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What is the best way to taper off Klonopin?
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Apr 27 4:38pm | Replies (315)Comment receiving replies
As I began tapering down my benzodiazapines, which I had been on for the better part of the past forty-plus years, the primary care physician I'd had advised me to switch from Xanax to Klonopin because due to the longer half-life, the withdrawal would be easier for me to handle. Over a one year period I went from taking 1 to 2mg/day Xanax (my pill doctor refused to change my med's) to about 0.5/day. I was certainly progressing. Then I relocated (couldn't afford living in CA) and wasn't able find a doctor who would prescribe benzodiazapines. I ran out at the beginning of the year and am not coping well. I feel anxious and agitated, and I have horrible insomnia. I'm a Vietnam veteran whose neurological problems have gotten debilitating. Playing sports and being quite active had kept me grounded, but now I simple get out and walk as much as possible using a cane or sometimes a walker. The VA says my condition is unrelated to either Agent Orange exposure or from toxic drinking water at Camp Lejeune, so there's nothing they can do and don't have any useful resources especially with what's been happening to them recently. I'm no longer able to drive, live in a town without mass transport, and I'd probably veg out in front TV, but I've never owned one and don't wish to have one in my home. I used to love to read, but now I can't seem to concentrate or stay focused. I know I have much to be grateful for, but these past several months have been some of the toughest times I've ever had to face. And I was a person who lived most of his life on survival mode having left home at fourteen to escape regular physical and emotional beatings. I feel empty right now and wish I could just pop a little pill to lift the weight off my chest. I'm sure there's a light at the end of the tunnel. How long does withdrawal last.
Replies to "As I began tapering down my benzodiazapines, which I had been on for the better part..."
I agree with the blogger below - you need to find a neurologist or endocrinologist. At any rate, I think you have GAD - generalized anxiety disorder - and you will not be able to avoid those feelings of anxiety and discomfort in your life. I know, because I am now on 2 mg of clonazepam daily before bedtime, and I have been on it for many years. If I were to try to wean off of it, I could not escape the GAD symptoms after two or three days later. I've tried more than once, unsuccessfully.
I think you could get a safe supply from Mexico via mail, search for ....https://medsmex.com.mx/store/contact_us.php), call them directly to inquire (800 381 8598 or 602-714-7231), they are very helpful and speak English very well. I think it likely would be Xanax or Ativan they'd offer, not clonazepam. Yet, you should first go back to your medical insurance provider and inquire if they could help find a doctor in your area who would prescribe some type of anti-anxiety medication. Then you could also go on a Telehealth call with a doctor in your Plan and discuss your condition. Full disclosure - I am not a doctor, this advice is just from my personal experience. I live in California. For better sleep, I'd say to try doxylamine succinate, sold by Costco (over the counter - OTC) off the regular shelf as "Sleep Aid", fairly inexpensive. Start with half a tablet.
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Wow! I am so sorry to hear that you have to go through all of that needless pain and trauma. What I mean by needless is with medication you could be functioning. You need to find a neurologist. On my very first visit he ask me why I wanted off of them and I told him my previous family Dr did not want to prescribe them anymore. So it was my decision to either try another route,Gabapentin, or go back on klonopin after I had weaned myself down to 1/2 of a .05. So when I tried the klonopin with my other sleep aid I took before it kept me wake. So now I take klonopin with Gabapentin. It works well for me. I feel normal, finally! As far as withdrawals, everyone is different but expect it to last for 6months to a year. I will keep you in my prayers 🙏. I'm so very sorry that you are suffering 😢