White guy from the States

[[sw...]]

Hi there everyone:

 

I am Tom and I have been addicted to Clonezapam for 12 years. Lost my job, marriage and many friends to this thing that no one told me was a problem for 9 years. Then no doctor would dare touch the 'cocktail' I was taking. But I have started withdrawal. Hope to find some hope here.

[[pi...]]

Hello swammi01,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! Sadly, these drugs can rob people of so many things, I'm sorry this has happened to you as well.  I'm glad you've joined because you'll find many in similar circumstances. You'll also find those who have recovered and gone on to rebuild the life they lost, to reconnect with friends and family and start over living a benzo free life.

 

What "cocktail" are you taking? 

 

You said you have started to withdraw. Are you following a taper plan?

 

You've been taking clonazepam a good long while so a slow taper will be the way to go to help minimize withdrawal symptoms.  Generally, a reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is recommended. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Ashton Manual. It is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

Yes, there is hope and there is also validation and support from kind members here on the forum.  With a good plan and some patience you'll be able to become benzo free. In my opinion it is well worth the effort. Please feel free to ask questions, we're here to help.

 

General Taper Plans 

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl 

 

[[Mo...]]

Hi Tom, 

 

Benzos are serious business and should be tapered very wisely.

 

here is an explaination what is happening in the brain...will make it easier for you

to understand the withdrawl (wd) process.

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=66397.msg886973#msg886973

 

warm welcome from me too and all the best..

Claudia. 

[[ma...]]

Yes, welcome .

[[Mo...]]

Hi again Tom,

I forgot to mention ...it doesn't matter whether you are white , green or purple

on this Forum. We are a nice multiculti bunch of folks here...all in the same boat.

Peace. 

[[sw...]]

Claudia and Piano Girl:

 

Thanks much for the Hello. Do I just make general replies to people's feedback? It didn't have individual reply buttons under your messages. So I clicked the reply button at top.

 

My history: Been on SSRI's since 1989. First prescribed 1 mg per day of Klonopin in 2005. Went through at least 5 Psychiatrists over the years. None ever mentioned the risks of taking these medications long term. Especially the original prescriber who fired me for forgetting appointments.

Was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease in 2014. Told about problems with Benzos by this Lyme MD specialist but concentrated on long term antibiotics and herbal remedies for 2-1/2 years. Have lost career, and most mobility since then. However, we dropped immediately to .75 mg per day in 2014. Been on that ever since. Tried dropping (with approval of psychiatrist to .5 mg per day, Jan 5, 2017) Withdrawal symptoms of bad muscle cramps in back and neck and increased fatigue. Complicated by fact that I was Crossed over To Paxil from Cymbalta at same time. After finding the benzo.uk.org page, I went back up to .625 mg per day 3 days ago. Some decrease in symptoms but wary of going back to .75 mg. Trying to figure what taper plan to use.

[[Mo...]]

Claudia and Piano Girl:

 

Thanks much for the Hello. Do I just make general replies to people's feedback? It didn't have individual reply buttons under your messages. So I clicked the reply button at top.

 

 

Hi Tom...you see the quote button on top to the right ? If you click there you can

 

respond to individual posts....make sure you scroll down till after the quote sign

 

''

''..

 

I would start a thread at the taper section.....they have knowledge and experience.

 

Good luck. 

[[sw...]]

Claudia and Piano Girl:

 

Thanks much for the Hello. Do I just make general replies to people's feedback? It didn't have individual reply buttons under your messages. So I clicked the reply button at top.

 

 

Hi Tom...you see the quote button on top to the right ? If you click there you can

 

respond to individual posts....make sure you scroll down till after the quote sign

 

''

''..

 

I would start a thread at the taper section.....they have knowledge and experience.

 

Good luck. 

 

Claudia:

 

thanks much for the support. I have been feeling very alone with this. Since I previously thought it was so many other things (Lyme,  Sleep Apnea, PTSD, Depression etc) most people don't want to hear much about my problems. I understand that I need to work constantly on my attitude.

 

Still, its nice to hear that other people have this problem.

 

Lastly, I've looked through Ashton's list of symptoms but where would you suggest posting in this forum if I want to find out how likely a symptom is related to my withdrawal and how how to handle the symptoms. I see there are many forums. Do you have a chat feature?

 

[[Mo...]]

Hi Tom...

 

Sorrry no chat feature on this Forum right now....

 

Here is a Benzopedia ...

 

http://www.benzosupport.org/benzopedia.htm

 

Here is the Withdrawl support section ( taper) , I would post there or check it through...

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?board=145.0