Hi all!

[[da...]]

Hi!  I'm currently on a long taper from clonazepam.  I had joined your board a long time ago, before starting and staying with my taper.  I've been having some weird GI issues! 

 

Thanks a bunch

[[pi...]]

Hello daisy99,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! I'm glad you are back and are progressing on your taper from clonazepam.  I'm sorry you are having GI issues but it can be very common during this process. I made ginger tea every morning to sip and during the day and this seemed to help.

 

What is your dose of clonazepam and what taper plan are you following? Once you provide additional information we can offer support for your unique circumstances.

 

In general, a reduction of 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Ashton Manual, an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. I don't know if you are familiar with this manual from your previous membership.  It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Withdrawal Support Board (during your taper) where you can post questions about symptoms and receive feedback from members.

 

There are many strange and weird symptoms that can arise during benzo withdrawal. The good thing is that they are temporary and will ease up with time.

 

We will support you through your taper and recovery so you've come to the right place. Please do ask questions, we're here to help.

 

General Taper Plans   

 

The Ashton Manual

 

Withdrawal Support (during your taper)

 

pianogirl 

[[da...]]

Thank you Pianogirl!

 

I have been on 0.5mgs of clonezapam for 5+ yrs and been tapering for about a year now.  In the past I had tried a liquid titration plan but it didn't seem to work for me and I didn't stick to it, so I've just been tapering by cutting the tabs.  One day I had had enough lol! 

 

I have been cutting down by 12.5% at a time, as I found it easier for me to cut the tabs into 8ths.  But I'd stop and hold at major points (like 25/50/75% reduction points) for months while things settled and adjusted, with stress and all. 

 

I just lowered down yesterday to 12.5% of orig dose - 0.0625 mg 1x/day. 

 

I've also taken ambien for years now too, and I'd like to work on tapering down on it soon, but it's hard to do more than one taper at a time.  And can give me brain zaps...  So I've been keeping the dose down to 5 mgs for the last two months or so.  Baby steps!

 

Didn't realize GI issues were so common.  I was beginning to be concerned I might have IBS.  Also was just reading through the board and spotted benzo belly.  Omg!  I have this, and it has been worse this past month.  Especially with stress and not eating the best.  I was getting worried!  Things usually settle down once I've held a dose for a while, but this sure can be tricky stuff.  I realized that this started around the time of my last taper reduction to 25%.  Holy cow, the things we go through. 

 

Thanks much!