Lost my job

[[ju...]]

Years ago I was given a prescription drug to make it easier to go out, run into people and go to parties. (Research klonipin withdrawal symptoms). My Psychiatrist informed me last Summer that she was not able to keep prescribing it because it may lead to dementia.  She wanted to wean me off of it slowly by 1/2 pill per month. I had no clue that when I returned to work in the fall, I had "brain fog"' confusion and a multitude of physical withdrawal symptoms I had no idea what was going on; that the shakes, uncontrollable vomiting, feeling flu like symptoms,confusion, I had no idea that those were the brutal side effects that had possed me. I did not do well in performing my usual duties and by years end was given 3 choices: resign , retire, or sign an agreement that didn't sound like a good idea. I had only 2 years to go till I was able to retire w/ full pay benefits . Long story short, I retired which seemed the best choice. My family and I are trying to decide whether to sell our home of 25 years and each of us would have to work our asses off for a living, or move away from all our families, grandparents, in laws, grand babies etc. I was declined disability cuz my psych would not say I was disabled. Since my retirement I applied for SS and unemployment to keep our heads above water, and now have to produce a letter that I am fit to be employed. I just want any of you klonipin users to see how getting off the drug or staying on the drug will rip you a new one like it or not.

[[me...]]

Welcome to the forum! We're glad  to have you as a new member.  I'm sorry you are going through so many difficulties.  How long have you been off benzos now?  If it's only been a few months, that's early days yet, and you'll start feeling better in time.  Healing can take longer than we'd like, but it does happen.

 

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:

 

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. 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!

 

 

[[ju...]]

Hi Megan918, I started feeling like I couldn't think straight about 3 years ago!  I had 2 brain scans and they both indicated there were no problems up there, but I was walking into walls, scratching cars with my own, and feeling like a person I no longer knew.  I didn't find out until a year ago that I had to start a taper.  None of the docs explained what was happening to me and so I continued to have meetings with my boss for "self improvement."  When she asked me what was going on with me (I used to be a pretty good employee) I told her I didn't know, that I felt like I had spaghetti for brains and that I was communicating with doctors about it.  That softened her up a little but my mistakes and inability to communicate correctly pissed her off and the other top office people.  I didn't figure out about this w/d syndrome until I stumbled upon it on the internet.  I printed it out and showed my boss and she agreed that these were all the symptoms that I was having including unexplained weight loss, which I didn't mind in the least.  So, after dropping .5 mg by 1/2 per month and going through so much discomfort, I wasn't ready to drop any more.  I was told to try dropping by 1/4 per month and I did this 2 weeks ago for the second month and the effect was much better, although, after two weeks, I felt like a have had a permanent hangover for the last 3 days.  The insomnia has subsided but the worst of all my symptoms is inability to stop sweating profusely when I have to interact with others.  I guess my social anxiety has finally come to the highest point imaginable, but I still have to deal with people, which I dread, on a daily basis.  Being "retired" has been a huge relief for me, no more getting dirty looks at the office or people pointing out my stupid mistakes.  I am now down to a 1/4 pill in the morning and the same at night.  I'll take 2 or 3 more weeks like this and drop again.  So happy to have found this forum and hoping it will help me with my social anxiety.  It's so stupid to be afraid all the time of what people are thinking of me when I begin spurting drops of sweat through my hair.  But, I have no choice in the matter and will continue the taper until I'm done.  Thank you for your response to my post - I don't feel so all alone now and can't wait until I can see someone without looking stupid sweaty. 

[[me...]]

I'm glad you've found us as well.  Many of our members have suffered from social anxiety, me included.