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[[Ma...]]

I've been on clonazepam for 15+ years. Over the past year I've been having intermittent numbness on the left side of my face and torso which my doctor and I finally narrowed down to the clonazepam. I started a slow taper last week and am really struggling with the side effects. Been off work for a couple of days. Lack of support in real life so I'm hoping to find support here.

[[Pa...]]

Hello Magna, Welcome to BenzoBuddies!

 

I'm glad you and your Dr were able to figure out the Clonazepam is likely the reason for your symptoms, it sounds that way to me too.  After 15 years on the drug, I'm not surprised to hear you're not doing well, your body has had a long time to develop this dependence. 

 

Can you tell us your taper rate, we typically suggest going very slow, perhaps 5-10% of your dose every week or two, but this needs to be driven by how you're feeling, not an arbitrary time table. 

 

If you'd like to check out our  Planning Your Withdrawal (Taper Plans) board you can see the methods we support and if you'd like, you can start a thread there asking for suggestions from our members.

 

It sounds like you can use some support, so please start a thread on the Withdrawal Support (during your taper), there you'll find others who know your pain.

 

And finally, have you read  The Ashton Manual?  It will explain what is happening to you and chapter 3 will list your symptoms. 

 

We're glad you've found us, please let us know how we can help you.

 

Pamster

[[Ma...]]

Thankfully I have a doctor who fully believes in patient directed slow taper. I started Feb 1.  2 mg to 1.875 m. Staying on that dose for about 3 weeks (until I see Dr again to reevaluate the plan).

[[Pa...]]

So glad to hear you have control of your own taper, this is so important not only for our physical health but for our emotional as well, we need to have some power over this terrible process.