I am 80 years old. My psychiatrist would like me to taper off Clonazepam 0.5 MG (Klonopin). I take it daily, and have been about 6-years. What is the safest way to taper?

Hi – I have tapered way down on clonazepam and basically cut my daily dose in half. It has taken a couple years going very slowly, but it has worked really well. Do you mind sharing how many milligrams you take every other day? What were you taking originally? And how many years have you been on it? It is totally possible to not only taper but discontinue this medication for some people but just needs to be done very very slowly. Others have a much harder time; everyone’s body and brain is different obviously. Almost 1/16 of a milligram at a time seems to work best. I wish you the best of luck. Happy to continue sharing if you need to.

I began tapering off 1 mg clonazepam in September. I have been doing well. My symptoms were manageable. I am now completely off. I have begun having withdrawal symptoms. Shaking and jerking movements, horrible tinitis, blurred vision. I feel like I’m in a funhouse. Vertigo, it feels like the ground is tilting, flu like symptoms. I went to the ER a week ago because I convinced myself I was dying. Was tested for flu and covid. Both negative. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, how long did this last?

Has anyone successfully tapered off of Clonazepam?

@firefly70, I'm happy to hear that you’ve found an NP you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to your concerns and supports you in being assertive about asking for what you need. It’s also great that you have a backup plan with a possible new provider, just in case.

To help you connect with members and keep this topic in one place, I merged your 2 discussions into one that appears in both the Anxiety & Depression support group as well as the Addictions & Recovery support group. See the full discussion here:

- Anyone had issues while tapering off of 1mg clonazepam (Klonopin)? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-need-your-help/

@danielle78 asked a similar question about tapering with helpful responses from @jakedduck1 @kb2014 @londonex @ellerchim. I'd also like to bring @jimhd and @joeakel into the discussion to share experiences with 1mg clonazepam (Klonopin) and tapering.

@danielle78, how are you doing?
@firefly70. are you currently working with a therapist or other mental health professional as well as you NP?

How long does it take for this to become a problem. I have only been taking .5-2mg a day for about two weeks.

Hi can you cut the tablets in half then try to cut them down

I was on Xanax,I think detoxing from any kind of Benzo,Is extremely difficult
Good Luck

You should be gradually tapering EVERY DAY. Unfortunately, the majority of doctors do not know how to taper people.. 5 to 10% a month at the most. A very slow taper works best listen to your body.. Every other day confuses your body. No wonder you don’t feel right.

@neiko1998
No, not at all. I did it over 2 to 2 plus years. Slowly is the key, at least for me. Some people take these medication's for many years or decades and then when they decide they want off they want off quickly. One lady here stopped another medication cold turkey after 30 years and she had a stroke.
Take care,
Jake