Taper after short term use?

[[gm...]]

Hello,

I've had a script for either xanax or clonazepam for years due to panic attacks and anxiety.  I've never used them daily and took them maybe 2-3 times a week at most, and a lot weeks I took none at all.  I had a major surgery (knee replacement) in back in late October of this year, and began taking 1mg of clonazepam each night to help me sleep.  I guess I should've known better, but took 1mg every night for about a month and then started to taper.  I took .5mg for a week, and then .25 for a week, and now down to .125 for a week.  I've also been prescribed gabapentin for my pain, and it seems to help with anxiety and the taper.

Here are my questions:

-Since I only used clonazepam consistently for 1 month, can I just jump off or should I continue slow taper?

-Should I wait until I'm totally off the clonazepam before I start to taper the gabapentin?

-I used to enjoy a glass of wine or two several times a week... can I do that now or wait until the taper is done?

-Does anyone have advice about supplements to try while I taper?

I've mostly had mild symptoms so far like insomnia, increased anxiety, blood pressure increasing and feeling cold at times.

Thanks,

[[Pa...]]

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

Because of your use of benzodiazepines PRN, combined with your use of for a month, I suggest holding your dose for a couple of weeks to see how you're going to react to this rapid taper.  There is a theory called kindling which could come into play with your situation, I feel it would be smart to be cautious to prevent worse symptoms.  If you find you're feeling okay, then you might want to taper the .125 even smaller to give yourself the best chance at recovery.  After the taper, we still have healing to do so using the drug to mitigate symptoms as you taper is helpful.

I would wait until you've recovered before attempting the Gabapentin taper, but kudos for knowing it needs to be tapered. 

Alcohol is sometimes referred to as liquid benzos, it affects the same receptors in the brain, so while you're tapering, it would be a good idea to abstain, since your brain won't be able to distinguish between the two.  And when you're recovering, it might be good to refrain until you're feeling confident. 

Supplements are risky, some may help a bit, but they can also harm so if you decide to try anything, start low and go slow.  We have an area for this discussion, just click join and you'll be able to post. Topics - BenzoBuddies - Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Support

All good questions gman22, lets keep talking.

@[Pa...]

 

[[gm...]]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply!

If I encounter issues should I hold at .125 or go back up to .25?

How will I know if kindling is happening?

[[Pa...]]

@[gm...], I would try to hold the .125 if your symptoms aren't too intense, but I'm hopeful you'll be fine since your symptoms have been mild up to this point.

Kindling may have already happened due to your use PRN but I don't see where its causing you problems if your symptoms are fairly mild.  The information about kindling is more a warning about future use of benzodiazepines, its good to know the risks.