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 mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

I will gather my thoughts and give you all the responses tomorrow the best that I can to explain my situation without hopefully not overwhelming you. Give me 24 hours and I will explain everything.

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I look forward to hearing from you. My PCP told me to stop reading Dr Google and stop reading these posts. She said everyone is different and to do what is best for me and what has worked best for me in keeping my depression and anxiety in check.
Zoloft, Buspar, Wellbutrin and Klonopin enabled me to have a very successful career in commission sales and raise two children and be blessed with five beautiful grandchildren. My wife passed away because she didn’t take care of herself but I have found a wonderful new partner.
The country is turning upside down and the head of Health and Human Services is trying to blame the shooting In Minneapolis on the use of SSRI’s.
My question is whether at 74 I want to upend my life and go through what could be a very long and protracted withdrawal from something that has worked for over 30 years.
I look forward to your response knowing there is not a drug on the market that does not have terrible side effects if you read the packaging. Some advertised on TV even mention death as a possible side effect.
I think SSRI’s have been a godsend to millions of people and just read the side effects on their packaging.
In closing many people continue to drink and smoke and yet how many lives have they ruined. Some have said nicotine is more addictive than heroin.
My wife died from diabetes and her sisters died from smoking and drinking. She told my daughter as she was dying that she ate herself to death.
I just want to put things in prospective.

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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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But, you have made a huge accomplishment and it is soo much better for you using the slow tapering method that you need not be scared. You have us to vent to and your doctor is doing it the safe way. If it is scaring you maybe ask your doctor to drop down only .25 mg every two weeks. That might be a better approach according to the Ashton Method.

Be proud of yourself. YOU ARE STRONG!!!

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Profile picture for daveshaw @daveshaw

I look forward to hearing from you. My PCP told me to stop reading Dr Google and stop reading these posts. She said everyone is different and to do what is best for me and what has worked best for me in keeping my depression and anxiety in check.
Zoloft, Buspar, Wellbutrin and Klonopin enabled me to have a very successful career in commission sales and raise two children and be blessed with five beautiful grandchildren. My wife passed away because she didn’t take care of herself but I have found a wonderful new partner.
The country is turning upside down and the head of Health and Human Services is trying to blame the shooting In Minneapolis on the use of SSRI’s.
My question is whether at 74 I want to upend my life and go through what could be a very long and protracted withdrawal from something that has worked for over 30 years.
I look forward to your response knowing there is not a drug on the market that does not have terrible side effects if you read the packaging. Some advertised on TV even mention death as a possible side effect.
I think SSRI’s have been a godsend to millions of people and just read the side effects on their packaging.
In closing many people continue to drink and smoke and yet how many lives have they ruined. Some have said nicotine is more addictive than heroin.
My wife died from diabetes and her sisters died from smoking and drinking. She told my daughter as she was dying that she ate herself to death.
I just want to put things in prospective.

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If your PCP is not asking you to get off these meds and they are working for you then why would you change anything? Again, I am wanting to get off on Klonopin for personal reasons. I've gone from 1 mg to 2 mg over the last 20+ years and don't want to continue with them.

If it is working for you then don't mess with it and quit googling things and reading about side effects. As long as you are under a PCP's care why would you want to upend anything. I wouldn't.

I started this thread as I wanted advice and words of wisdom from other people who are either deciding to get off benzos or have gotten off of benzos.

Don't be scared and stay with what you PCP and you want to do. Hugs to you!!!

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Profile picture for daveshaw @daveshaw

You don’t mention how old you are and I am sorry the surgery went horribly wrong.
I don’t feel the medication has put a veil over my eyes and I have had conversations with my PCP. Unlike so many PCP’s that are running away from prescribing it she actually encouraged me to stay on it. After 30 years and at my age I don’t want to go through a painful withdrawal. One post said it took him or her six years to get off it. That would make me 80 years old.
Do you know of any way to get off it without suffering terrible withdrawals? If so I am all ears.
Do you think the opioid epidemic has all the doctors running scared? I have never heard of anyone overdosing on Klonopin. Have you? Also why does everyone on this site focus on Klonopin when there are so many other benzo’s out there?
Like I said my PCP for the last 20 years has a practice comprised of only senior citizens and she is careful not to prescribe it to anyone with a drinking problem.
Just looking for answers.

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I'm 54 years old

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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 did print out the conversion table from the Ashton Manual and some talking points plus, my husband will be there with me to help explain my situation and my desire to stop taking benzos for fear that if he retires I will be hard pressed to find another physician that will be able to continue to give me Klonopin which terrifies me. I just want to be proactive and get ahead of this before that happens. I do really appreciate your guidance and advice.

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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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Thank you and I will fill you in later on Tuesday after my appointment. Thank you for the prayers and I will pray for you as well. Maybe we can go through this journey together. Strength in numbers, right? We can help each other along the way if you would like?

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Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

Thank you...this gives me another option to talk about with my GP. Did both of those help?

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Yes! Gabapentin did help, and then I needed something different as I tapered off gabapentin . Hydroxyzine has been very helpful. I start with 10mg. It is an antihistamine so check with your dr.

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Profile picture for beracha @beracha

Yes! Gabapentin did help, and then I needed something different as I tapered off gabapentin . Hydroxyzine has been very helpful. I start with 10mg. It is an antihistamine so check with your dr.

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Thank you. I will add this bit to my questions for tapering.

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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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Probably need a new one as mine is old.

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In reply to @mcoleman1971 "I'm 54 years old" + (show)
Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

I'm 54 years old

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If I was 54 years old it would make a huge difference. At 74 not so much.
I wish you only the best.

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