Need help tapering long term Xanax. Can't take Valium! Klonopin????

[[Lo...]]

I have been on Xanax for 18+ years. In severe I/d w/d. Rolling panic attacks, rapid pulse. Had horrible paradoxical reaction to Valium when I tried only one dose!! During an attempted taper last April. I  Didn't sleep for 4 days and the depression was unbearable! By day 4, I snapped out of it. Scariest 4 days of my life! I was so discouraged because I had my mind set and was so ready to tackle the lengthy process of a taper! I want off these drugs as they are ruining my life! I'm in a constant state of anxiety!  Going to cardiologist on Monday to make sure all is okay in that department! That way, I hope to not obsess that I'm dying with every panic attack!

 

Has ANYONE had any luck doing a long time Xanax use by crossing over to Klonopin? I KNOW that's what my primary is going to suggest. Yet I hear horror stories about K!  Help, please!!!

[[Ch...]]

Though I've never used a long-acting benzodiazepine like Klonopin or Valium, if I were going to cross over, I'd choose Valium.  Klonopin seems to be more problematic than Valium. 

 

I tapered directly from Xanax.  It took 9 months to go from 2mg to zero, but it wasn't that bad.  The worst problem was that I tried to jump at .25mg and that was way too soon.

 

I'd suggest cuts of .0625mg from one of your daily doses to start. 

[Guest [wi...]]

I have been on Xanax for 18+ years. In severe I/d w/d. Rolling panic attacks, rapid pulse. Had horrible paradoxical reaction to Valium when I tried only one dose!! During an attempted taper last April. I  Didn't sleep for 4 days and the depression was unbearable! By day 4, I snapped out of it. Scariest 4 days of my life! I was so discouraged because I had my mind set and was so ready to tackle the lengthy process of a taper! I want off these drugs as they are ruining my life! I'm in a constant state of anxiety!  Going to cardiologist on Monday to make sure all is okay in that department! That way, I hope to not obsess that I'm dying with every panic attack!

 

Has ANYONE had any luck doing a long time Xanax use by crossing over to Klonopin? I KNOW that's what my primary is going to suggest. Yet I hear horror stories about K!  Help, please!!!

 

Hi Lori,

 

I'm someone who had a terrible reaction Valium and ended up tapering Klonopin which has been much "easier" to discontinue than Valium for me.  I do strongly believe there is a subset of us, who don't do well with Valium.  I recently learned I do not have the genetic make-up to metabolize Valium effectively.  Whatever the reason, I'd like to reassure you that you can absolutely taper Klonopin 😊.  There are many people on here who've done just that and I'm one.  The key to getting off safely is the usual; taper slowly and sensibly.  I wish you well with your appointment Monday.  😊

 

[[li...]]

Lori,

 

How long would you taper on Klonopin ?

 

If you were to taper for no more than 1-2 months, I think the odds for serious problems would be minimal.

[Guest [wi...]]

Lori,

 

How long would you taper on Klonopin ?

 

If you were to taper for no more than 1-2 months, I think the odds for serious problems would be minimal.

 

Liberty, suggesting to OP she taper off Klonopin in 1-2 months after a 20 year history  is a recipe for severe pain.  Klonopin can be tapered without  "serious problems," by going slow.

[[Lo...]]

Thank you, Willdoit!  To be clear, Liberty, I have never taken Klonopin! I am looking for an alternative to V for a crossover to long term X use. I have never used any other drug. As you can see in my script, I have only been on Xanax but it's been 18+ years. You have stated on numerous occasions on threads that K can be so dangerous to use (either alone or as a crossover) which is unfair as I've read that many people have successfully done a crossover then taper from K. Especially those few and unfortunate ones who have a paradoxical reaction (much to our dismay) from V. This whole process is difficult enough for all of us. Please do not reply to future posts that I write as your responses have  been very upsetting and discouraging.

 

I wish you nothing but the best during your own journey to get off of these terrible "as prescribed" drugs.

[[Lo...]]

Lori,

 

How long would you taper on Klonopin ?

 

If you were to taper for no more than 1-2 months, I think the odds for serious problems would be minimal.

 

Odds of a "problem" with more than a 2 month taper on K makes no sense.  Not after 18+ years on X!  Your response would be considered barbaric. Isn't this all about "slow and steady wins the race"?  Why would you even suggest this quick taper? 

[[pr...]]

Lori,

 

How long would you taper on Klonopin ?

 

If you were to taper for no more than 1-2 months, I think the odds for serious problems would be minimal.

 

Liberty, suggesting to OP she taper off Klonopin in 1-2 months after a 20 year history  is a recipe for severe pain.  Klonopin can be tapered without  "serious problems," by going slow.

 

 

this is a dangerous suggestion.

[[Mo...]]

Lori,

 

How long would you taper on Klonopin ?

 

If you were to taper for no more than 1-2 months, I think the odds for serious problems would be minimal.

 

Oops ....a typing error .....since you are tapering for 6 years now ?

Sorry, I just couldn't resist cos I couldn't believe that anyone would give this

kind of advise. No offence ....

[[li...]]

Lori,

 

How long would you taper on Klonopin ?

 

If you were to taper for no more than 1-2 months, I think the odds for serious problems would be minimal.

 

Odds of a "problem" with more than a 2 month taper on K makes no sense.  Not after 18+ years on X!  Your response would be considered barbaric. Isn't this all about "slow and steady wins the race"?  Why would you even suggest this quick taper?

 

I'm sorry, this is a misunderstanding. I had not taken your signature into account.

I merely meant that being on Klonopin long term has its own dangers ! Taking it short term, not so much.

 

Having said that, it seems some people do well on switching to K. But not everyone. Who knows, maybe it is the right choice for you.

 

If you have been dependent on X for that long, I would not advise a quick taper. That would be a detox like situation. But to be honest, that would also work for some people !