Fast taper/detox from clonazepam

[[li...]]

For many years I´ve been on clonazepam, at about 2 mg. I´m having symptoms that are hard to describe and perhaps even more difficult to believe. Very physical. It´s poison. And it´s getting worse.  When I try to taper, all hell breaks loose. Sort of.

 

For various reasons it´s just not possible to taper. And too many things are wrong. It´s not just ´benzo withdrawal´, and it´s not mental either.

 

I wish I had done a C/T years ago.

 

I have been given the option to do a four week detox, abruptly stopping clonazepam and tapering off with oxazepam ! Why oxazepam ? For the most part, because they have a lot of experience with that drug and because it doesn´t accumulate in fatty tissues.

´a benzo is a benzo´ was the response, in essence. Not my experience, with this particular drug.

They have no experience taking someone off clonazepam this way !

 

I´ve been thinking about this. It just sounds nuts. But aside from doing whatever I can do on my own, this is the only option I have been given. (I don´t respond well to Valium)

 

Any opinions ? Unfortunately, medical care here is very restricted and non/interventionist in general.

[[ea...]]

Hmmm...this is an interesting problem. But I do have to ask why a taper is not possible. If you have been on a benzo a long time (more than a month or two is considered a long time-) a taper can minimize withdrawal symptoms, and is safer. Going cold turkey is never a good idea, and I am living proof. I was on Klonapin 6 mgs nightly for 12 years, and went off CT. I had one of the worst possible withdrawals. The only symptom I did NOT have was seizures. And withdrawal has lasted way too long.

 

I don't understand their logic about switching to oxazepam. Most "benzo experts" would switch you to Valium. And frankly, a 4 week taper is way too fast. But - on the other hand, I sort of do understand your wish to do it quickly. Be forwarned, however, that you, too may suffer a horrendous withdrawal.

 

I WOULD believe the symptoms you have been having. You may be in tolerance withdrawal, and those are symptoms of it. I  am willing to bet that I had similar symptoms...mine were pretty strange and crazy, to say the least.

 

I agree with you...... a benzo is NOT a benzo. Some are shorter acting, some longer and that's only one difference.

 

When you say you don't respond well to Valium what do you mean?

east

[[be...]]

I promise you that you do not want to go though a cold turkey withdrawal. I went through my third 10 months ago. If I had to chose between stopping cold turkey or doing a four week taper with another benzodiazepine I would pick the second option. Most detox center stop your benzos the moment you step through their doors. I would have loved the option of a four week taper.

[[li...]]

The 'logic' of oxazepam is that they have a lot of experience with using this drug for benzo withdrawal.

Any 'underlying issues' would (?) be recognized easily and be treated properly. (I'm sceptical about that given my drug sensitivity)

Also, that it doesn't accumulate in fatty tissues gives them a greater control over the process.

Once you got diazepam in the body it's not so easy to get it out (fast) !

 

 

 

[[li...]]

Well, I see this as a version of a 'phenobarbital detox'.

 

I'm inclined to say that you can only taper clonazepam with clonazepam ... it's a unique drug.

 

I'm just having difficult reactions to the drug, and I'm in bad shape. That's why a long taper ...

[[ea...]]

Are you going in patient? Just curious.

east

[[li...]]

Most likely: no.

 

I talked over the phone with a doc about the ´daily experience´ in the clinic.

 

It seemed rather harsh, considering my state. It´s a place for addicts.

 

No medical options, or so it seems. 

 

A benzo is not a benzo.

 

I have serious doubts about switching to Librium, but maybe I could have a talk with the GP.

With Librium and diazepam a lot of the pharmaceutical activity comes from whatever is stored in the fat cells. Is that always released properly/in an even way ? Probably a question for the ´chewing the fat´ section.

 

Sleep is always a critical issue. It´s always very easy to disrupt my process of falling asleep.

I´ve read a lof about stuff that is prescribed for sleep in withdrawal situations. Seroquel, trazodone, zopiclone (??). APs and ADs tend to be ineffective for insomnia, however. For me, anyway.

[[li...]]

One more thing about ´why a long (clonazepam) taper is impossible´.

I tend to crash, physically. I´m not in good shape.