Tapering off 1mg Klonopin--first taper went badly

[[Mi...]]

Hi Benzobuddies, I've been on Klonopin for the past three years. Before that, I was on Ambien for 10 years. My doctor recommended changing to Klonopin because Ambien wasn't working well. He was right, I slept like a baby on .25 mg Klonopin. In fact, in the beginning I only took 1/3 to 1/2 of the dissolvable .25 tablet. Slowly over the past three years I moved up to 1mg. I started feeling like I was losing my mental sharpness and becoming clumsy. I suspected Klonopin was the culprit and decided it was time to get off it. I knew I needed to taper but had no idea what that would include. So in March of this year, I cut my dose to .75mg and felt fine the next day. After the second day on .75mg I had my first real withdrawal. My head felt like it was on fire, like pins touching a raw nerve. Complete agony. I knew I had made a mistake with my taper and returned to 1mg that night. I spent a couple weeks researching, found that forum and realized how powerful this medicine was. I had no idea. In April I restarted my taper but dry cut .125mg every few weeks. I just made a cut to 6.25 a couple days ago. I think I will need to go slower from this point forward. Feeling very anxious and don't want to leave my home but otherwise ok.

[[ma...]]

Hi Mikkyliv and Welcome to Benzobuddies

 

Congratulations on making the decision to taper!  Be confident, stay positive, you can do this!  We can help you with support and taper/withdrawal information.  Benzodiazepines need to be tapered slow and carefully. In general it’s advised to cut your daily dose by between 5% and 10% every 10 - 14 days.  This is depending on how you feel.  If symptoms get too much then you might decide to cut less,  the goal is to remain as functional as possible whilst moving forwards. 

 

Check out the Ashton Manual, It’s great for understanding the effect benzodiazepines have on our body.  It also provides tapering and withdrawal information.  You will find some valuable support and info on the forum.  Please feel free to browse the boards and post questions to any of the dedicated threads.

 

You might wish to post to the this support group, 

 

Klonopin Klub  members will be happy to share their experience and offer advice. 

 

Here are a few useful links:

 

The Ashton Manual. 

Withdrawal Support

General Taper Plans

 

When you can, please add a signature (history of meds/doses etc) it will help members give you relevant advice.  Go to the top of the page and select PROFILE then choose forum profile then insert drug history into the text box and remember to click change profile

 

Welcome aboard

Magrita

 

[[Mi...]]

Thank you Magrita. I’m grateful to be here.