Clonazepam - Tapering and Need Support and Advice

[[Co...]]

Hi,

I've been taking 1 mg (sometimes only .5 mg) of clonazepam for help with sleep for about 5-6 years.  I know this sounds pretty ignorant, but I didn't even realize this was a benzo when I began taking it.  I was going through a difficult time, I don't think I could have recognized the danger of becoming addicted because I needed sleep and anxiety relief so badly.  My doctor told me it was habit-forming, but I took that to mean that I shouldn't rely on it for sleep every night.  I typically took it for a week or two at a time, and would then take a break for a couple weeks.  Then a new wave of anxiety would set in (which I now recognize as withdrawal), and I'd take it for a couple more weeks. 

 

About 13 months ago, I finished a fast taper off of Paxil (20 mg).  The past year has been hellish, but I'm beginning to experience longer windows than waves.  Now that I realize (duh) that I've been taking a benzo, and I'm thoroughly addicted to it, I want nothing more than to get this poison out of my life.  I thought I was taking it for anxiety, but in fact it was creating even worse anxiety, which I'm sure you understand.

 

My last prescription ran out about 2 weeks ago.  I've experienced three days of horrible anxiety/panic attacks.  I thought at first it was another wave, and also became very afraid that this is just who I am, and will have to return to antidepressants.  I plan to see my doctor to reinstate at either .5 or 1 mg, and begin a direct taper from there.  Here's my question:  I've never taken this every day, just intermittently as needed for insomnia.  When I reinstate to taper, should I then begin taking it every day?  This seems counter-productive, but I also wonder if only taking it when the anxiety/panic attacks are unbearable would not be very stable.  Any advice on how to establish a starting point for tapering would be very appreciated. 

 

I also wonder if, since I've suffered already through two weeks of no clonazepam at all, if it would be possible to stick it out.  I know that C/T is highly discouraged and understand the reasons for that... but wondering if I might be close to getting through the acute phase already.  I know everyone is different, but can anyone share with me how long the acute phase typically lasts? 

 

Thank you very much.  I'm glad to have found this community, and have gained a lot of hope from educating myself here, and especially from reading the wonderful success stories!  I know I'll be one of them one day.  I made it through the SSRI WD (mostly), and there were some difficult days.  I have no support system at all to help me through this, and am glad to have found you.  thanks. 

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.  In order to do a taper, you do have to establish a steady daily dose and taper gradually off that.

 

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:

 

Withdrawal Support Board

 

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!

 

 

 

[[Co...]]

Thank you, Megan!  I typically took .5 mg for sleep at bedtime (1 mg if anxiety was bad).  I think I'll try to establish a baseline of .5 mg, and increase it if needed to alleviate my symptoms.  I dread that moment tomorrow when I'll take another one of these awful pills to alleviate anxiety.  I wish I could have the past few years of my life to do over. 

 

The panic at night is the worst.  I've had anxiety before, but never feel such a horrible dread of going completely insane like this.  I think I used Clonazepam to alleviate the SSRI withdrawal, and now I'm definitely paying the price.  I'm also experiencing nausea and digestive upset, and an awful burning sensation in my lower legs.  They actually feel frozen, burning, and numb at the same time.  I'm hoping that's related and will improve as well.