Abuse of Klonopin

[[An...]]

Hello everyone, this is anxiety related so I'll post in here, if the admin think this is not the place, move it please.

 

So, well, let me begin, I started to take Klonopin when I was 17 - (2mg) - 3 years ago, I used to get it from my father and I didn't know how harmful this could be. 1, 2 years ago I started to take abusive doses, 20 to 30 mg (almost every weekened). Now I'm doing better, taking 2 from 6 mg's per day. I have some questions... Since I'm lowering dosages now, is it normal to have constant panic attacks? Is it possible to Klonopin affect your mind permanently (I'm worried because its 3 years that I've used and abused it).

 

Thank you.

[Guest [Le...]]

Hi Andreas,

 

Yes, unfortunately anxiety is part of the package, but you can reduce it with a careful taper.

 

I had terrible anxiety, but it eased up after I jumped and, like many other BBs, I can handle stress way better than I did before I ever took benzos, even though the job stresses are as bad as ever. Now I’m very calm and cheerful - anxiety just doesn’t happen anymore.

 

You’ll see improvements, too - it’s just a matter of time.

 

I’m going to moved this to the withdrawal support thread, where more members are likely to see it.

 

We’re glad you’re here!

 

Leslie

[[An...]]

Hi Andreas,

 

Yes, unfortunately anxiety is part of the package, but you can reduce it with a careful taper.

 

I had terrible anxiety, but it eased up after I jumped and, like many other BBs, I can handle stress way better than I did before I ever took benzos, even though the job stresses are as bad as ever. Now I’m very calm and cheerful - anxiety just doesn’t happen anymore.

 

You’ll see improvements, too - it’s just a matter of time.

 

I’m going to moved this to the withdrawal support thread, where more members are likely to see it.

 

We’re glad you’re here!

 

Leslie

 

Thank you! Yes, anxiety can drive a person mad...

 

It's a little strange but one of the main causes of my anxiety is the paranoia that I've created: I think I've took too much and my brain is fried, this thought keeps haunting me... But well, it's just a paranoia I hope.

[Guest [Le...]]

Yes, I went through that, too - it’s awful how benzos hijack our minds.

 

Don’t worry about it being permanent though. I took Ativan for almost six years, and now that I’m off for sixteen months, my brain is happily recalibrating, and as sharp as ever, even though I’m old.

 

You should see a lot of relief as you get off the Klonopin. The crazy stuff will go away over time.

[[An...]]

It is great to see people that have overcome all of this! Well, I will wait and calm down, thank you again!

[[fi...]]

 

I had terrible anxiety, but it eased up after I jumped and, like many other BBs.  I can handle stress way better than I did before I ever took benzos, even though the job stresses are as bad as ever. Now I’m very calm and cheerful - anxiety just doesn’t happen anymore.

 

Leslie?  ....i think....I think you should start a thread on that part of what you just said - maybe explain to the rest of us...how it is that you came to this place...i know we all yearn for it...and it's so inspirational...and maybe others who have had moments or successes will also chime in..... and talk about how they got to such a place themselves.

 

I know i would love it ...and i think others would too...

 

Just a thought

 

firefly

[[Fi...]]

Just a suggestion but you might want to talk to your doctor about switching over to Valium for your taper. It is not as strong as K and many do it to lessen the effects while withdrawal as well as after you jump. I know if I had of known about it I would have definitely done it.

The anxiety is completely normal, even if there comes a time when you think you’ve lost your mind remember that your brain is healing and that it will definitely improve. Sending positive vibes

[Guest [Le...]]

 

I had terrible anxiety, but it eased up after I jumped and, like many other BBs.  I can handle stress way better than I did before I ever took benzos, even though the job stresses are as bad as ever. Now I’m very calm and cheerful - anxiety just doesn’t happen anymore.

 

Leslie?  ....i think....I think you should start a thread on that part of what you just said - maybe explain to the rest of us...how it is that you came to this place...i know we all yearn for it...and it's so inspirational...and maybe others who have had moments or successes will also chime in..... and talk about how they got to such a place themselves.

 

I know i would love it ...and i think others would too...

 

Just a thought

 

firefly

 

Thanks, Firefly - I’ve been trying to get the courage to post a Benzo-free Celebration, but I still have a rollercoaster-ish ride happening in some ways.

 

But you’ve inspired me - I should at least post the stuff that’s reliably good now. 

 

Thanks for your encouragement!

Leslie 

 

FtGF, that’s a good point - Valium has worked well for some members.   

[[fi...]]

LeslieAsh    backatchya

[[An...]]

Just a suggestion but you might want to talk to your doctor about switching over to Valium for your taper. It is not as strong as K and many do it to lessen the effects while withdrawal as well as after you jump. I know if I had of known about it I would have definitely done it.

The anxiety is completely normal, even if there comes a time when you think you’ve lost your mind remember that your brain is healing and that it will definitely improve. Sending positive vibes

 

Yes. I was thinking about Bromazepam, which is not so strong! Thank you.