Need Urgent Advice PLEASE: Kolonpin taper - 1.0 mg 2 months of use

[[JS...]]

Hi. I desperately need advice on a Kolonopin taper for 2 months of 1 mg use at night only. My dr wants me off in 3 weeks (3/4 one week, 1/2 one week and 1/4 one week).  This seems rather fast.  Or am I wrong?

I’d like to be off as soon as possible but want to avoid the withdrawal. I am also on gabapentin - 300 mg - and 10 mg of lexapro.

What would you recommend? I’ve been told a possible water taper for 100 days with a single night dose or simply a single dry micro taper taking .02 off each day - 50 day taper.

PLEASE HELP!

 

Edited September 24 by [JS...]

[[tb...]]

Your doctor clearly is not educated on doing a proper taper. Take a copy from the Ashton on doing a proper Clonazepam taper and if he ignores it, get a new doctor. 

There is no such thing as tapering off of benzodiazapines without going through withdrawal symptoms which for me were at one point severe.

[[Re...]]

Hello @[JS...], Welcome to BenzoBuddies,

I am happy you joined the Forum. 

I am sorry that your doctor rushes you to drop the medication, may I ask is there a specific reason for this? Especially the end of the taper seems too quick, including too high jumping dose. It would also be useful for our members to know if you have a prior history with tapering other benzodiazepines or psychiatric drugs, did you encounter issues? 

The tapering speed our body tolerates is very individual, although many are able to taper faster after two months of use, it is not always the case and there is no schedule that would fit everyone. 

I am sure our members will soon comment on your thread to share their experience with you. 

Take care, 

 

[[JS...]]

@[Re...] Ive never tapered off any psychiatric drug before. Originally she wanted to do a 6 day taper.  My dr isn’t very educated on tapering in general.

Edited September 24 by [JS...]

[[JS...]]

Is there a recommended way to find a dr that is educated on tapering benzo’s? 

[[Co...]]

1 hour ago, [[J...] said:

Hi. I desperately need advice on a Kolonopin taper for 2 months of 1 mg use at night only. My dr wants me off in 3 weeks (3/4 one week, 1/2 one week and 1/4 one week).  This seems rather fast.  Or am I wrong?

After short-term use, an accelerated taper is advisable so as to avoid the possibility of developing dependency during a protracted taper (yes, this can happen). The problem, though, is that dependency can occur in as little as a few weeks of use. For this reason, and although three week taper as an aim is probably sensible, so is a flexible approach. So, if you should develop intolerable withdrawal symptoms during your taper, you would be allowed more time between each reduction (and, ideally, make smaller reductions too).

To this end, if you are not already using 0.5mg tablets, ask your doctor about them - they will allow you to make smaller reductions to your dose. I know, I know, your doctor does not seem at all sympathetic, but that's what I would generally suggest in your situation.

1 hour ago, [[J...] said:

I’d like to be off as soon as possible but want to avoid the withdrawal. I am also on gabapentin - 300 mg - and 10 mg of lexapro.

What would you recommend? I’ve been told a possible water taper for 100 days with a single night dose or simply a single dry micro taper taking .02 off each day - 50 day taper.

PLEASE HELP!

The general consensus around here, all things being equal, is to taper off the benzodiazepine last. But given your short-term use, to avoid dependency (or deepening you dependency it it has already occurred), getting off the benzodiazepine first would seem sensible.

The taper you describe above, is that for the benzodiazepine? If so, my earlier comments apply.

[[Ma...]]

I’ve been online Xanax for 30 years for severe panic attacks after graduating a very intense training program. I was prescribed the lowest dose and it knocked out my panic completely. Without Xanax, I wouldn’t have a job, a family or a wife. Back in 1995, prescribers were not using Xanax for short term use, but for longer term use, like my case. The drug worked incredibly. We should stop beating ourselves up for starting benzodiazepines provided if you actually needed them. Fast-forward 30 years, and I’m having issues of therapeutic dose dependence. I’m playing ping-pong in my head wondering if I should come off of the Xanax or stay with it. My dosage is at 2.5 mg, getting by with 2.0 mg most days.  I hear real scary stories on here were a person had been on Klonapin for a month and needs a taper? That’s how strong these meds are.  What would you say to me in my situation being on Xanax for 30 years wanting off, but not sure if it could be done? I turn 60 this week. What’s the cost/benefit analysis? Is it worth going into retirement and be miserable the next decade, or ride it out to my 4 mg I am authorized to take?  Thoughts?

[[Ma...]]

On 24/09/2024 at 10:22, [[C...] said:

After short-term use, an accelerated taper is advisable so as to avoid the possibility of developing dependency during a protracted taper (yes, this can happen). The problem, though, is that dependency can occur in as little as a few weeks of use. For this reason, and although three week taper as an aim is probably sensible, so is a flexible approach. So, if you should develop intolerable withdrawal symptoms during your taper, you would be allowed more time between each reduction (and, ideally, make smaller reductions too).

To this end, if you are not already using 0.5mg tablets, ask your doctor about them - they will allow you to make smaller reductions to your dose. I know, I know, your doctor does not seem at all sympathetic, but that's what I would generally suggest in your situation.

The general consensus around here, all things being equal, is to taper off the benzodiazepine last. But given your short-term use, to avoid dependency (or deepening you dependency it it has already occurred), getting off the benzodiazepine first would seem sensible.

The taper you describe above, is that for the benzodiazepine? If so, my earlier comments apply.

Since you have been only taking 1 mg of Klonopin for 2 months, you should be able to taper rather quickly, but don’t panic yourself into a frenzy. You’re not on it for a long time. The doctors taper seems appropriate; however, per the Aston Manual, the taper dosage is up to you. You can do this. Just don’t panic about it if you do it slow. Okay?

phil

[[Ma...]]

On 24/09/2024 at 08:54, [[J...] said:

Is there a recommended way to find a dr that is educated on tapering benzo’s? 

Hi! I’ve been researching this tapering methods for months. I cannot believe how most of these mental health prescribers never heard about the Ashton Manual. I guess no doctor wants us to come off because they make money from it. I can’t answer your question because I’m in the same dilemma you are in. I learned about the Ashton Manual from a show on Xanax on Netflix. I have Parkinson’s disease, and I did find out that my neurologist heard of it, and was surprised I heard of it because he said doctors don’t know about it. That’s pathetic!

[[Pa...]]

41 minutes ago, [[M...] said:

I’ve been online Xanax for 30 years for severe panic attacks after graduating a very intense training program. I was prescribed the lowest dose and it knocked out my panic completely. Without Xanax, I wouldn’t have a job, a family or a wife. Back in 1995, prescribers were not using Xanax for short term use, but for longer term use, like my case. The drug worked incredibly. We should stop beating ourselves up for starting benzodiazepines provided if you actually needed them. Fast-forward 30 years, and I’m having issues of therapeutic dose dependence. I’m playing ping-pong in my head wondering if I should come off of the Xanax or stay with it. My dosage is at 2.5 mg, getting by with 2.0 mg most days.  I hear real scary stories on here were a person had been on Klonapin for a month and needs a taper? That’s how strong these meds are.  What would you say to me in my situation being on Xanax for 30 years wanting off, but not sure if it could be done? I turn 60 this week. What’s the cost/benefit analysis? Is it worth going into retirement and be miserable the next decade, or ride it out to my 4 mg I am authorized to take?  Thoughts?

Hello @[Ma...], welcome to BenzoBuddies,

I would love to discuss your situation with you in more detail but it would be better if you started a thread of your own so we don't hijack @[JS...]'s discussion.  If you like, you can copy this post and paste it in a thread of your own, here are a couple of links you can choose from.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal, Use & Recovery - BenzoBuddies - Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Support

Benzodiazepine Taper Strategies (Planning) - BenzoBuddies - Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Support

I look forward to talking through this with you.

@[Pa...]

[[Tr...]]

16 minutes ago, [[T...] said:

Hello @[ma...] little Olive,

I am so sorry that you are experiencing these symptoms. As already mentioned by other buddies, you need to stabilize at a certain dose before starting your taper. If you switch to Diazepam, you should also wait some time to get used to it and stabilize on it. 

If you have two doses, always taper off both doses simultaneously to avoid interdose withdrawal. I found this the hard way. 

Imho the buddies who have developed dependancy should start their taper with a reduction of 5% per 14 days and if needed adjust to a slower or faster rate depending on the wd sxs. 

I am quoting some useful information here. 
 

Feel free to check my History for more helpful stuff like references of books, etc. The Maudsley deprescribing guidelines can be of great help.

I hope and pray that you will stabilize quickly and will have a smooth taper.
 

Hello @[JS...], I have quoted some useful information for you. I hope it helps.

If you buy the Maudsley deprescribing guidelines, you can read the chapter about tapering off Clonazepam and see the proposed fast, medium and slow tapers. 
 

Edited Wednesday at 21:50 by [Tr...]

[[Tr...]]

On 24/08/2024 at 14:11, [[R...] said:

Hi @[th...],

     Sure.  I'd be happy to give you my thoughts.  My taper of 1 mg clonazepam lasted about 19 months.  For your reference, I have my taper schedule laid out on my About Me tab of my Profile.

     I remained functional and stable throughout the process.  "Stabilization" means, for me, a condition where symptoms are manageable and not changing.  It doesn't mean zero symptoms.  There were times that I felt discomfort during my taper, but it remained straightforward and I could forge ahead.

     I followed the general guideline of a 5 - 10% taper and generally stretched each hold period to 14 days, even if, as I often experienced, a long period of leveling off of any symptoms.  The main bothersome symptom I had was bloating of my G.I. system.  I also had increased food sensitivities, especially involving broccoli and tomato-based foods.  I had hyperacusis and would be startled by such noises like an automatic garage door going up or down.  I had tinnitus in both ears.  Now almost 9 months off, I still have those, but they have diminished and are even more manageable.  I still battle with fatigue, though.

     I did a dry, cut-and-hold taper to .024 mg.  I tried to be as precise as possible with my weighing.  Although sometimes tedious, I looked at my taper as a challenge.  I put my metal nail file to good use on every cut.  I slowed down a little closer to the end, even though I hadn't sensed any increased symptoms or symptom intensity at lower dosages.  Going to zero before jumping was never my goal.

    In addition, I did moderate exercise.  I didn't want to take chances with a vigorous routine as I was afraid it might ramp up anxiety, something I was able to keep at a low degree throughout my taper.

     Look at tapering Clonazepam like you would landing a plane.  Unless there's short use, paradoxical reactions, or unbearable side effects, every step during a taper can be done gradually.  Since you have fortunately reduced your dosage, don't be afraid to slow down.  The 5 - 10% recommendation for cuts is not written in stone.  At .5 mg of the drug, I did a one-time reduction of 3%, as I had never in my 7 years of using clonazepam gone below .5 mg.  It was uncharted territory.  I also kept my a.m. and p.m. doses equal.

  Hopefully, I have answered your questions.  I wish you much luck in your taper.  While the mantra goes "we're all different," I spent a lot of time on BB, checking to see what worked and what didn't work for others, and helping out when I could.  Keep pushing on!

Hello @[JS...], I have quoted some additional useful information for you. I hope it helps.

[[Tr...]]

On 26/08/2024 at 13:55, [[C...] said:

As @[Ro...] suggested, it is best to use a .001 g scale. When using this scale, your taper is based on pill weight. When you start, you first need to determine the average pill weight of 10 of your pills. I am tapering using .5 mg Clonazepam pills, and my average pill weight is .175 g. For my taper, I reduce by 5% so here is how I calculate the pill weight for my first reduction — .175g X .95 = .166 g (pill weight). I use a nail file to reduce my pill to this weight and hold at this weight for 2 weeks. After that, I calculate using my current pill weight — .166g X .95 = .158 g (pill weight). I hold at this pill weight for 2 weeks. With each hold, I journal my symptoms and adjust my taper rate as necessary.

Since reductions are based on pill weight in grams, I calculate my current dosage of active ingredient as follows. 
0.5 mg/0.175g = x/0.158g

x = 0.5/0.175 X 0.158 = 0.45 mg active ingredient 

Best wishes on your taper, @[Sa...]

Please check my calculations, @[Ro...].

Hello @[JS...], I have quoted some more useful information for you. I hope it helps.