I had no idea...

[[an...]]

I am weary of my medicines. It's been almost 6 years since my "migrainous stroke".  Dr.s think I have 'seizure-like activity' in my brain now. I was so scared of having another stroke and more cognitive damage-I did whatever they told me. Which was mostly to take med.s; Neurontin, Xanax, Klonopin, Cymbalta, baby aspirin, B-complex and Folic acid.

 

I guess I was healing but now I think my senses were/are muffled from too many meds! Friends said I would sound slurred and I'd forgot I had talked with them but it could've been my traumatic brain injury (TBI). Just in case I asked 3 of my Dr.s and 2 pharmacists (cuz I trust'em more) if I could have some white wine with these meds, which I already was. Their answers ranged from 1-3 drinks.

 

Only my new headache specialist, who'd told me I was on way too much pills (and TWO benzos!?) said it'd be better if I never drank but 1-ok. She also refused to treat me unless I saw a psychiatrist to cut my meds. OK fine. He stopped the Xanax and offered me Abilify and another med to smooth the transition-but I refused them! Why get used to more pills? I was starting to see that I need to take some control! When my PCP stopped writing me refills for Klonopin unless I paid for a monthly appt. (I don't drive now) I thought OK now's the time to quit this one. I did a 2 week taper from 1.5mg/day and felt fine the first day but then whoa. I could hardly move or eat, I was so tense, worst of all I started to feel like electrical sensations running through my body. I still have some Klonopin in my purse but NO DESIRE to ever take another one!! I called my headache dr., I should give it 2 weeks but call them then. I could hardly get dressed etc. My husband comes home from work to find me on the couch trying to sleep. I asked him to please make sure I ate. He got me protein drinks. I searched the internet until I found Benzo Buddies and started learning. I thought 1.5 mg wasn't much but it's not the same strength as 1.5 mgs of valium-I thought all this time that it WAS! When I recover I want to get off Cymbalta and dare I try Neurontin !?!

WHAT IF Dr.s were required to provide a drug EXIT PLAN when they prescribe? Thank You. My journey's too long lol, please edit this as needed, I can't right now!

[[St...]]

Hi anastasiaronyn, welcome to BenzoBuddies

 

Wow, you've been throug enough I'd say, I'm sorry that you dealt with so much. Yes, 2 weeks to wean off 1.5 mg klonopin could be quite fast. Does your doctor have a schedule for you now? There is plenty of support and understanding here, I'm glad you found us. Welcome aboard.

 

Star

[[fi...]]

Welcome aboard, anastasiarobyn.  I am tapering from Klonopin, so I know the journey can be difficult.  There are many people here to support you, however.

 

Wishing you well ...

 

fg

[[...]]

Hello anastasiarobyn,

 

Make yourself at home, and feel free to ask questions.  The folks around here are really very understanding.

 

the best to you

 

pj

[[an...]]

Thanks, yes my doctor said 2 weeks sounded good to taper off 1.5MG/day-- I dont think she knows enough about it, do you? I know I didn't!

[[fi...]]

Two weeks sounds really aggressive.  Most people advocate tapering by 5-10% every 10-14 days.  I have had to go even slower.  The best taper is the one that works for you.

 

If it were me, though, I would take it slow at first, because you can always speed it up if you need to (and can handle it).  I've done too many fast and/or abrupt tapers and know all about the side effects.  I definitely don't want to take that route again.

 

Sincerely,

 

fg

[[an...]]

I'm off all Klonopin now so I don't want to go back, even though I'm in a lot of WD. Like up all night, sleeping some during the day, electric feelings,  taste and smell "off". It comes and goes, better than at first but I felt much better finding this forum and seeing that I'm NOT crazy.

[[fi...]]

You're definitely not crazy and those are some possible w/d sxs associated with benzo w/d that you mentioned.

 

fg