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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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scain | @scain | Sep 7, 2025

My only though about your post was that it sounds like you had panic attacks when speaking in public. I like to jokingly define my panic attacks as having one in the frozen food section of the grocery store. No rhyme or reason. I think the fear of speaking in public is pretty wide spread whereas my panic attacks came out of the blue and were debhilitating (sp???) to say the least. Propranolol never helped me. Strictly Klonepin and an antidepressant and therapy all at the same time. At any rate, I think that we are in agreement about slow and easy. In fact, I am also a patient at our local hospital's pain clinic for something other than panic. When I told the doctor that I was weening off of klonepin and at the rate that I was doing it (over 24-36 mos.) he was very impressed as he said that that was one of the more difficult anti-anxiety meds. out there. I just wish that doctors would not prescribe them unless they are at least checking in with them on a monthly basis. It is a shame for anyone to have to go through withdrawal on their own from a prescribed med.

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rcr | @rcr | Sep 7, 2025
In reply to @amysf18 "I was recently denied a refill of klonopin and had to stop abruptly. This sent my..." + (show)
Profile picture for amysf18 @amysf18

I was recently denied a refill of klonopin and had to stop abruptly. This sent my body into shock and all of my symptoms from over the past four years came back. I am now back on it to bring my system back to a stable place. Once I have been there for awhile, I plan on doing a very slow taper. I have many questions but first and foremost, how do I know what my current dosage should be to get back to where I was? Should all panic and anxiety symptoms go away, or will some continue to linger? How long does it take before I know I am at the right dose for stability to occur?

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Join the FB group Benzo Warrior Community. They help with benzo withdrawal and there’s also the Ashton’s Manual for tapering off benzos.

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mcoleman1971 | @mcoleman1971 | Sep 7, 2025
In reply to @beracha "I was on klonopin for sleep disorder. Anxiety and PTSD. My dr didn't explain but I..." + (show)
Profile picture for beracha @beracha

I was on klonopin for sleep disorder. Anxiety and PTSD. My dr didn't explain but I guess it is medical conditions like seizures that r too dangerous. I did have my first panic attack after years of klonopin when I was in my 2 weeks after last klonopin dose. Dr added hydroxyzine, antihistamine used for alcohol withdrawals. I have increased anxiety and needed to start my mindfulness, meditation, and crocheting to keep brain busy. It has helped. Yes, it is scary!! I did work thru it but it was horrible. I am trying to work thru without medication. Its easier to take pill, but i am determined to stop klonopin. My memory issues are more serious to me and my family, and I am taking it one day at a time. I will be giving myself grace, and try to keep off klonopin. My journey is hard, but it is the direction I chose. Keep trying.

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Keep trying but, as slow as you can. It's better to go slowly if possible. You don't want to overwhelm your brain. I am pulling for you.

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bmac1 | @bmac1 | Sep 8, 2025
In reply to @mcoleman1971 "I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get..." + (show)
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 would google powersbenzocoaching.

He has a lot of information on YouTube as well.

Another YouTube Chanel I follow is taperclinic with Dr. Joseph.

You can also find the Ashton Manual online for free.

I tried to post the links for you, but it blocked my post.

I’m not an expert on these things, but I am currently tapering off of lorazepam. I will tell you from experience DO NOT go to a detox center. I was fortunate to find a psychiatrist that is helping me with a patient led taper. Everyone is different, but what I have encountered is that a slow patient led taper based on your symptoms is the way to go. Hope this helps. God bless. ❤️

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beracha | @beracha | Sep 8, 2025
In reply to @mcoleman1971 "Keep trying but, as slow as you can. It's better to go slowly if possible. You..." + (show)
Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

Keep trying but, as slow as you can. It's better to go slowly if possible. You don't want to overwhelm your brain. I am pulling for you.

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I am 3 weeks without klonopin. The two weeks were quite hard, and I hope i am over the wordt. Thanks for the support. Yes. Slower is better!! Your body will dictate how slow to go.

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diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | Sep 8, 2025
In reply to @arthur57 "Good luck with your withdrawal, definitely do the slow withdrawal and hopefully all will go well...." + (show)
Profile picture for arthur57 @arthur57

Good luck with your withdrawal, definitely do the slow withdrawal and hopefully all will go well. Clonazepam was a nightmare for me after only 7 months. Messed me up big time and had withdrawal symptoms for 18 or more months. Frankly I think I still feel subtle side effects after 30 months, go figure. With respect to you panic attacks (disorder) I found Propranolol to be a God send for panic attacks and preventing them in the first place. I developed panic attacks while giving presentations to groups of people, often hundreds, and thought my career was over. But discovered if I took this miracle beta blocker an hour before my presentation, I could sing like a canary. Tried Xanax as doctor advised, helped, but nowhere close to the calm with propranolol. I found out others used it as well for the same stage fright I developed. We all thought it was a life saver. Now that I'm retired I no longer need the med and only took it for presentations or higher work stress events. Best of luck!!

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I have also had a lot of benefit from Propanolol. It does lower blood pressure, though, so that is something that needs to be taken into account. It helps with anxiety and reduces the release of cortisol...somehow.

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mcoleman1971 | @mcoleman1971 | Sep 8, 2025
In reply to @beracha "I am 3 weeks without klonopin. The two weeks were quite hard, and I hope i..." + (show)
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I am 3 weeks without klonopin. The two weeks were quite hard, and I hope i am over the wordt. Thanks for the support. Yes. Slower is better!! Your body will dictate how slow to go.

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Thank you...and congrats to you!!! I can't wait until the day that I can be free of Klonopin.

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arthur57 | @arthur57 | Sep 8, 2025
In reply to @diverdown1 "I have also had a lot of benefit from Propanolol. It does lower blood pressure, though,..." + (show)
Profile picture for diverdown1 @diverdown1

I have also had a lot of benefit from Propanolol. It does lower blood pressure, though, so that is something that needs to be taken into account. It helps with anxiety and reduces the release of cortisol...somehow.

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You are correct about the BP, so if yours is normally low, may not be a good choice. For me it was a wonder drug. Keeps your heart from beating out of your chest and finding it difficult to talk because your gasping for breath lol. It is good for situational panic disorder!

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quinjalive1 | @quinjalive1 | Sep 8, 2025
In reply to @mcoleman1971 "Thank you...and congrats to you!!! I can't wait until the day that I can be free..." + (show)
Profile picture for mcoleman1971 @mcoleman1971

Thank you...and congrats to you!!! I can't wait until the day that I can be free of Klonopin.

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I got off a heavy Klonipin use by very gradually tapering use with the help of my PCP. I don't advise doing it by yourself.

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amysf18 | @amysf18 | Sep 8, 2025

I understand a slow taper can require a scale. Could someone provide me with what type of scale I need to purchase? Thank you

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