New to group

[[or...]]

Hello

I have read great things about this forum.  I have been taking Klonopin on and off for three years to help with sleep as I have tinnitus.  I am on .05 mg a night.  My doctor put me on a taper program but due to stressful events in life I could not taper completely.  Doctors recommended Zoloft but did not want any more meds.  I am taking the Klonopin at night and will do through the holidays. 

 

I look forward to recommendations on how to taper and hope for sleep.

 

Thanks

 

[[me...]]

Hello orangeflwr.  Welcome to the forum, we're glad you found us!  Congratulations on your klonopin taper so far. Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper).

 

The Ashton Manual 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, and there is also a section with withdrawal/taper schedules.

 

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!

 

 

[[De...]]

Hello orangeflwr,

 

Welcome to the form from me too 

 

I'm sorry to hear that you failed at your first attempt at tapering, maybe you were tapering too quickly, doctors often dont understand how necessary it is to taper very slowly after long term benzo use, I'm sure you will succeed this time. Is your current dosage 0.5 mgs of klonopin?

 

General tapering guidelines for somebody who has been taking benzos long term are to reduce the daily dose by between 5% and 10% every 10 to 14 days according to how you are feeling. some members taper a bit quicker than this and some slower but certainly slow is the way to go to ensure that the withdrawal effects are kept to a minimum.

 

I think you made a good decision in declining the zoloft, this medication has the potential for dependence also so that could be another problem for you in the future plus many members taper off their existing benzo without adding an additional med.

 

I'm glad you found us and I wish you success with the taper.

 

Debbie

[[or...]]

Thank you for your feedback.  I am waiting to see a psychopharmacologist to help me with taper - 2 months waiting.  I am experiencing I think what is called "benzo belly"  My stomach hurts and I have funny twinges.  I would like to start the taper myself but think I should do so with the guidance of a doctor.  Is there anything to take for the stomach issues? I have read Kefir is good? 

 

[[De...]]

Thank you for your feedback.  I am waiting to see a psychopharmacologist to help me with taper - 2 months waiting.  I am experiencing I think what is called "benzo belly"  My stomach hurts and I have funny twinges.  I would like to start the taper myself but think I should do so with the guidance of a doctor.  Is there anything to take for the stomach issues? I have read Kefir is good?

 

Hi again orangeflwr and thank you for the update.

 

Benzo belly is a very common withdrawal effect, most members seem to have this symptom at some stage. The gut is loaded with gabba receptors so this is the reason that stomach problems are so prevalent. I have no experience of Kefir but other members may have tried it. I would suggest that you post a question on The Alternative Therapies and Supplements board asking for the experience of other members who have tried Kefir to help with the symptoms of benzo belly, here is a link to that board :

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?board=110.0

 

I hope this helps,

 

Debbie