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Klonopin taper
I have been on some kind of benzo for almost 40 yrs. I am trying to taper from 1.5-2 mgs of klonopin daily . Began in mid may 2017 and my last cut was very small on 7-2-17 to get to 1mg. Honestly feels like i am dying. I also take trazodone 75 mgs and 4 drugs for high blood pressure. I have been researching gabapentin and seroquel to help with the withdrawal symptons. Please offer any suggestions or help. I am 69 yrs old and cant even leave my house to visit my kids and grands. Thank you for any help!
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@lisalucier @amberpep Sorry, but I really have no input here. I have never had to be on medications for mental health, any episodes I have had of depression have been short lived and with a specific cause. My daughter on the other hand has had more problems. She has been diagnosed as bi-polar but I have never seen a manic episode and the times she has suffered from depression there was a reason also. I really do not know if she is on any medication these days. Once they are adults we often do not know everything going on in their lives.
JK
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2 ReactionsYes, admittedly, a nice long therapeutic rest at a nice Psychiatric Hospital sounds pretty good long about now.
abby
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2 ReactionsAbby, do you know the Serenity Prayer? "God, grant me the serenity prayer to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." It helps me and I have spent most of my life trying to control everything. I am sending you prayers and energy.
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3 Reactions@amberpep
Hi, Abby. I've been taking klonopin for 11 years for anxiety, and a secondary benefit of keeping me from acting out my dreams, which is why this is one med that my wife doesn't want me to stop. I did try to get off it once by going from 1mg to .75, but I couldn't sleep for several nights, so I continue to take 1mg. I feel that if I need a medication long-term, and it's performing its function, I don't consider needing it to be an addiction. I'm okay with knowing that I may be taking a medication the rest of my life. I realize that addiction is a very real problem for many people in this country, and that it's a real societal problem. It's most unfortunate that because it's a societal problem, it's become a political issue, and as a result, it's become a potentially disastrous problem for those of us who depend on the medications for legitimate reasons. For those of us who have chronic pain and mental health issues life is a real challenge.
Jim
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5 Reactions@amberpep
Abby, I had a brain implosion in '05, and after several suicide attempts, I went to a nice facility for survivors of attempts for 2 months. That first visit was the beginning of a difficult journey, guided by a string of therapists. After 18 months without therapy last year, I was able to get back to work with a new therapist, and none too soon, as I was having suicidal thoughts again.
I learned a lot of the basics during my 2 month stay. I really was ignorant about mental health issues, and I guess I'm a slow learner. It's taken me a long time to assimilate what I've been taught, and I have to say that I'm in a much better place than I was 12+ years ago. Healing takes time. After having been clinically depressed for more than 13 years, I'm beginning to think that it's pretty likely a lifelong condition. That would have freaked me out 20 years ago, but I think I'm able to be at peace with it, and I've found that to be freeing.
Be encouraged by the support you receive here. Believe that finishing the race is possible.
Jim
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5 ReactionsThanks, Jim, @jimhd
Yours is a post I wish I could "double-like."
Teresa
Abby @amberpep
I applaud you for seeking out help it sounds like you took advantage of all of the "helping resources" available.
Teresa
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1 ReactionJim, @jimhd
Great insights, Jim.
Teresa
I found out quite by accident that lyrica help me to get off years of klonopin. I took it as a pain med but quickly found that it was very good for anxiety I don't know what it's like trying to get off of it but I do know I am totally off the benzos!! I suggest you go on line and explore the drug on google. Good luck
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1 ReactionHi. I have taken Klonopin for 25 years, mostly 3 milligram a day. A year ago, because of studies done on the tie of Klonopin to dementia in older folks, I am 66, I have tapered down to 1 mg with the goal to get completely off it. I saw a psychiatrist foe medication in DC who gave me some useful suggestions that have helped for me. Once I got to 2 mgs, I would taper off as follows: reduce .25 megs by reducing this amount every other day for at least 2 weeks. Stay at the reduced level for 2 weeks. Don't reduce if anxiety is up or life events are difficult. The plan now is to reduce 1/8 mg. using the same routine. It has helped me to follow the routine with very little impact. Some added anxiety for a few days, but nothing significant. It helps to know the anxiety is part of the drug withdrawal, not psychological issues. So, this has worked for me so far. Down from 3 milligrams to 1 and continuing .
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