increased sexual desire on lorazepam, a different benzodiazepine. Other studies discuss potential sexual disinhibition while taking benzodiazepines, such as this one.
Benzodiazpines are certainly associated with decreased inhibitions and lessened impulse control. These effects could certainly increase ones sexual drive. The prescribing information for Klonopin does list both decreased libido and increased libido as potential side effects of the drug.
We haven't seen any evidence or discussion in regard to benzodiazepines such as Klonopin causing sexual dependence or addiction. If you have sources in regard to the matter, we would love to see them and review the contents. We can then perhaps provide some more pointed and researched information on the subject. If you have additional information, be sure to post it in the comments below!
