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@jimhd

I needed to stop taking Clonazepam, 1mg BID, after taking it for 20 years, for reasons I won't go into right now. I had tried reducing the dosage by .5mg a couple of years ago, but after several nights of insomnia I decided to give up.

Last year, I started titrating again by 1/8mg. I reduced the morning dose for 2-3 weeks, then went down another 1/8mg for a few weeks. As I titrated I reduced morning and bedtime doses in rotation. It was a long, slow process, but by taking my time I was able to stop taking it after several months. Now I only take it as needed for stressful situations. I would like to be taking it still because of the benefits, but in the current culture of fear it's a hassle to get a doctor to prescribe it in conjunction with the Dilaudid I take for chronic intractable severe pain. I'm hoping that the day will come, after several pending surgeries are performed, when my pain will lessen, and I'll be able to find a non-narcotive solution. Right now I'm just kind of in waiting mode.

But to respond to the question, titrating off benzodiazepines is best done very slowly to avoid withdrawal. Don't feel pressured to cut back too quickly. Let your body be your guide.

Jim

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Replies to "I needed to stop taking Clonazepam, 1mg BID, after taking it for 20 years, for reasons..."

Thank you so much for your response. It was definitely helpful and I will keep it in mind as I start this process. I have a few medical appointments coming up and I am worried about starting too soon as I might need the lorazepam before I go in for those appointments. I am thinking that during the summer when it's nice and bright and sunny outside, it might be a good time to start titrating down. I think the winter would not be a good time as the dreariness and weather might not help my mood at all and make it worse. I am thinking of going into my local pharmacy where I get my medication and asking the pharmacist if he thinks I should maybe bypass my primary care doctor and see a mental health physician who might be able to help me with this process. Again, thank you so very much.