Can't handle WD from fast taper. Dr. rx'd klononopam should I insist on valium.

[[Ja...]]

I tapered from 2 mg of xanax over 3 weeks and CT ambien at the same time. Horrible numbing and tingling - parastesia - from head to toe. Just can't tough it out any more. Nerve test and EMG yesterday. Neuro said to go back on xanax which has worked in the past to alleviate same symptoms. Told him I didn't want to take xanax and he prescribed klononopam. Reading posts on this site it seems if I am going to go back on a benzo in an attempt to stabilize I should consider valium as it might be easier to do a very very slow taper later because of dosage. Is it a bad idea to start with klonozopam and switch to valium when I am read to taper again. Also, neuro diagnosed me with general anxiety disorder. said I can treat condition and symptons safely with benzo indefinately. Also seems like there are millions of long term benzo users but only thousands that experience problems. Is it possible some of the thousands could safely take a benzo to control symptoms rather than going through such agonizing WD. Is it possible that any of us do have symtoms that are caused by a medical condition and not WD. 

[[...]]

If you reinstate on Klonopin and wish to taper off Valium once you've stabilized you will need to complete a gradual crossover to Valium before you start tapering.

 

Here's a link to some sample crossover and taper plans from the Ashton Manual.  http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm

 

In my opinion using benzos indefinitely to treat anxiety is not the best option as there are many other treatment options that do not have the long term risks and side effects of benzos.  I'm not telling you what to do as this is a personal choice.  It's just my opinion that it is worth trying any and all drug free alternatives first.

[[Ja...]]

Hi mmgc

 

Thanks for your reply. Agree I would rather not take any type of benzo but it does seem that millions do without problems. I have now - wish I had before - read the taper schedules but don't understand crossing over to valium first. I think I understand that dosage needs to be converted and then start taper. Are you tapering from k or did you cross over to valium first. Saw you had started at 1mg and are very gradually cutting. How do you feel. Would be great to hear from just one person that isn't miserable to encourage me to reinstate, stabilize and then start a slow taper rather than just go back on med, feel better and just stay with it.

[[Ja...]]

If I do reinstae on K it will be at 1 or 1.5mg a day.

[[...]]

Hi mmgc

 

Thanks for your reply. Agree I would rather not take any type of benzo but it does seem that millions do without problems. I have now - wish I had before - read the taper schedules but don't understand crossing over to valium first. I think I understand that dosage needs to be converted and then start taper. Are you tapering from k or did you cross over to valium first. Saw you had started at 1mg and are very gradually cutting. How do you feel. Would be great to hear from just one person that isn't miserable to encourage me to reinstate, stabilize and then start a slow taper rather than just go back on med, feel better and just stay with it.

 

Hi Jakeinvegas:

 

I'm currently tapering off K.  Not sure yet if I'm going to switch to Valium.  It depends on how things go.

 

I started tapering from 5 mg in September 2010.  Jumped from 0.125 mg in October 2011.  That did not go well at all and I ended up reinstating at 1 mg.

 

This second taper attempt has been much tougher than the first.  I've been at 0.75 mg for about 7 weeks and still not stable enough to make another cut.  I'm dealing with a lot of intense withdrawal symptoms.  This doesn't mean that it would be as rough for you if you reinstate.  Everyone is different.

 

If you choose to reinstate I recommend stabilizing and taking your time with the taper.  You can do a direct taper off K or switch to Valium and then taper.  Either way you'll be able to get a lot of help here from people who have experience with both methods.

 

If you choose a direct taper off K you could consider titration, compounded liquid, or compounded capsules to allow for very small cuts.

 

Personally I do not recommend using any benzo long term.  I would recommend a steady taper and finding non drug treatment to help you cope.

 

Let us know what you decide to do and if you have any questions.

[[No...]]

Jakeinvegas4

 

There are millions suffering from WD, who are unaware that it is in fact the medicine that is causing all their strange medical problems. When doctors cannot find a reason to the symptoms described, often patients are diagnosed with either chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and even bi-polar disorder. Many doctors refuse to attribute symptoms to tolerance withdrawal, which often leads to widespread poly drugging.

 

Why would you shift to Clonazepam, then to Valium?. Why not stay on Xanax, and then a slow cross over to Valium for tapering? Why introduce Clonazepam at all?