Hello Buddies

[[Wi...]]

My husband had been on klonopin for anxiety issues, for probably 7-10 years.  He sought the advice of a mental health facility to change the antidepressants he was taking, because they didn't seem to be working correctly anymore. They put him on new meds and had him go on a rapid taper off the klonopin (from 1mg 3 times a day to nothing, in 2 1/2 weeks). His last dose was appx 1 1/2 weeks ago ( May 17, 2019). He is going through several withdrawal symptoms,  including numbness in hands and feet, increased bp and heartrate, dizziness, vision problems, pain, anxiety, etc. He feels like It will never end (even though it hasn't really been all that long yet). It breaks my heart seeing him suffer like this, so I am trying to educate myself all that I can, to be able to help him through this. I also want to send out love to all of you who are going through or have been through this battle. Y'all have my respect!

[[me...]]

Welcome to BenzoBuddies!  We are glad you decided to join us.  You'll find a lot of support and information on this forum, which is the only one of its kind online.  I' m sorry your husband is going through this. That was a very fast taper and is really no different than a cold turkey.

 

For those starting a taper, we generally recommend starting out at a rate of 5 to 10% every 10-14 days, then adjusting the taper to suit your own needs.  Note: very short term users may be able to taper faster.

 

Withdrawal symptoms, which vary widely but commonly include anxiety and insomnia, often occur during a taper, but these are temporary and will get better in time.  In general, first tapers are easier, but cold turkeys or multiple withdrawals may be more severe and longer lasting.  Here are a few links to get you started:

 

The Ashton Manual, a concise reference for tapering and symptom issues.  Chapter III contains excellent descriptions of common symptoms such as muscle issues, anxiety, and hyper-awareness

 

Post Withdrawal Support

 

Once again, welcome!

[[Ma...]]

1mg x3 to zero in 2 and a half weeks? Yuck! I CTd .25mg x1 (well, and 5mg x1 of zolpidem) and I'm having a time! Can't even imagine how awful it is for him. Lots of good info and support here. Things will get better, but they are going to suck for a while.

 

Do you have the option of finding another doctor who will help do a taper?

[[Wi...]]

Thanks for the positive words. Do you think that reinstating and doing a taper would be the way to go (IF we can find a doctor willing to help)? Or is he better off to just endure this until he makes it through?

[[Ma...]]

I'm really not the one to ask that. I did CT, and I jumped off a much smaller dose. Someone who's been on a dose closer to your husband's would be the ones to ask. I'm sure there's a few threads on the issue. But I'll say if *I* was that miserable, I'd be inclined to go that route. My personal opinion is that is a ridiculously short taper for 3mg klonopin for 7-10 years use, but I'm not a "medical professional". That's like 6 times what I was on.

[[We...]]

Hi wifey...that is almost cold turkey.  If it's only been a short while, you may want to reinstate, perhaps at a lower dose where his symptoms are tolerable, and then do a proper taper.  Otherwise you may run into what is called kindling, which can backfire if you wait too long. 

 

Everything your husband is going through is 'normal', but keep an eye on him for seizures.

 

3mg of klon is the equivalent of 60mg valium, to help you put it in perspective.  I did a rapid taper (almost 3 months) of 1mg Klon and it was very very rough, and too fast.

 

Good luck to you.  I hope his doc will cooperate.  Worst case scenario, take him to the ER to see if they will give him a script to taper from while you can find a doc in the know.  And your husband is blessed to have such a supportive, proactive and understanding wife.  Many here do not have that.

 

Will be praying for you both.  HUGS!

[[on...]]

You sound like a very caring person.  He's lucky to have you I think.  thanks for the kind words btw.  I'm two and a half months off of 6mg's of klonopin after an 11 month taper and all the things your husband is going through I can relate to.  Your/his decision to go back on the stuff but i'm pushing through it in hopes of feeling better down the road.  I think he will to if he can get through this first part of it.  It's not going to be easy, no doubt.  I'll be the first to admit it, but from what I hear about the "kindling" effect of going back on it i'd push through.  I'm in the same boat.  Hopefully you guys will be able to figure out what's best for you.  Good luck!

[[Sa...]]

I can relate with taking 11 years and a 6 week rapid taper that I call CT.  It can be brutal ... feel free to pm me anytime.  I’m in my 6th month since CT and I’m struggling daily.  However, wd is at times less intense.

 

He is blessed to have you!

 

SaraSue 

[[su...]]

I don't want to scare you. I'm not a doctor but he is still in danger of seizures I'm sure coming off that fast. W/d can be very dangerous with seizures and heart attacks from blood pressure. You may wanna get a blood pressure monitor to watch it. I know there are some blood pressure meds they give during w/d but I'm sure they come with their own problems. I feel like most people on here say once they start the w/d process its better because going back on often makes things worse but he is fairly early on so its a tough call. He is lucky to have you looking after him.

[[53...]]

the klonopin 3mg is

 

the dose i was on and i did a rapid taper 6 months and i was off them but there were all kinds of side effects can he reinstate them and come off at around 10percent every two weeks or a month.