Really nervous that I may have tapered too fast

[[Le...]]

Hello all!

 

I am an American who recently moved to the KSA where my British husband teaches at a University. Here in Saudi, benzos are not easy to get a script for, and rightfully so. However, I did not know this prior to seeing my psychiatrist here. He has forced me to taper my klonopin at a rate that I felt may be too quick. I was on 2 mg a day for one year and I tapered down to 0.5 mg in 1.5 months. Now, I'm four days post my last dose and I just have a couple questions.

 

My first question: Is the rate at which I was tapered too fast to keep me safe from the more serious physical withdrawal symptoms?

 

Second: I haven't had very bad symptoms yet. The first two days were the worst, day three and four have been better. Mostly feeling shaky and foggy and a bit of anxiety and some intrusive thoughts. Is it going to get worse before it gets better, or am I nearly out of the initial detox woods?

 

I'm not so anxious about having panic attacks or the mental symptoms that may come. I'm most concerned about dangerous physical symptoms and when about one can expect to at least be out of the danger zone.

 

Any insight is much appreciated!

 

[[be...]]

The good thing is that most people can get off with minimal problems, at least the first time.  The rate you tapered at would be considered quite a bit quicker than the recommended reduction rate of 5 to 10 percent every two weeks.  Your doctor also had you jump from a fairly large dose. Klonopin has a pretty long half life so it can sometimes take a week to feel the full effects.  Are you taking about the risk of seizure???  The chances are small.

[[Le...]]

Thanks so much for replying!

 

Yes, the risk of seizure or passing out or having very elevated blood pressure.

 

Today my anxiety is less, but I'm in pain. God willing, this will pass soon! Trying to remain positive.

[[Da...]]

I agree and the majority of people quit without any protracted symptoms so that may be the case for you. Don't worry and make it worse just try let whatever happens happen. Hopefully you will be part of the majority. Good luck I hope it works out and you can be detoxed symptom free.

[[Le...]]

Thanks a bunch for the reassurance!

 

Officially 6 days post my last dose! Feel the best I've felt since my final pill. The only Major complaints today are a slightly elevated heart rate when try to do too much at once and my lower back feels completely stiff, can't bend over without crying in pain. So I'm trying to stay off my feet and just do some easy yoga poses every two hours. Hopefully it helps!

[[Ch...]]

Sounds like you're doing pretty well.  Just be advised that if you ever go back on a benzodiazepine it could be a very different story.  As benzos-R-cruel said, the first use and withdrawal is often fairly uneventful, but subsequent courses of benzodiazepine use and withdrawal can be a much different animal. 

 

From wiki:

 

Kindling due to substance withdrawal refers to the neurological condition which results from repeated withdrawal episodes from sedative–hypnotic drugs such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. Each withdrawal leads to more severe withdrawal symptoms than the previous withdrawal syndrome.

 

Just so you're aware in the future... 

[[Le...]]

Yes, thanks be to God, I feel much better than I did last week. And thank you for the info!

 

I never ever want to take these pills again. I did take them once before, but it was for only a couple months and a very low dose, so I don't think I built up a real tolerance that time. But knowing now how extremely habit forming and unsafe benzodiazepines are, I will avoid them like the plague for the rest of forever. I want to strive to cure my anxiety without using drugs that just mask it.

[[Ch...]]

Yes, thanks be to God,And thank you for the info!

 

I never ever want to take these pills again. I did take them once before, but it was for only a couple months and a very low dose, so I don't think I built up a real tolerance that time. But knowing now how extremely habit forming and unsafe benzodiazepines are, I will avoid them like the plague for the rest of forever. I want to strive to cure my anxiety without using drugs that just mask it.

 

Great news… very happy to hear this. 

[[Ro...]]

What is causing you the lower back pain? Was it something you had before benzo usage?

[[Le...]]

What is causing you the lower back pain? Was it something you had before benzo usage?

 

I'm not sure what's causing the lower back pain. I was thinking it might be that I have been tensing my body up for several days since my last dose.

[[no...]]

If you have been inactive due to withdrawal that can cause lower back pain. An object in motion stays in motion sounds like you really dodged a bullet. Like challis said though, the next time around you can guarantee a rougher ride.