Need Help with Sleep

[[fi...]]

Hi. I have been on Klonopin for at least 10 years I'm guessing, for insomnia. I just read the study about the link to Alzheimer's and it scared me.  I feel like I have been having memory problems for at least 5 years now and wasn't sure why.  I am totally freaked out. I had been taking 1 mg. and have cut back to .5 mg for the last year.  Now I'm at .375 and 2 nights ago I went down to .25 but I have been sleeping terribly even on .375 so I added 10mg of Melatonin.  Last night I didn't sleep at all so I have been up really for days. I took .375 last night finally but I still didn't sleep.  I feel awful and don't know what to do. I'm glad I found this forum.  Can't function.

[[be...]]

Hi fish924 Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

I am so glad you found us. We have had a few members who have joined recently after learning about the possible Alzheimer link. I am sorry you are sleeping badly. It sounds like you are trying to taper too quickly. The recommended reduction is 5 to 10 percent every two weeks.

 

You might like to check out The Ashton Manual it is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field.  She describes and explains withdrawal symptoms.

 

Please feel free to post to any of the dedicated boards, we have a wonderful community of people here, who will give sound advice. Members have been through all aspects of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal and are more than willing to share their experiences.

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

 

Please take the time to Create a Signature.  This will allow others to see where you are in the process so they can better support you.

 

Again Welcome! 

 

benzos-R-cruel

 

[[fi...]]

Thanks.  I will check it out.  I'm wondering how to handle sleeping tonight.  Any help would be appreciated.

 

[[fi...]]

Hi again.  I just read the Ashton manual and I'm a little confused.  If I am trying to get off Klonopin, is the only way to substitute with Diazepam? I didn't see any reduction tables without using it.  Can someone clarify?

 

Thanks.

[Guest [Mo...]]

Hi again.  I just read the Ashton manual and I'm a little confused.  If I am trying to get off Klonopin, is the only way to substitute with Diazepam? I didn't see any reduction tables without using it.  Can someone clarify?

 

Thanks.

 

Hi and no. Many people taper directly from Klonopin and are successful with their taper. The Ashton Manual does not have tables for tapering directly from Klonopin but that does not mean you can't do that. You might want to post your questions in the support section for the Klonopin Klub. There are many people there who are tapering directly from K.

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=57791.8650

[[...]]

hi fish

i am tapering from K and used compounded pills.  i took the same pills i had and had them compound .3, .1 & .05  mgs and liquid with a syringe so I could do smaller reductions.  and say for .375 i would take a .3 & .05 & .025mg of liquid.  when I go to .2mg I took two .1mg.  Other people weight their pills others do daily reductions with liquid.  you should be able to ask on the klonopin club which you can find clicking on the support groups tab for the other methods.

 

 

[Guest [Mo...]]

Hi, welcome   I didn't taper so can't help there.  I had horrible insomnia after a head injury in a car wreck.  What helps me is 20mg melatonin.  I forgot to take it two nights in a row and was pie-eyed awake till I remember, then fell asleep within 20 min.  I also take Vistoril which may or may not help.  I also take L-tryptophan, Taurine, and most important L-theanine.  It's helped me sleep more than anything I believe.  I also do pressure points if I have insomnia.  One is below wrist where it bends from hand below baby finger if that makes sense.  I do a pressure point there, and another one is on bridge of nose.  That has helped me many nights.  I also put peppermint oil on my neck and outside of nose before bed (with carrier oil).  It's calming & relaxing.  I inhale it deeply.  Then I also put pure therapeutic peppermint oil, like 10 drops in a 12oz glass with honey & stir.  Drink it down.  Peppermint tea bags aren't strong enough to help I found.  Hope you get some rest, my doctor tells me we need that restorative rest, no kidding!

 

MG

[[fi...]]

Thanks everyone for all your help.