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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ladilauro | @ladilauro | May 28 9:01am

In reply to @mcoleman1971 "I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get..." + (show)

Your GP should absolutely know how to help you.
If he doesn’t he should never prescribe it!
I was on Klonopin for 20 years, it has to be tapered properly and managed by a doctor.
Please find another physician who knows what he’s doing.
I was not tapered properly and had severe repercussions.

pflyboyatl | @pflyboyatl | May 28 6:02pm

In reply to @mcoleman1971 "I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get..." + (show)

Thank you. He is a psychiatrist 35 yrs but I kept saying I don’t want it long term. I told him I heard it should not be taken more than 3-4 weeks.

pflyboyatl | @pflyboyatl | May 28 6:06pm

In reply to @mcoleman1971 "I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get..." + (show)

I have only been on a lower dose 5 months but having a hard time tapering down.

I hope you get answers.

ladilauro | @ladilauro | May 28 6:11pm

In reply to @pflyboyatl "Thank you. He is a psychiatrist 35 yrs but I kept saying I don’t want it..." + (show)

@pflyboyatl
I don’t know the rules or numbers but I do highly suggest you get a second opinion.
Coming off Klonopin, not handled properly can cause severe withdrawal.
I lived it.
Please let me know if I can help in any way.

ladilauro | @ladilauro | May 28 6:14pm

In reply to @pflyboyatl "I have only been on a lower dose 5 months but having a hard time tapering..." + (show)

@pflyboyatl
If your doctor is not giving this the proper attention it can be detrimental.
There is medication that can be used for withdrawal.
I’m passionate about this because what my doctor put me through was a horrible experience.
In all honesty, I should have sued him.

pflyboyatl | @pflyboyatl | May 28 6:56pm

In reply to @ladilauro "@pflyboyatl If your doctor is not giving this the proper attention it can be detrimental. There..." + (show)

@ladilauro
My PCP is on vacation and so is my psychatrist back Monday.

He has tapered me to .125 mg 2x a day. That was 8 weeks - saw him last Tuesday and he is keeping me on 40 mg Vilazodone that he increased to max of 40 mg about 5 weeks ago. He said trying doing the .125 mg 1x a dsy even though instructions say twice a day as needed. My body knows even on a low dose.

The sad thing is psychiatrist tine is 15 min. Geesh.

Back in Dec my Primary put me on ativan and Zoloft. Then I went to outpatient therapy and dr there changed me to Buspar and prozac 10 mg for 8 weeks - never increased it so this dr said that was not even a therapeutuc dose and weaned me off Buspar and did a gene right cheek swab test that show vilazidone might better work.

So here I am. Not feeling my best.

My psychiatrist wants me back in 3 months! I just saw him a week ago but I am not feeling any better. Maybe 40 mg to high but the klonipin was to be a bridge for a short time- not 5 months!!

gunshy | @gunshy | May 29 8:05am

In reply to @pflyboyatl "I am on vilazodone 40 mg for 5 weeks. My dr increased. Has me on klonipin..." + (show)

I have read that going doing 50 percent is way to quick and that 5 to 10 percent every two to four weeks is much safer and more comfortable. i've tried for months to get a dr. to listen to me. My nervous system is very sensitive and I do not want to take a chance. I have found that GPs, NP and even psychitrist are not very knowledgable. One has to do their own research and this does take time.

gunshy | @gunshy | May 29 8:10am

In reply to @pflyboyatl "Thank you. He is a psychiatrist 35 yrs but I kept saying I don’t want it..." + (show)

@phyboyatl
That is right -- even 2 weeks and be long and one will have to taper off. I was not told that and have been on them 5 months and not looking forward to the slow taper required to get off it. I wish you well.

gunshy | @gunshy | May 29 8:14am

In reply to @mcoleman1971 "I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get..." + (show)

I want off it, too and have had a similar situation. I have found a woman in NYC, but she is very, very pricey, but I do trust she knows what she is doing. Have you looked at the Benzodizapine Collation website for a beginning and cruised the net?

ladilauro | @ladilauro | May 29 11:58am

In reply to @pflyboyatl "@ladilauro My PCP is on vacation and so is my psychatrist back Monday. He has tapered..." + (show)

@pflyboyatl
Sounds like your doctor has a handle on it from what I know.
My current physician put me on Buspar to help with the withdrawal.
I had lost my script for Klonopin, the doctor would not call in anything else.
He told me to take 1/2 each day. I only had two left. The withdrawal was indescribable.
I lost a year of my life because of him.
Looking back, I should have filed a lawsuit.
I definitely agree with checking in with your doctor if you are not feeling well.
I have learned in the medical field we have to be our own advocate.

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