Need help tapering off Klonopin1mg 2xdaily

[[Su...]]

I need help tapering off Klonopin 1mg 2x daily. I have been on this med for around 10yrs. I've been trying to taper off for the last month. Currently, taking 1mg in morning, and .25 in the afternoon. A few days ago, I tapered my afternoon dosage from .5 to .25. Now, I am experiencing nausea, heart pain, arm tingleness, and foggy head. Should I up the .25?

 

 

 

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[[pi...]]

Hello Susi Q,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! If you tapered from 2mg per day to 1mg in the morning and .25mg in the afternoon over the course of a month, that is a very fast taper. The speed of the taper can influence the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, your last reduction was 50% of your afternoon dose, that is a far larger reduction then what is recommended for these types of drugs. I did the same thing while on clonazepam (klonopin), I made large cuts that gave me strong symptoms that were pretty intolerable.

 

A slow taper is recommended when coming off benzos, especially for someone who has taken them as long as yourself. A reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I would also suggest you read the Ashton Manual. It is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. The manual was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

Benzo withdrawal is not a race, slow and steady is the way to go. While most of us, including myself, are motivated to get off benzos,  the central nervous system really needs time to adjust to the reduction of the drug.

 

I'm glad you've joined the forum, you'll get a lot of support and encouragement as you journey to be benzo free.  In my opinion, it's well worth the effort. Please do ask questions, we're here to help.

 

General Taper Plans 

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl 

 

 

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[[Ol...]]

Welcome! You will find many friends here to help you in your journey.

 

 

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