Clonazepam & Nortriptylene

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Hello group, I'm hoping to get better clarification on moving forward with a plan to get off the two meds Clonazepam and Nortriptylene (Pamelor). In July of 2018 I was on 45mg Nort and 2 mg Clonazepam. I've tapered that down now using alternating each med every two months, for example I would drop the Nort two drops 30 days each and then drop the Clonazepam two drop for 30 days. I was averaging between 7-10% drop of each of the last dose. I hit a 60 day hold and am still recovering after my drop March 4th of clonazepam from 1.625mg to 1.50mg. My symptoms were racing heart, fatigue, ramped up anxiety, inability to do any exercise even walk, headaches, malaise, overactive Central Nervous Sysyem. I'm 57 and I'm aware that both of these meds effect memory and brain health long term. Some sites recommend gettting completely off the benzo first and Surviving Antidepressants recommends getting off the ant-depressant first. like many of you I have tapered, renistated many times over the years as I hit very rough spots or had major life events come up. I've been on these for 20 years and would really like some feedback on taking the safest slow approach. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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I think the jury is out on which to stop first.  @)

Nortryptyline is a small dose and used in the uk since the sixties for depression (150mg) or sleep at 25. It’s also a neuropathic pain killer. If you don’t need it I would drop it off as you see fit, but most folk can stop it quickly.  Then you can take your time over the clonazepam as you are currently doing.

You are young enough to ignore the scare stories re dementia and benzos but I really believe being benzo free is the way forward. Congratulations on your steady reduction and I know you will contribute going forward.

Best wishes

Dick 

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Thanks Dick , I really appreciate the feedback, its been a difficult 2 months as I hit a strong wave and just trying to balance out. I was on 2 mg for almost 4 years so this lower dose reaction kinda caught me by surprise, I had hoped by now it would have lined out.

[[Fo...]]

Hi again Golfbuddy

I had forgotten I had PMd you.

Now have brain in gear I can but up two scenarios

A) your clon reduction has caught up with you, and you need to hold awhile. Then consider the tricyclic as a homeopathic dose of relaxant. And come off it first.

B) you describe late WD symptoms of benzos but also some of an over active thyroid. Though rare in men.

I would be tempted to see your doc and ask for the standard thyroid work up and an ecg ekg.

Then you know if it’s the benzo WD only. If you don’t have asthma and your doc agrees then a small dose of propranolol could help the racing heart and so on. And as physical symptoms abate you can look at the benzo again. You are on quite a lot of clonazepam (equivalent to 25 of Diaz) so I am sure you’ll be like me and be a 5% reducer per two plus weeks.

I am not insured to give definitive advice as retired but these are thing that would cross my mind.

Your prescriber is your responsible guy.

I hope this improves very soon, and perhaps a wise buddy will chip in. 

Dick