Cold turkey...HELP!

[[...]]

Helloooo, I'm 52 yo F. I've been taking, I've been a prisoner of  Klonopin for more than half my life--about 26 years. I tapered, kinda, for about 4 yrs on my own going from 4mgs to 1, on August 2 of this year I ran out of my last prescription and took my last dose, 1 mg. I'm in the throws of cold turkey. I didn't want to taper any longer. For myself that would not have worked. I'm experiencing almost every single symptom anyone has mentioned! I KNOW I'm GOOD. I'm so excited to live but, I'm all alone right now, I also have Cerebral Palsy and I've been diagnosed with MS (I'm not certain I have it). I do have major trouble physically caring for myself. I'm looking to get the SIMPLEST guidance as to what I can do to help myself come through this as quickly as possible. I don't, I can't focus enough to meet my basic needs ie FOOD. Ty for your help in advance!

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad  to have you as a new member.  I'm very sorry you're in this situation, and my heart goes out to you.  Cold turkeying benzos can be extremely difficult, even for healthy people.  I know, I've done it.  Unfotunately, the only true healer is time, and the amount of time is different for each of us.  I learned to relentlessly myself from my symptoms and avoid any stressors or major life decisions during my first year off. First/only withdrawals are usually "easier" than multiple/repeat withdrawals.  Is this your first withdrawal?

 

You'll find lots of information and support here.  Our members have been through all aspects of withdrawal, and you're likely to find  people who understand what you're going through.

 

For those who are starting a new taper, we suggest reducing no faster than 5-10% every 10-14 days at first, and then adjusting the taper rate to suit your own needs.  One exception: very short-term users of a few weeks or less may be able to taper faster.  Having some withdrawal symptoms is normal, especially near the end of a taper and for a few months after discontinuing the medication.  First/only withdrawals after a slow taper tend to be easier than multiple reinstatements/withdrawals over time, which may make symptoms worse and longer lasting. The most common symptoms are anxiety and insomnia, but there are many others. These are temporary and will go away in time.

 

Here are a few links you may find useful:

 

Cold Turkey, Detox & Rapid Withdrawal

 

The Ashton Manual is an authoritative source on what to expect in withdrawal and recovery.  Dr. Ashton is an expert in the field. Section III explains and describes symptoms, and there is also a section with suggested 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!

 

 

[[Ma...]]

You're not alone! I did a rapid taper in a detox facility. I don't think a taper would have worked for me either. Stay close to this forum and constantly remind yourself that what your going through will pass. I also have been reading Jennifer Leigh's blog, benzowithdrawalhelp.com. There are a lot of warriors on this site, and we get through this thing together. Much love to you as you begin this journey.

[[...]]

Hello again! I've not been back since my introduction. Thank you for responding. I'm really not well. I know my blood pressure is thru the roof, palpitations etc. etc etc etc!!!... I'm really qestioning whether I should rethink this cold turkey business. I'm really afraid of losing even more of my life because of this withdrawal. I can't function at all & as I said I'm all alone with no help. I've been so sick even before i stopped the Klonopin. I've been basically bedridden for the best part of of 2003 until Now. I've lost my mother, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, my aunt, 3 brothers in-law  & another of my 2 sisters still living just had surgery today to remove a cancerous tumor from her colon. Thankfully she came through fine. My dilemma: do I continue cold turkey and possibly put my own heath at risk because I'm physically unable to care for myself nor get to my specialists, doctors, to follow up on tests/procedures/ screenings for cancer etc that I've not done or been able to follow thru on OR do I ask my neurologist to help me tapor? I want to live! I've been existing! If I continue with cold turkey I will most likely continue to lose precious time that I could be living & spending with my loved ones that are still here. Klonopin has already taken TOO MUCH! I'm pretty certain my doctor will work with me on a tapor especially since I plan on printing info to give her and tell her my plans. I'm even more scared now. I don't want to go backwards but I can't lose anymore of my life either. What do you guys think? I also plan to use Dr Ashton Manuel, suppliments, diet, but I can't do it physically. I've also lived, grown up in psych wards so I never learned how to care for myself in any way. So besides the physical limitations I also can't focus well enough to teach myself which I CAN but not so much if my body won't cooperate. Im really afraid for myself. I don't  want to be stupid; I'm doing this to live & enjoy my life  and hopefully bring joy to my family and others but I can't do that if I'm wasting away. I'd appreciate any thoughts on this.

[[ma...]]

Hello MeMe

 

I am sorry for your family losses, its heart breaking, on top of struggling in withdrawal, its so cruel!.  I know how tough this can be, but you have to try and be strong for your family...it will get better meme...I know it doesn't feel that way right now, I have been there, and know how horrendous this process can be.

 

You are about 4 weeks off and in acute, as far as I can make out.  The purpose of reinstatement is to bring very bad withdrawal symptoms under control so that a person can start a slower taper off.  If symptoms are unbearable, reinstating  might make the withdrawal process more bearable, Reinstatement is not an exact science and doesn’t always work .

 

This is from the Ashton.

 

Reinstatement after withdrawal? Many benzodiazepine users who find themselves in this position have withdrawn too quickly; some have undergone 'cold turkey'. They think that if they go back on benzodiazepines and start over again on a slower schedule they will be more successful. Unfortunately, things are not so simple. For reasons that are not clear, (but perhaps because the original experience of withdrawal has already sensitised the nervous system and heightened the level of anxiety) the original benzodiazepine dose often does not work the second time round. Some may find that only a higher dose partially alleviates their symptoms, and then they still have to go through a long withdrawal process again, which again may not be symptom-free..

 

Hang in there MeMe,

 

Magrita

 

 

[[Rx...]]

Helloooo, I'm 52 yo F. I've been taking, I've been a prisoner of  Klonopin for more than half my life--about 26 years. I tapered, kinda, for about 4 yrs on my own going from 4mgs to 1, on August 2 of this year I ran out of my last prescription and took my last dose, 1 mg. I'm in the throws of cold turkey. I didn't want to taper any longer. For myself that would not have worked. I'm experiencing almost every single symptom anyone has mentioned! I KNOW I'm GOOD. I'm so excited to live but, I'm all alone right now, I also have Cerebral Palsy and I've been diagnosed with MS (I'm not certain I have it). I do have major trouble physically caring for myself. I'm looking to get the SIMPLEST guidance as to what I can do to help myself come through this as quickly as possible. I don't, I can't focus enough to meet my basic needs ie FOOD. Ty for your help in advance!

 

Can your doctor line you up with a social worker to help you?  This is so heartbreaking.  Cerebral palsy on top of it all.  My gosh.  My heart truly goes out to you.  I will keep you in my prayers.