4mg Clonazepam - Don't Know Where To Start

[[Me...]]

Hi,  I am 42 years old.  When I was 20 I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression.  I was treated with Sertraline.  Somewhat naively, I stayed on this med for 20 years.  I didn't really know I should get off it as I was well the whole time I was taking it.  Last year it stopped working.  I had a nervous breakdown.  I have tried various meds.  I was initially given 2mg of diazepam.  I remember crying when the psychiatrist prescribed it, saying I don't want to get addicted to it.  His exact words to me where to trust him and if I only take what he prescribed I won't be addicted.  Well that went from 2mg to 8mg.  I then had to change psychiatrists.  I was tried on many different anti depressants that didn't work and just made the anxiety worse, so the diazepam was changed to 2mg of clonazepam.  I was admitted to hospital and had ECT, it worked in the short term I think, but then things went downhill again.  I am now on 4mg of clonazepam.  I take 1mg morning, 1mg mid afternoon and 2mg at night.  I also take 30 Mirtazapine, 2.5mg Olanzapine and 100mg Nortriptyline.  So nothing really seems to be doing the trick.  I have anxiety most mornings but this fads after my second dose.  Sometimes it lasts all day.  I don't know if I'm in tolerence withdrawal.  But I do know that things aren't getting better, so I think it's time to start tapering.  I have read the Ashton Manual.  I have two small children and I work full time, so I want to try and do this as painlessly (if possible) as possible.  I was thinking of starting to reduce by .125mg of Clonazepam per month.  I know it will take a long time, probably years.  Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Please no nasty comments.  I have trusted my doctor as she is the expert in her field and it has ended this way.  So the only way is forward.

[[pi...]]

Hello Mermaid16,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! You are not the first person who put trust in their medical care provider thinking they had your best interests at heart. I did the same thing and was completely appalled and embarrassed to find myself dependent on a medication.  Once I did find a supportive and knowledgeable she told me that this issue was not my fault. Neither is it yours.  You won't receive nasty comments, we understand what you are going through and will support you as you start and continue through your taper.

 

You have a very busy life with family and job and your idea of going slow is exactly the path to take.  A slow taper can help to minimize withdrawal symptoms.  While the taper rates are suggested, you should listen to your body and make adjustments if necessary.  It is suggested to taper no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'm glad you've read the Ashton Manual. In case you don't have it handy, I'll also provide a link for you. It is an excellent resource about these types of drugs and how to withdraw. It was written by Dr. Heather Ashton, an expert in the field.

 

It doesn't matter how long it takes to taper off clonazepam, benzo withdrawal is not a race. Slow and steady is the way to go.  We'll help and encourage you as you journey to be benzo free. Please do ask questions, we're here to help.

 

 

General Taper Plans 

 

The Ashton Manual

 

pianogirl 

[[Ho...]]

I am sorry for all you have been through. Anxiety is beyond terrible. Congratulations on your decision to get off this poison. Post on taper boards for advice.

 

Blessings