Klonopin Taper Advice

[[De...]]

A little back story...I am 42, survived a massive heart attack at 29,  and have been on a 1.5 MG dose of Klonopin a day for about 25 years. They were given to me by a doctor who misdiagnosed my thyroid problem as an anxiety disorder. By the time that was figured out my doctor told me my body was dependent on Klonopin  and I would have to take it for the rest of my life. Fast forward two decades and I now have a physician who told me I need to be off Klonopin because it may be linked to Alzheimer's. He referred me to a P Doc and washed his hands of the problem. The taper went smoothly for awhile. I went down to 0.75 the first month then to 0.5 the second month without withdrawal symptoms. About five days ago I tried to go down to .25 and had no problems until the third day. That's when I had a pain in the back of my head like an ice pick being twisted into my bones. Muscle spasms and a general feeling of delirium followed. I went back on the 0.5 dose and became better by day three. Today I called the P Doc and she told me she will not taper any slower, and that I had better get the dosage down because she is only giving me 25 0.5 pills next month. She said she's not sure if the withdrawal will go away and if something bad happens to me I need to check into the ER. I have to stick with her because I have crap insurance and can't afford anyone better. I've read the  forums and nearly died when people said they have been in withdrawal for years. It looks like this is what will happen to me. Any advice on how I should taper with the pills I am being given is appreciated.

[[Tw...]]

There's no way you can find another doctor and explain your situation? Otherwise your just going to basically cold turkey unfortunately. I guess you could taper down as best you can with what you have left but if it gets too bad go to the ER. Not to scare but seizures can be a real outcome from sudden cesation. If you have family definitely talk to them for support.

[[De...]]

Most doctors in my area are scared to prescribe klonopin because of the addiction problem. (Apparently, a local "supplier" just had his med license revoked.) My P Doc just told me to figure out how to get to 0.25 by next month. I have no choice. She says she won't lose her license by prescribing me a pill that might give me dementia.

[[Ca...]]

First i would say to try and find another Dr, one that will work with you in a realistic professional way.

 

Use the unlikley yet possible seizure story to your advantage...

 

And for the here and now, smaller cuts but more often is often easier, even if it works out to be the same persentage of reduction...

Thats why many people daily micro taper...

 

Do your homework, so you can stand toe to toe with your Dr... shouldnt take much by the sounds of it... ie, Ashton manual, for one example...

 

Best wishes...

[[De...]]

Thank you. I've left a message with the patient advocate at the hospital the doctors operate from. Of course, I do risk their retaliation. The chances of finding a caring doctor are pretty much at zero since I have Medicaid.

[[Gr...]]

Dear Denise, if I was in your situation and definitely could not get more K from my doctor I would go to another doctor. Even if it meant paying out of pocket. Even if it meant getting a small loan. You don't want to suffer unnecessarily and a good way to prevent that is a slow taper.

 

I'm praying for you!