Hello BenzoBuddies

[[Ta...]]

Reason for joining: I am in the middle of tapering off 2mg Klonopin, and I want to chat with folks who get what this is like.

 

Type of benzo: Klonopin

 

How long I have been taking: almost 10 years

 

Present dose: approximately 1mg

 

Started or finished my taper: I'm in the middle of my taper (eeek!)

 

Anything else: One of the many frustrating things about this taper is that my friends and family really have no idea what I'm going through. I tell them my head feels foggy and they say, "Well, just go for a walk to clear your head." Exercise can definitely be useful, but it's really not that kind of head fog - I WISH it could be cleared up with something as simple as a walk.

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.  Families and friends usually don't understand what we're going through - this is actually very common.  I think it's important to reassure them that though this is real and you aren't imagining it, this is a temporary situation, and in time you will return to normal.  You might have them look at online sources (Wikipedia's "Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome" is good) as well.

 

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!

 

 

 

[[Bu...]]

 

Hello TaPeR,

 

Welcome to BB. First of all we get it here. Regardless of what your family and friends think we KNOW what you are going through, so take solace in the comfort of being with others who get it.

 

Having said that, read the following post from a legend around here Parker. Also learn and understand what has happened to your brain, specifically the damage that has been done to your GABA and Glutamate receptors by prolonged benzo use. This damage can and will be reversed but it takes time.

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

 

I always try to give specific help and recommend what has worked for me, others will also share, we are all different. First of all be patient, you will beat this but there may be bad days, stay cool. Learn to move as many things in your favor as possible, think of this as preparing for a war. Get in shape mentally and physically; eat good healthy food, drink lots of water, limit sugar and caffeine, exercise daily, learn to deep belly breathe and meditate, pray, eliminate stressors from your life as much as possible, get some good vitamin supplementation, especially B's, D3K2 and omega 3. (Some have had adverse reactions from vites so monitor these).

 

There are a few supplements that really can help with anxiety while tapering, I especially like Theanine 200mg twice a day and PRN, Bacopa Monneiri, Rhodiola Rosea and Relora may also provide some relief if needed. Here is a link for my favorite:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TXY32FY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Design and implement a slow and steady taper. This may take months to complete, slow and steady is best. You may want to crossover to a longer lasting benzo like Valium which will stay in your blood stream longer and mitigate highs and lows along the way. Also search here for "liquid daily micro taper" which I used during my taper and it worked very well for me. Whatever you decide stick with it but listen to your body and if you have to hold for a while during your taper that is okay, no hurry. Prepare for the bad times but expect the best, you may have a relatively easy go of this taper and cessation of benzos, many do. Don't read and get too caught up in other sufferers horror stories, as sad as they are they are rare and you may just be fine. Check your posts but don't make this an obsession, live your life and be good to yourself, heal slowly and surely. You can do this Thing!

 

All the best and good luck,

 

 

Wilson