Why I'm here - 19 days and need taper advice

[[ch...]]

Hi!

 

I thought I was doing the brave thing by telling my doctor about my occasional panic attacks and problems with anxiety. So far, this seems to have been a mistake.

 

I was started on Lexapro (SSRI) and given Klonopin to take to 'tide me over' until it kicked in- 0.5mg tablets.

 

Five days into the antidepressant I began having the worst panic attacks of my life (far worse than I had ever experienced before taking the drug), unrelenting headaches, night sweats, and a whole bunch of other miserable symptoms. Despite my doctor's insistence, I discontinued the medication after five days. My rationale: if these are the 'mild' loading symptoms, withdrawal is going to be utter hell. Two problems I don't need in addition to my present ones!

 

Now I need to get off the klonopin as I've come to the conclusion that psychoactive drugs are a last, last, resort and I'm extremely sorry that I even touched them, no matter how briefly. (I'd be literally willing to try anything natural after the Lexapro experience and now needing to taper from an addictive benzo).

 

I was hoping that after such little time on the klonopin that I would be spared the withdrawals. Attempted cold turkey yesterday. Thought I was going great until about 24 hours since the last dose (I now know why) and then BAM -- a horrible panic attack and overwhelming physical symptoms of anxiety.

 

Realizing that withdrawal was starting, I quickly resumed 0.5mg (sublingual administration) and now realize that I need a proper taper schedule to get off this.

 

My major concern is that I haven't split the doses very accurately. I've difficulty getting the 0.125mg divisions (quarters) out of the 0.25mg (halves) using my pill cutter.

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.

 

You'll find plenty of information and support here.  Our members have gone through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to see  people who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.  For those who are currently tapering, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days, and some taper even slower than that.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster than that.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a month or so after discontinuing the medication.  The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but these are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

General Taper Plans

 

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 in Chapter III, 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!