Wanting to kick the Klonapin

[[Me...]]

I am thrilled and frightened to be here. After taking my Xanax as prescribed for 30 years, it seemed to just stop working. I went bonkers with adrenaline and cortisol off the charts and hellish anxiety and suicidal thoughts and psychosis both of which I'd never experienced before. Off the Xanax for 3 weeks with horrendous PAWS that a psychiatrist put me on 1mg Clonazepam two times a day which I have been on for almost 5 months. I'm am 56 years old and never used any recreational drugs but was placed on Xanax and antidepressant 30 years ago for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Major Depressive Episodes. I remain on the antidepressant and benzo for 3 decades!!! I am not tech savvy and math is very weak so I am desperately seeking help for an effective, safe slow taper schedule recommendations or suggestions. I've got to beat this Klonapin before it beats me. I cannot go through withdrawal again as I fear stroke or heart attack. I've purchased a scale, mortar and pestle, 100ml graduated container so , I'm willing to do milk titration or dry weight measurements. But I've no clue how or how to make a spreadsheet. So happy to meet you all. Love and peace, Dearly mellowplease

[[Ch...]]

Welcome to BenzoBuddies, Mellowplease.

 

When I found this forum I was also very scared (and had also been on a benzodiazepine for decades), and so grateful to have found a community that understand how I felt and knew what this was all about.  Until then I had no help from the medical community, or the help I had gotten was uninformed.  So I'm glad you're here.  This is much easier to do with support and information.

 

Let's start with General Taper Plans.  Since you're on 2mg a day of Klonopin, you may be able to dry cut for awhile before starting to weigh and measure.  We do have some members of the forum who are very good at helping with the math when you're ready for that, too.

 

Please take some time to Create a Signature. This will help other members understand your history so they will be better able to support you.

Go to the top of the page and select Profile, then choose Forum Profile, insert drug history/timelines into the text box and click Change Profile.

 

I recommend that you read over The Ashton Manual, which is an authoritative source on what to expect during withdrawal and recovery, authored by Dr. C. Heather Ashton, who is an expert in the field. It provides a great deal of information that can be very reassuring during any stage of this process, including a list of common symptoms with helpful explanations on the reasons for their existence.

 

Let us know via the Helpdesk if you need any help navigating the forum.  We're here to help.

 

Challis 

[[so...]]

Hi mellowplease,

 

Welcome to the forum.  You are going to be fine.  There are some very knowledgeable buddies on the forum to help you with tapering.  It sounds like you have all the equipment you need.

 

Someone will be around shortly to give you a hand.

 

This process is challenging, but thousands of us have done it, are doing it and recovering from it.  We all heal from drug discontinuation and emerge whole and healthy.  You are no exception.

 

Sofa

[Guest [wi...]]

Hi Mellowplease,

 

Congratulations on your decision to taper Klonopin, this place can be confusing to figure out at first, but you'll learn quickly.  I'm on the last stretch of my Klonopin taper and I can tell you it's very possible to discontinue it and I'd highly urge you to go over to the taper boards for assistance to help determine your rate of reduction.  There are a couple members called Builder and SG57 who are very knowledgeable and will stress the importance of tapering at a rate that minimizes discomfort. 

 

There are many members here, like me, in their fifties and sixties so you're in good company.

 

Again, welcome!

[[Me...]]

I have tried twice in the past 6-8 weeks to taper but cut too severely ( 1/4 mg the first try and 1/8 mg cut the second try) both times having to go back to my original dose of 1mg Klonapin twice a day. Now I hear this is bad to do??  I held the 1/8 mg cut for 10 days and just went back to my original starting dose last night. Two doses so far and it feels like I'm still on the cut dose. Weight loss 50# in past 6 most. No appetite, severe anxiety, insomnia. Please advise! I don't know what forum or page to post this too! Sorry. Live

[Guest [wi...]]

Hi Mellow,

 

I'm so sorry about the rough start.  I cut too fast in the beginning and know how distressing it can be.  I would be inclined to go back to the dose where you felt stable.  Then hold for awhile before starting a slow symptom-based taper.  Many people feel best starting at 5-10% a month to begin.  That's slower than the Ashton rate but people inside the benzo community are learning her reduction rate is too fast for many people and sets one up for a more difficult withdrawal.

 

Please don't be afraid of 'tolerance,' it is very unlikely to happen. 

 

Maybe the mods can move your post over to the General Taper plan thread? 

 

You can do this. 

[[Me...]]

Peace to you and thank you for commenting and caring.

[[be...]]

I have tried twice in the past 6-8 weeks to taper but cut too severely ( 1/4 mg the first try and 1/8 mg cut the second try) both times having to go back to my original dose of 1mg Klonapin twice a day. Now I hear this is bad to do??  I held the 1/8 mg cut for 10 days and just went back to my original starting dose last night. Two doses so far and it feels like I'm still on the cut dose. Weight loss 50# in past 6 most. No appetite, severe anxiety, insomnia. Please advise! I don't know what forum or page to post this too! Sorry. Live

 

Not everyone reads the introduction board. You should post on one of the other boards for taper support. Chal gave you a link to the taper board.

[[gr...]]

Mellow u said you have a digital scale. so really thats all you need and a calculator. Weigh the pill. figure out a 5-10 percent reduction of that weight, break up the pill and weigh that amount out in scale and off you go. Hold for min of two weeks is typical but no problem in holding longer if needed to minimize your symptoms.

[[Me...]]

Thank you!

[Guest [wi...]]

Hi Mellow,

 

I'd caution you to start much more slowly than 5-10% cuts every 10-14 days as per the Ashton rate that is often referenced here.  Many here cannot tolerate cutting that fast and end up having a very symptomatic withdrawal and tougher post withdrawal period.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, charities in the U.K. and those inside the benzo community are suggesting that a 5-10% monthly reduction is the safest place to start.

 

😊