weaning off klonopin :(

[[no...]]

Hi, I have been taking .5 mg of klonopin for 2.5 years nightly. I was prescribed this drug to ease my TMJ pain (by a dentist!) I have been taking it ever since because it did lower my daytime anxiety and decreased the muscle spams nicely. Unfortunately, it also stole my memory. I can't remember what I ate for dinner, conversations I have after I take my rx, and it is really impacting me life - I want my mind back!

 

I have experience weaning (a very difficult process) off of Zoloft 2X. I switched to liquid prozac the second time and it was much easier than cutting pills. I went down 1 mg a month! I hope my wean from the benzo isn't any harder. I am afraid to switch to valium but might ask my doctor if titration method doesn't work for me - that is what I want to do - the liquid titration at ~10% a week. I hope you can help Thank you!!

[Guest [Mi...]]

Hi, nomoreklon.

 

Welcome to benzobuddies. Glad you found us. 

 

You will find a lot of information and support here. Sorry you're suffering, but I understand memory problems caused by using Klonopin. I spent almost 30 years on various benzos, and have found my memory severely compromised. At four months out, it's getting better. It will for you, too. 

 

I have TMJ, also. I've been wearing a night guard for the past 25 years. But when I went through Klonopin withdrawal this spring, I really started grinding my teeth more than I ever did in the past. I've had a lot of jaw pain, but the past few weeks, the muscles in my jaws have really loosened up, so I'm very glad I came off the meds.

 

A good resource about benzodiazepines is the Ashton Manual. Here is a link to the manual: Professor Ashtons Manual  It’s great for learning about these meds and for taper plans. Ashton recommends reducing between 5 - 10% every 10/14 days.

 

You'll find a great community of people here who will support and encourage you. Feel free to check out the forum and to post to any of the dedicated boards.

 

In addition to the Ashton Manual, here are some other resources:

 

For tapering advice, post here: General Taper Plans

 

For support with any symptoms you may have, post here: Withdrawal Support

 

Please add a signature (history of medication/doses etc). It will help members give you relevant advice. This link will show you how to Create a signature

 

Please let us know if you have any questions.

 

~ Mind

[[br...]]

Unbelievable.  Klonopin for TMJ pain?  That's crazy!  I have TMJ also.  I wear a night guard and that always worked well for me.  Unfortunately the pain was worse after I quit but it's gotten a lot better.

 

I used to take klonopin but I switched to valium because I heard it was easier to get off of.  Wrong!  Looking back I wish I had stayed on Klonopin.  I'm not very good with advice when it comes to tapering.  I just wanted to wish you well. 

 

Take care.  You are in the right place.

 

 

[[no...]]

Thank you for your responses and encouragement. Yes, a dentist. It's hard to believe really. I have since gotten really great treatment for the TMJ (expensive and long - but it's working) and the klonopin is just there. I don't really feel much from it at all except w/d symptoms if I don't take it.

 

I am hoping it's not too difficult, but I'm going to take it slow just in case. I don't need the stress! So far so good.