Klonopin Use
I’ve been struggling with anxiety for over 7 years. In addition to taking Desvenlafaxine, i also have been taking klonopin, an average of 3-4 milligrams a week. Usually separated by a couple of days (but occasionally back to back). I’ve been cutting back the last couple of weeks and am struggling. Could i be addicted using this small of a dose? My psychiatrist (only used for med management) says no. He said I’d need to be taking much more and daily to be addicted. Any answers?
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It sounds like you are averaging 1mg a day of Klonopin which is a low dose but it is a benzodiazapine and,, as such, must be come off very gradually. Benzodiazapines are very addictive and tapering must be done very regularly and slowly, preferably with a Doctor.
Please reference the Ashton Manual, (which is the gold standard) for getting off benzodiazapines.
It is online and it is free.
Best of luck to you!
Additional note: read up on benzodiazapines and addiction.
It is NOT illegal addiction, but all benzodiazapines have a black box warning on them. (please look up what this is).
I wish you the very best of luck on this.
Actually less than 1 mg a day. More like 1 mg every other day.
You still need to taper off slowly.
7 years is a long time. You’ll definitely need to taper.
I have been on it for 25+ years. You definitely need to taper off slowly. I had to do it once when a new doctor decided he didn't want me taking it. No taper nothing. I somehow ended up breaking my arm in 2 places and crushed my elbow, had a black eye and a large lump on my head. I woke up like that and still don't remember anything 😕
@bonez3861 May I ask what dose,, which benzo you were on?
What your Doctor did was criminal. Are you okay now?
I thought it was dangerous to quit benzos cold turkey, and could cause psychosis. People used to do a month of rehab. My neuro continues to prescribe but it takes me 9 months to use 30 of the lowest dose pills. This is the only med I can tolerate for my neuro symptoms. This thread is truly scary and I hope everyone is okay or finds a doctor to help them be okay. Very slow taper is needed- months. It is not possible to taper with no meds prescribed!
So, my question now is, since everyone is saying i need to taper off, am i addicted to the klonooin?
Terrible!
Yeah, I’d also like to know your dose was. And, how are you doing now. Are you still on it?