What is the best way to taper off Klonopin?

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.

It’s getting more and more difficult to get a long term benzo prescription. Once someone’s long time provider dies or retires it can become almost impossible to get a script for more than a few weeks. No they don’t care that you’ve been on them forever, benzos are the only thing that works, you’re a Vet, you’re old etc. Benzos are going away long term just like opioids. The younger doctors are just not going to prescribe since the DEA got involved.

I have also been on Klonopin for 30 yrs. After being diagnosed with COPD a doctor said that it promotes shallow breathing and recommended that I get off of them. Since my physchiatrist wrote the script and monitored me on them it was her who is helping me get off of them. I began taking them for anxiety/panic disorder and wasnt sure how successful I would be getting off of them we both agreed that this was voluntary on my part and proceeded from there. U was taking .05 mg 3x day. Sometimes 4x day. So it should be said that about 2 yrs ago I began taking lyrica for pain. What I noticed was that sometimes I wouldn't even have a beed for taking the Klonopin. I know everyone is different but having been addicted to valium in my 20s and going thru horrible unsupported withdrawal ny shrink was aware and withdrew me slowly over 12 mos. I am down to 1 05mg a day. I think the key here is obviously the lyrica and my shrinks sensitivity to withdrawal. I have been told by the pain mgt. Doctors that it can take years to withdraw from Klonopin. With that in mind I am wondering if your doctor has good knowledge of withdrawal and is doing regular check-ins with you. I am just saying don't mini mize the process if withdrawal and make sure your doctor understands addiction and withdrawal. There is a right and wrong way to do it

You’re taking the Lyrica for pain I’m sorry to hear. Lyrica should never be used solely for benzo withdrawal as this drug also has to be tapered slowly and can have some really bad withdrawal symptoms.

Absolutely taking for pain prescribed at hospital pain mgt. clonic as last dutch effort. We have already discussed potential addiction and need to ween off with supervision. I think it was a matter of quality of life to begin taking pregabalin and I am happy to say that hat my quality of life has improved 100 per cent. I think everyone must make those decisions for themselves with a well qualified doctor prescribing and monitoring that means regular scheduled visits. It is a one size fits all situation.

I can relate. I recently moved across the country and can't find a doctor who will prescribe. My doctor at the VA said that he sees no problem with my taking 0.5mg or 0.25mg Xanax for sleep, but is not authorized to prescribe because the VA considers it a dangerous drug, along the lines of Oxycontin, which is absurd. I am 75 years old, have been on benzodiazepines (off and on, but mostly on) for more than 40 years. I have Parkinson's Disease and it's not uncommon for people with this illness to have insomnia. Taking a small dosage at night, as needed should not be cause for alarm by a doctor who could easily write a prescription. As you said, the younger doctors absolutely refuse to prescribe it. I can well-relate to your situation. Before my PD diagnosis I was extremely active: a life-long surfer and tennis player, as well as a Chinese martial arts devotee. I also did volunteer work in my community, but am now unable to drive and there's virtually no public transportation where I live. I volunteered at nursing homes many years ago and tried to make the lives of the "residents" / prisoners worthwhile. I also hoped I'd never end up in one of those horrible places when my life was reaching its end. Now, I feel like an inmate, isolated, afraid, and hopeless. I sincerely hope you get the help you deserve. You're fighting for your life.

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.