Symptoms

[[Gr...]]

I have only been on benzobuddies for a short time, but have read some very helpful posts. It has been useful to see that the symptoms I've been having while using 1.5 mg a day of Klonopin for the last yr. and a half are ones that so many have experienced. I am wondering if people have a problem with coughing a lot and also sometimes a hard time catching your breath. I am 69, but have never had those problems until lately. I'm going to a psychiatrist next week and I'm hoping he will work with me on a very slow taper because I am seeing from all the things I'm reading on these posts that a very slow taper is best. I have tried a couple of times with different doctors and they always try to taper me way too fast. The last psychiatrist I went to, wouldn't really listen to me and just told me what they wanted me to do which was add different medicines. I know that can be helpful for some people but when I tried to add the Valium, I ended up in the hospital with very high blood pressure and blacked out. I'm very sensitive to so many medications, so I'm hoping to just do a dry taper but don't really know what I'm going to tell the psychiatrist because I'm not really sure myself exactly how I should do it. I would appreciate any advice on this. 

[[Pa...]]

Your symptoms sound pretty common and if you didn't have this before, you won't when you get through all of this. 

 

You don't need to crossover to Valium, most of our members do direct tapers from their current benzo.  When you see your Dr just let him know that you want to taper from this medication and you need to do it slowly, at your own pace, directed by your symptoms.  The only thing you need from him is for him to prescribe your Klonopin, we can help you do the rest.  It's probably better if you don't mention an internet support group, some Dr's tend to shut down when this happens, so I'd just say you've been doing a lot of reading on the best way to get off the Klonopin.  Here is a resource he might not have a problem with, but I don't know.  It's a good one for you though, because the more you educate yourself, the more you can advocate for yourself.  https://benzoreform.org/

[[Gr...]]

Thank you so much, I'm going to follow the guidelines from the website you sent  me and make notes to take to my doctor. I'm so encouraged now because I really believe I can convince him to work with me in the right way that will help me get off this horrible stuff!

[[Pa...]]

I wanted to leave you with one more link, I'm sure you've looked at  The Ashton Manual but I found it comforting to read chapter 3 which lists our symptoms, it helped with the fear.