I am having a VERY difficult time with Klonipin withdrawal

Posted by lisalynn @lisalynn, Jun 29, 2023

I have been on Klonipin for a BIG Panic disorder for over 15 years. I recently had to wean down off of 3 to none fast. The withdrawal was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I have my normal prescription now. However, at a lower level. But, I am still having a withdrawal symptom that is plaguing me. I am still taking it, but half of what I had been. I hear my Heart thumping in my ears, very loud and fast, 120 beats per minute. Did anyone else have that symptom? Or describe their withdrawal? Oh, and I NEVER want to speak to that new and cold Psychiatrist I have.
Struggling. Thanks.

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Profile picture for kb2014 @kb2014

I cannot really help because I was tapered off this drug in 2018 under the supervision of my primary care provider and neurologist. It took 7 months. I agree with you about your desire to stop it. What I can say is get medical help . Do not stop cold turkey on your own. You will be at risk of a seizure. Is there any telehealth providers that could help you? Can you travel to a provider that could give you a taper schedule? I live in a rural area too and with all the changes in health care now funding etc I travel about 1 1/2 hours. I will combine my appts with other errands like shopping hair cuts vet care for our dogs. Just suggesting.

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I will have to look into that about driving somewhere for this. That's a great idea.

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Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get off of this horrible medication. My GP here doesn't know how to help me and since I live in a small town we don't have any therapists that would be able to help me as well. I do not wish to go to a rehab center and need support through what I am going to be going through over the next year.

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What kind of specialist do I need?

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Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

Believe it or not we don't have anyone equipped here for even virtual appointments for this kind of thing. It's very discouraging. The few that we have you have to pay out of pocket but, they are not accepting new patients. I am very frustrated.

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I just saw an ad for virtual appointments through amazon if ur a subscriber. If you are, you could ask if they take your insurance. Worth a shot?

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Profile picture for laura1970 @laura1970

I just saw an ad for virtual appointments through amazon if ur a subscriber. If you are, you could ask if they take your insurance. Worth a shot?

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The amazon virtual doctors require a membership. But the first 2 weeks is free. So u could get at least 1 or 2 visits

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Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

Unfortunately I don't have that option as our psych doctors are not accepting new patients even with me crying on the phone.

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She lives in Tampa, Florida and her nurse practitioner is licensed in the state. I am not sure if she takes insurance though, as my friend is paying privately and it is not cheap. I am so sorry you are without support in this venture. it is a hard, hard thing - I was on benzos from 2004-2024. I can just say that I am 19 months benzo free and it is worth the struggle.

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Profile picture for beracha @beracha

Yes, I had terrible heart rates and BP. I changed my blood pressure medicine to help. I am also on gabapentin to help. I was on 2.5 for more than 15 yrs. I am older and needed to get off klonopin. I did 2.5 mg tap er to 1mg on my own. Couldn't physically go lower. Primary referred me to addiction medicine to work on taper and watch my mental health. 4 months later as of last week, I am off klomopin completely but having major withdrawal symptoms. Once I got BP meds changed I am better . Keep going. It's hard but better off med than staying on.

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You were on a large dose for a long time. I hope you tapered very very slowly. If you didn’t, this could be why you’re having major withdrawal symptoms.

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Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get off of this horrible medication. My GP here doesn't know how to help me and since I live in a small town we don't have any therapists that would be able to help me as well. I do not wish to go to a rehab center and need support through what I am going to be going through over the next year.

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I have read the Ashton manual and have forwarded it to my GP in hopes that he might try to help me. The first time he blew me off hopefully he’ll know that I’m serious and will help me. I’ll know more in a few days.🤞

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Profile picture for con123 @con123

She lives in Tampa, Florida and her nurse practitioner is licensed in the state. I am not sure if she takes insurance though, as my friend is paying privately and it is not cheap. I am so sorry you are without support in this venture. it is a hard, hard thing - I was on benzos from 2004-2024. I can just say that I am 19 months benzo free and it is worth the struggle.

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I have another message into my GP mentioning the Ashton Manual and hopefully he can help. The few psychiatrists that we have here are overwhelmed and not accepting new patients.

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Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

What kind of specialist do I need?

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I would try a psychiatrist or perhaps a nurse practioner who emphasis is behavioral health. Not sure about your insurance or finances but a federally qualified health centers could help. I had no problems tapering off but other people do. I was prescribed it for way too long. The better option is therapy which taught me boundaries etc.

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Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get off of this horrible medication. My GP here doesn't know how to help me and since I live in a small town we don't have any therapists that would be able to help me as well. I do not wish to go to a rehab center and need support through what I am going to be going through over the next year.

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I've recently started taking herbs. The last ones I've added are Rhodiola Rosea Root, 400 mg. and Kava, 200 mg.. Kava can be very potent. The kava capsules I purchased was 200 mg. That was too much. I remove half of the Kava and take it at bedtime. The Rhodiola I take in the afternoon. Usually after lunch.
2 times a day I take 100mg. of niacin with 400mg. of Turmeric.
I suggest you look into these supplements. The internet is flooded with information regarding them.
I do notice days when I miss them. I hustle to go take them.

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