What is the best way to taper off Klonopin?

You are so fortunate that your physician took the time to educate you. Coming off Benzo's is difficult and I know that the increased anxiety is a result of titration. However, once it's over, in time the anxiety can be managed better with alternative therapies. Good luck to you.

Thanks for the post. Did you experience any symptoms near the end of your taper?

Thanks, I am a few days into .125 so we will see how it goes the next week or two

No symptoms at the end

I have been having some trouble swallowing since the last cut. Has anyone else experienced this? It’s like I tell my brain to swallow but nothing happens. Could it be anxiety or what? It’s really scary, and I felt so close to the end. I cut to .125mg of klonopin, from .15mg

I suspect it is anxiety or some form of mental block around the medication if you only notice an issue while trying to swallow the Klonopin? Best to you!

It’s mostly food related and sometimes water. Muscles just feel really tense in that area. I’m sure anxiety is increasing the overall sensation and making it even more difficult

You need to consult an ENT.. they can tell you what the problem is but if everything checks out ok then you’ll know. It could be anxiety but for me he found that my right vocal cord wasn’t moving. It was paralyzed and that can cause some choking sensation resulting in anxiety. My area was tensed up as well. It took 3 months to find out what it was and how can it be repaired.
A lot of things can cause a paralyzed cord. It could be a stroke you’re not aware of but I had to get a double MRI. One for my brain and one for my neck. I had 3 CAT SCANS, several swallow tests and tough to figure out what could be causing it but make an appointment with a ear nose and throat specialist.

After seeing a speech pathologist about trouble swallowing and being able to speak clearly, she referred me to Stanford University where I did a barium X-ray test, was given med's to help with swallowing, and then returned about two months later for a more intensive exam and higher dose of a similar medication. I also began doing twice daily speaking exercises to warm up and build up the esophagus muscle with the help of my speech and language therapist at my local VA hospital. The program is called, "Speak Out!" (Live with Intent). It is part of the Parkinson Voice Project, but not limited to Parkinson's patients. You may contact them by phone at: 469.375.6500 or 833.375.6500. They'll mail you a free workbook. Try it out either online or using the book (a follow-up book came out recently) along with your current speech therapist, or on the SPEAK OUT website. For Q's online, go to: http://www.ParkinsonVoiceProjece.org

You get to follow along with founder & speech therapist, Samantha Elandary who's very enthusiastic and guides you through the book, or you can review or participate in zoom groups for singalongs and other vocal exercises. It's recommended that you exercise your speech with INTENT twice/day to maintain and improve your speech language. I've been using the workbook/online groups for nearly a year and have improved dramatically. I'm more confident when speaking and I don't shy away from public gatherings as I did for far too long.

So, after several years have passed, how has taking CALM worked out? Would you recommend it for those wanting to get off of clonazepam? Thanks! Are you still having anxiety or trouble sleeping?