Under .125 Klonopin Club

[[mo...]]

Pete,

 

I will acknowledge your experience and the fact that no one truly knows how this drug affects us individually. With that said, I would suggest you either discontinue or at least reduce at the pace you’re comfirtable with. Maybe go to .0005 for a few days and then jump? What is it that you fear once you cease the medication? It sounds like you don’t feel good as it is. Your body does want to be free of this drug and you may actually feel better once you jump. Best wishes to you Pete and I know you can do this.

 

MoTo

[[Tr...]]

Thanks for the encouragement Bob7, Circlestar, and Mountaintop1. I really appreciate you guys! I agree with all of you about getting off. I'm mustering the courage and I plan to jump or reduce to .0005 very soon.

 

 

Bob7, I can't wait for Phase 2. I certainly hope I feel better. I hope your windows get longer and your waves dissipate soon. Thanks for sticking around to help us out.

 

Circlestar, you said you don't think the sxs are from the taper. Do you know what else they could be from? I didn't have preexisting conditions before this and I don't think I've developed any neurological issues since tapering. I did a Remeron WD which was very difficult and why I went on benzos again, but I believe I mostly healed from that months ago as just up to about a month or two ago I had plenty of "windows". I say that lightly because although I was never normal, I was very functional and at ease with myself. I truly hope this is WD from being on a low dose or maybe even paradoxical which will clear when I'm done. I also see you are very low What are your plans for stepping off?

 

Mountaintop1, you asked what I fear. I fear that zero is a magic number where acute amplifies a million times. I'm already feeling bad so I fear that it will be so much worse. I have anxiety about my heart and mental state. I can't updose or reinstate as I'm kindled so I don't have any escape plans if it gets embraceable. I like your advice to do one more hop before stepping off.

[[ci...]]

Thanks for the encouragement Bob7, Circlestar, and Mountaintop1. I really appreciate you guys! I agree with all of you about getting off. I'm mustering the courage and I plan to jump or reduce to .0005 very soon.

 

 

Bob7, I can't wait for Phase 2. I certainly hope I feel better. I hope your windows get longer and your waves dissipate soon. Thanks for sticking around to help us out.

 

Circlestar, you said you don't think the sxs are from the taper. Do you know what else they could be from? I didn't have preexisting conditions before this and I don't think I've developed any neurological issues since tapering. I did a Remeron WD which was very difficult and why I went on benzos again, but I believe I mostly healed from that months ago as just up to about a month or two ago I had plenty of "windows". I say that lightly because although I was never normal, I was very functional and at ease with myself. I truly hope this is WD from being on a low dose or maybe even paradoxical which will clear when I'm done. I also see you are very low What are your plans for stepping off?

 

Mountaintop1, you asked what I fear. I fear that zero is a magic number where acute amplifies a million times. I'm already feeling bad so I fear that it will be so much worse. I have anxiety about my heart and mental state. I can't updose or reinstate as I'm kindled so I don't have any escape plans if it gets embraceable. I like your advice to do one more hop before stepping off.

 

Pete,

What I am trying to say is that I think the decrease in dose (“the taper”) is not causing the sxs at this extremely low level.  Rather, at this low dose you are no longer getting any of the calming effects of the k.  And from what I’ve learned on BB, your GABA receptors have not yet relearned to do the calming that they are wired to do because the k has done it for them.  I don’t think you have damage.  It will take time for the receptors to upregulate again.  It sounds like you are young and I think that works in your favor for healing.  My guess is that you will not feel any worse when you step off.  Plus you won’t have the worry of how much to take and when to cut anymore. Yay!

 

You have done a fantastic job of tapering.  But now the next step is the healing.  Aston says the healing does not begin until we are off the drug completely.

 

My plan from here is to reduce .0005/day and step off at .001 if tolerable.  I read a post where someone said the goal of tapering is not to be symptom free but to prevent seizure.  The real healing begins once we’re off.  I am not sxs free.  But I will finish June 2 if I can.

 

Best,

 

Circlestar

 

[Guest [mi...]]

Hi Trust!

What you feel now is part of the whole taper process and timing. Would have been better if you had done it slower? nobody knows! The doses now don't do anything in my opinion. It's  mostly psychological. Same thing for the future. It's nice to have an idea of how others did as a base to start but your case may be different than mine. So my recommendation is get distracted, don't monitor yourself to much, and once you jump try to concentrate more on your life routine and forget about benzos.

Regards!

Miguel

[[mo...]]

I Agee with Circlestar and to take a step further how do you know the benzo isn’t causing your symptoms? I don’t believe there is a low dose when we talk about Klonopin. Just think how many doctors might say now at .04 I’m not receiving any benefit or should not feel sx if I jumped now? I am not going to say you won’t feel some sx if you jump now. But likely not more than before. As well, I see people reinstate all the time if their taper doesn’t go well so that can always be your last resort if you feel very very bad. Hope this helps, you are so close! I cannot wait to get to where you are. 

 

MoTo

[[Tr...]]

Solid advice everyone. I’ll prepare myself mentally for this. I think I’m so skeptical because I’m kindled and have always felt worse when i updose. I don’t have the option of reinstating. It’s so hard to distract with the physical and mental symptoms raging. I felt so much worse last night (interdose?) then I took my dose and felt even worse than that. Today is really bad.

 

I just have to do what my BB name says and trust God and let go.

[[Bl...]]

Hey guys

 

I'm stuck at .001. So scared to step off if I'm feeling like this on it. Lately, I usually feel worse after taking it. I sped up at .01 mg but wonder if I should have slowed down, or just jumped. Below .01 it's gotten so much harder. Is it even worth holding a few days or a week then cutting to .0005 or doing DLMT to .0001? Am I just kindling with each dose? Does going to zero even after small slow and low cuts seem like CT for some?

 

Sorry for all the questions that no one can answer for sure.

 

Sx lately: chemical and mental fear and anxiety, occasional DR, inner tension/pressure like about to explode, fluctuating HR and some palps, tinnitus and distorted sounds/hyperacusis, caustic/burning/electric sensations, difficulty swallowing, a few others.

 

Thanks

 

Pete

Hey Pete,

If you are at 0.001 mg of Klonopin I think you are just feeling symptoms for reductions made during your taper.

I personally don't think things will go horrible if you go to zero now.

I have been at zero for 8 months and I still have waves and windows.

I would go to zero if I were you and get started on Phase II.  Phase II is "how long at zero before all symptoms end".

The sooner you start, the sooner you will be done.

B

 

Pete,

I agree with Bob.  It’s time for you to move on.  The med has no therapeutic benefit here and you’re so low that the sxs are unlikely to be from taper.  I doubt you will feel any worse by stopping the med.  You can do this!  Give yourself permission to stop the doses tonight and forever!

 

Circlestar

I agree with circlestar and Bob

[[Tr...]]

I asked God for a sign that I shouldn't stop taking my dose, and didn't get one so I didn't take my K. I guess I stepped off. April 26th was my last day on K.

 

 

[[...]]

I asked God for a sign that I shouldn't stop taking my dose, and didn't get one so I didn't take my K. I guess I stepped off. April 26th was my last day on K.

A big warm congratulations on reaching zero benzo. May God bless you on phase 2 of your journey.

[[ci...]]

Hooray!!!  On to the healing! 

[[mo...]]

I asked God for a sign that I shouldn't stop taking my dose, and didn't get one so I didn't take my K. I guess I stepped off. April 26th was my last day on K.

 

Great news! How are you feeling?

[[Tr...]]

Thanks everyone! I’m feeling OK. I still have some symptoms- nerve sensations, tinnitus, inner tension and trembling, adrenaline surges, feelings of my brain being uncomfortably activated or awake, hollow hoarse voice, twitching musles, muscle tension, burning- oh yes the burning parasthesia esp on my face and head. Some new symptoms have emerged like a gripping sick feeling in my body sort of like the Benzo flu but different. I also have elevated blood pressure. The anxiety and chemical fear is much less or gone. Most importantly though, I no longer have the worry about what’s next or if I’m paradoxial or in WD and if this means I should cut or hold. Those were agonizing descisions. I went to church then a minor league baseball game with friends yesterday which surprised me as I thought I’d be in bed shivering and sweating. Im hopeful and that’s all I can do for my part in the journey ahead as I heal.

 

I will see how the day plays out before going into work as I am having trouble handling stress and I have a very stressful job (vocational rehabilitation counselor for people with disabilities). If I need to take time I will but I hope not to. I have a funeral to attend on Friday for my mentor and friend and that’s been emotional these last few days. I’m leaning into God and what he’s teaching me about faith and trust through this. I’ve had a lot of people pray over me these last few days and I feel him covering me with his love and protection. I hope my talking about my faith doesn’t offend anyone. He’s the cornerstone of my recovery and my anchor through this storm.

 

I really appreciate you guys putting up with my anxious questioning about jumping and your encouragement to do so

 

[[...]]

I do pray for you too.

Remember - reaching zero is the end of phase 1.

Phase 2 is your next journey.

You might want to document it for yourself and others.

You can see mine here -  http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=209038.0

 

[[Bl...]]

Just started Keto diet, feeling a little bit lightheaded. Hopefully it will help reduce inflammation in my body and aid in brain recovery

[Guest [NM...]]

Thanks everyone! I’m feeling OK. I still have some symptoms- nerve sensations, tinnitus, inner tension and trembling, adrenaline surges, feelings of my brain being uncomfortably activated or awake, hollow hoarse voice, twitching musles, muscle tension, burning- oh yes the burning parasthesia esp on my face and head. Some new symptoms have emerged like a gripping sick feeling in my body sort of like the Benzo flu but different. I also have elevated blood pressure. The anxiety and chemical fear is much less or gone. Most importantly though, I no longer have the worry about what’s next or if I’m paradoxial or in WD and if this means I should cut or hold. Those were agonizing descisions. I went to church then a minor league baseball game with friends yesterday which surprised me as I thought I’d be in bed shivering and sweating. Im hopeful and that’s all I can do for my part in the journey ahead as I heal.

 

I will see how the day plays out before going into work as I am having trouble handling stress and I have a very stressful job (vocational rehabilitation counselor for people with disabilities). If I need to take time I will but I hope not to. I have a funeral to attend on Friday for my mentor and friend and that’s been emotional these last few days. I’m leaning into God and what he’s teaching me about faith and trust through this. I’ve had a lot of people pray over me these last few days and I feel him covering me with his love and protection. I hope my talking about my faith doesn’t offend anyone. He’s the cornerstone of my recovery and my anchor through this storm.

 

I really appreciate you guys putting up with my anxious questioning about jumping and your encouragement to do so

 

 

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[[Me...]]

I jumped kinda of inadvertently 4/27-  Had a UTI that knocked me out and I forgot to take my .04mg k - decided it would be a good time-  Haven't slept more than 3 1/2 hours night since and that's with help- benadryl on two nights-tiny piece of ambien last night-  tried a puff of marijuana which had a negative effect (anxiety) Wondering if the withdrawal made even my one puff and low THC that my doctor prescribed (I have a Harvard trained MJ doc!) change my bodies reaction to it?  Have a phone consult with a CBT-Insomnia specialist today- will start that program-  A bit of nausea- but sleep is my biggest problem so far (although I've also had various aches & pains--could just be old age)  - Luckily I found a book "Say Good Night to Insomnia" by Gregg Jacobs MD another Harvard sleep doc who used evidence based data to support his assertion that lack of sleep is not the big danger that the media and other sleep doctors report.  In fact, people who sleep more than 8 hours have a higher morbidity rate than those who sleep 7 or fewer hours-  Everyone has a sleep number- for some it could be as low as 4 hours a night- Mine is 6-3-4 however is nobody's number so hoping that will change-  So far so good -still early but optimistic- hope I can get one night of decent sleep though 🤞🤞🤞

[[...]]

Anxiety induced insomnia is still my biggest remaining symptom (I am 8 months off Klonopin).  I am getting better.  I had anxiety before the benzo (14 years ago) so I guess I just need to learn to deal with anxiety without drugs.  I wish I did that before benzo.

 

[[Su...]]

Bob7,

 

I am trying to switch from Mylan K to brand K and having significant sxs. I dose once per day. I substituted 30% brand for Mylan, the rest Mylan as I have about a month left of Mylan. My plan was to go up 30% every 10 days.

 

Day 1- slept more, but increase in spasms and headaches, mild. Racing thoughts.

Day 2- slept well, felt very drugged but calm, mild headaches

Day 3 - significant wd, slept 3 hours, lots of bad dreams, bad headaches, nausea, spasms, body pain

 

My options are limited but is this normal? I am very sensitive. Any better ways to transition to brand?

 

Thanks in advance 🙏🏻

 

Sun 🌻

[[...]]

Bob7,

 

I am trying to switch from Mylan K to brand K and having significant sxs. I dose once per day. I substituted 30% brand for Mylan, the rest Mylan as I have about a month left of Mylan. My plan was to go up 30% every 10 days.

 

Day 1- slept more, but increase in spasms and headaches, mild. Racing thoughts.

Day 2- slept well, felt very drugged but calm, mild headaches

Day 3 - significant wd, slept 3 hours, lots of bad dreams, bad headaches, nausea, spasms, body pain

 

My options are limited but is this normal? I am very sensitive. Any better ways to transition to brand?

 

Thanks in advance 🙏🏻

 

Sun 🌻

Hi Sunflower,

 

Yes it is very normal to have terrible increase in symptoms when changing the drug manufacturer.

 

When you say brand K, do you mean the actual, original, not generic Klonopin?  Does it have a letter "K" shape hole in the center?  If so, that is a good brand to use.  Once you are stable on it, you will do well.  It is expensive because it is not generic but I liked it.

 

Your increase in suffering can also be due to anxiety over thinking about the change.  I know it sound impossible, but you might be thinking too hard about the change in medication and this overthinking creates stress in your body you might not even be aware of.  This stress then triggers your other symptoms (in particular, insomnia and body aches in strange places).

 

You are already doing the right thing by slowly switching over.  Other than switching even more slow, the best thing you can do is create a world of acceptance in your mind.  I promise this will pass.  Just accept it for now. The more you accept the situation, the less power you give it over your life.

 

In the meantime, try not to think about it.  Anytime you start to think about this process, distract yourself "as hard as you can".  Super cold shower, exercise, walk in the woods, do something to keep your mind busy.

 

I am sorry you have this burden.  Take heart, everyone I have talked to has, with patience, got better.

 

Bob

[[Su...]]

Bob,

 

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement🙏🏻

 

I have chronic pain that predates my use of clonzapam. So my mobility was already impaired.But muscle spasms and migraines that are coming with change are pretty incapacitating.

 

Due my best to distract, and good to know this is typical(although so sorry others went through it).

Will it be harder to come off of brand?

 

Thanks,

Sun🌻

[[...]]

Bob,

 

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement🙏🏻

 

I have chronic pain that predates my use of clonzapam. So my mobility was already impaired.But muscle spasms and migraines that are coming with change are pretty incapacitating.

 

Due my best to distract, and good to know this is typical(although so sorry others went through it).

Will it be harder to come off of brand?

 

Thanks,

Sun🌻

I think once you are stabilized on a manufacturer, they are all equally the same to come off of. 

I wish you the best.

Bob

[[Tr...]]

Sunflower67,

 

Check out the Teva Clonazapam discontinued group. they talk about the differences in strengths between brands. Some Generics can have a plus or minus 20% potency according to the FDA. But Bob7 has a great point too, you could be stressing yourself by looking too far into it if there isn't really a difference. I know that when I read triggering posts on BB I often need to take a break as the anxiety makes my symptoms rev up.

 

 

[[Su...]]

Thanks Bob and Trust.

 

I was wondering if the way I am cutting the pills might explain the problems I am having from night to night.I do not crush pills, but chip away at them and weigh pieces. I am wondering if the active ingredient is dispersed evenly in the pill? So if I am only using 1/4 of the brand pill I may not be getting enough of the active ingredient? I do not crush 10 pills and weigh as I’ve heard folks do. Wondering if I would be better crossing straightover to brand?

 

Many thanks,

Sun🌻

[[Tr...]]

Sun,

 

I’ll defer to Bob about the scale and weight method as he’s the expert there. You can also use a liquid titration which evenly dilutes the medicine in a liquid and you use an oral syringe for exact measurements. You can find info for that on the Planning Your Taper board and there’s a really nice guy on here named builder who helps people make plans for this.

 

 

[Guest [NM...]]

Thanks Bob and Trust.

 

I was wondering if the way I am cutting the pills might explain the problems I am having from night to night.I do not crush pills, but chip away at them and weigh pieces. I am wondering if the active ingredient is dispersed evenly in the pill? So if I am only using 1/4 of the brand pill I may not be getting enough of the active ingredient? I do not crush 10 pills and weigh as I’ve heard folks do. Wondering if I would be better crossing straightover to brand?

 

Many thanks,

Sun🌻

 

From what I’ve read, no. The active ingredient isn’t evenly dispersed... liquid tapering has been so much smoother for me. I wish I’d started liquid tapering from the beginning!