withdrawing from klonopin

[[fu...]]

hello! i joined benzo buddies because i'm struggling with my addiction and withdrawals from klonopin. i have a very shy and sensitive personality so klonopin helps a lot with my social anxiety and my confidence about myself. i also have addictive tendencies. today is my first day of taking no klonopin at all and i've with tapering for 3 weeks now. it was a very rapid taper and not what i would've wanted to do because the last 3 weeks have been absolute hell and i fear for both my life and my future. i admit, i got carried away with klonopin and haven't used it properly at all. i was taking a high dose of around 8mg in a day or per 24 hours. i know that isn't safe, i had to taper because i would run out of my prescription because i misused it. I went from 8mg to 5mg a day(for 10 days) then 4mg a day (for 5 days) then 2mg (for 5 days) and in the last 5 days i've been taking either 1mg or less than .25mg and today is my first day taking no klonopin at all. i am having a dilemma because i can feel myself coming back to life while i try hard to fight these withdrawal symptoms (which over the last 3 weeks i felt were killing me). Tomorrow I can refill my prescription. Today I have many symptoms but last night I was able to sleep for over 5hours for the first time in weeks. So here is my main question: Should I go back to taking what I'm prescribed? 1mg 3times a day or should i just say to hell with it i've already come this far in my tapering and had all the symptoms of withdrawals (couldn't talk, random twitching and trembling of my hands, horrible depression/anxiety, heart palpitations, can't carry on a conversation properly) and i can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel so just continue with taking no klonopin at all. this would be very hard for me. i'm unemployed and there is no way i could go on an interview or get a job without being on klonopin. even on klonopin i feel anxious but off klonopin i'm rendered useless with anxious and self defeating thoughts. i've been on klonopin for 6 months, is it time to change that? it will be very hard for me to not refill my prescription tomorrow. i read an amazing post on BB that basically said accept your withdrawal symptoms because they are signs of your brain healing and it inspired me and helped me like many other posts during my 3weeks and today I figured it was time to make my first post and introduce myself.

[[pi...]]

Hello fuzzysocks,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! You have a real dilemma. You stopped almost cold turkey from a very high dose of Klonopin.  Being that klonopin is a very strong benzo, withdrawal symptoms can be difficult and challenging.

 

Another factor to consider is your self described addictive tendencies. You would have to weigh whether you are able to commit to and stick with a slow taper plan, which would be the best way to stop taking benzos.

 

I hope you'll get a lot of feedback from members, some of whom might have been in the same situation as yourself.  Once you've done some reading and posted questions, you'll have to find the best plan for yourself, your own personal circumstances.

 

The good thing is that you are seeing some improvements, some light at the end of the tunnel. Things may take a while to ease up for you, you are very early off benzos.

 

I will tell you that you are within the window for reinstatement followed by a slow, sensible taper. Normally, a reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the General Taper Plans for additional information.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Cold Turkey, Detox and Rapid Withdrawal Board where you can communicate to others in the same situation as yourself.

 

Yes, acceptance is important when dealing with benzo withdrawal. That and patience.

 

Have you thought of looking into other non drug modalities to deal with your social, work anxiety? Things like CBT, meditation, breathing techniques and yoga can be helpful.

 

Whatever you decide, we're here to support you. Let us know how we can help.

 

Planning Your Withdrawal (Taper Plans)

 

Cold Turkey, Detox & Rapid Withdrawal 

 

pianogirl