Having hard time detoxing from clonazipam I have a degree in nursing and I studied pharmacology

[[Co...]]

I need help because I have never done a detoxification from benzodiazepines as well as other psychotropic drugs. I also want to help others because of my educational background and experience with several substances. My present dose of klonopin ( clonazipam) is 6 mgs. I was on 4 benzodiazepines medications initially. My family sent to Argentina to a rehab clinic that would force you to take medicine. I was on 15 different medications for a year until I was able to escape the rehab and contact the American embassy. Sorry I can't say more I am in the middle of a panic attack and my blood pressure is very high.

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Welcome to the forum!  We're glad to have you as a new member.  I'm sorry you've gone through all this.  Rehab/detox is not a good way to get off benzos in general, since it can lead to long lasting and severe symptoms.  The best way off is to taper slowly and gradually.

 

You'll find plenty of information and support here.  Our members have gone through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to find  people who understand what you're going through and can tell you what has worked for them.  However, please note that there are no "experts" here - this is a peer support forum and we don't allow anyone to post prescriptively.  Please familiarize yourself with our Rules and Guidelines:

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=108145.0

 

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 and other symptoms are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Post 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!

 

 

 

[[Co...]]

Thank you for contacting me. It made me feel relieved because every doctor and emergency room I have gone to has told me that physical withdrawal only lasts a week but we all know this to be a lie. Several reputable sources have conducted studies refuting this believe. I have gone to the ER 4 times. I went cold turkey for a week but my symptoms only worsened. So I was treated like a crazy person or like a second class citizen. I fully understand that my medical background does not allow me the right to start telling people how to taper or even make a suggestions on how they should carry out their goals. Whenever someone asks me for medical advice, I always preface by stating that I speak from personal experience and not as a doctor. I can only tell them my opinion, which is not to mistaken for medical care. I have no legal or moral authority to tell people what to do or what to take.

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