1. < Depression & Anxiety

Klonopin taper

Posted by dawgbone @dawgbone, Jul 31, 2017

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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JK | @contentandwell | Aug 7, 2017
In reply to @amberpep "OMG .... this is horrifying. I have cyclothymia and have been on Klonopin for several years,..." + (show)
@amberpep

OMG .... this is horrifying. I have cyclothymia and have been on Klonopin for several years, along with antidepressants and Lamictal (mood stabilizer). Most of the time they work well together, but now as I read this about Klonopin, it worries me. My anxiety goes through the roof at times if I'm not on it and the panic attacks start rolling. I'm afraid to stop taking it, and yet I don't want to become an addict either. Sometimes I think it would just be better if I were dead.
abby

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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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Barb | @amberpep | Aug 7, 2017
In reply to @amberpep "OMG .... this is horrifying. I have cyclothymia and have been on Klonopin for several years,..." + (show)
@amberpep

OMG .... this is horrifying. I have cyclothymia and have been on Klonopin for several years, along with antidepressants and Lamictal (mood stabilizer). Most of the time they work well together, but now as I read this about Klonopin, it worries me. My anxiety goes through the roof at times if I'm not on it and the panic attacks start rolling. I'm afraid to stop taking it, and yet I don't want to become an addict either. Sometimes I think it would just be better if I were dead.
abby

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Yes, admittedly, a nice long therapeutic rest at a nice Psychiatric Hospital sounds pretty good long about now.
abby

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ayankeeinnm | @ayankeeinnm | Aug 7, 2017

Abby, 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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Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Aug 8, 2017
In reply to @amberpep "OMG .... this is horrifying. I have cyclothymia and have been on Klonopin for several years,..." + (show)
@amberpep

OMG .... this is horrifying. I have cyclothymia and have been on Klonopin for several years, along with antidepressants and Lamictal (mood stabilizer). Most of the time they work well together, but now as I read this about Klonopin, it worries me. My anxiety goes through the roof at times if I'm not on it and the panic attacks start rolling. I'm afraid to stop taking it, and yet I don't want to become an addict either. Sometimes I think it would just be better if I were dead.
abby

Jump to this post

@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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Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Aug 8, 2017
In reply to @blindeyepug "Abby, I agree 100% with Hazel! If you have something that works - stick with it!..." + (show)
@blindeyepug

Abby, I agree 100% with Hazel! If you have something that works - stick with it! I have suffered from clinical depression for many, many years. I have tried several different medications. Some had great results but then stopped working and others had horrible side effects. I have been on my most recent medication for about 8 years. It is working just fine, and I don't want to do anything to mess that up! Really, who cares if you're an "addict" when your life will be miserable without your medication? It isn't like it's heroin or cocaine or some addiction that will ruin your life. Your clonazepam is helping you and is doing you good. I would stay on it. And though all of us on Mayo Connect are suffering with different issues, I believe NONE of us would be better off dead. There is still so much to life, even with my health issues. Please reach out to a suicide help line or a therapist or someone you feel you can trust if you are feeling suicidal. That is such a regretful final solution when there may be other help out there. Don't cut your life short, please. I have been in a psych ward for attempted suicide. I know your desperation and pain. However, there is help and you are not alone. And, don't stop a medication that is working. Doing so will just push you further down that dark spiral. Praying you are feeling better soon. Please keep in touch!

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@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

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 8, 2017
In reply to @amberpep "OMG .... this is horrifying. I have cyclothymia and have been on Klonopin for several years,..." + (show)
@amberpep

OMG .... this is horrifying. I have cyclothymia and have been on Klonopin for several years, along with antidepressants and Lamictal (mood stabilizer). Most of the time they work well together, but now as I read this about Klonopin, it worries me. My anxiety goes through the roof at times if I'm not on it and the panic attacks start rolling. I'm afraid to stop taking it, and yet I don't want to become an addict either. Sometimes I think it would just be better if I were dead.
abby

Jump to this post

Thanks, Jim, @jimhd

Yours is a post I wish I could "double-like."

Teresa

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 8, 2017
In reply to @blindeyepug "Abby, I agree 100% with Hazel! If you have something that works - stick with it!..." + (show)
@blindeyepug

Abby, I agree 100% with Hazel! If you have something that works - stick with it! I have suffered from clinical depression for many, many years. I have tried several different medications. Some had great results but then stopped working and others had horrible side effects. I have been on my most recent medication for about 8 years. It is working just fine, and I don't want to do anything to mess that up! Really, who cares if you're an "addict" when your life will be miserable without your medication? It isn't like it's heroin or cocaine or some addiction that will ruin your life. Your clonazepam is helping you and is doing you good. I would stay on it. And though all of us on Mayo Connect are suffering with different issues, I believe NONE of us would be better off dead. There is still so much to life, even with my health issues. Please reach out to a suicide help line or a therapist or someone you feel you can trust if you are feeling suicidal. That is such a regretful final solution when there may be other help out there. Don't cut your life short, please. I have been in a psych ward for attempted suicide. I know your desperation and pain. However, there is help and you are not alone. And, don't stop a medication that is working. Doing so will just push you further down that dark spiral. Praying you are feeling better soon. Please keep in touch!

Jump to this post

Abby @amberpep

I applaud you for seeking out help it sounds like you took advantage of all of the "helping resources" available.

Teresa

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 8, 2017
In reply to @blindeyepug "Abby, I agree 100% with Hazel! If you have something that works - stick with it!..." + (show)
@blindeyepug

Abby, I agree 100% with Hazel! If you have something that works - stick with it! I have suffered from clinical depression for many, many years. I have tried several different medications. Some had great results but then stopped working and others had horrible side effects. I have been on my most recent medication for about 8 years. It is working just fine, and I don't want to do anything to mess that up! Really, who cares if you're an "addict" when your life will be miserable without your medication? It isn't like it's heroin or cocaine or some addiction that will ruin your life. Your clonazepam is helping you and is doing you good. I would stay on it. And though all of us on Mayo Connect are suffering with different issues, I believe NONE of us would be better off dead. There is still so much to life, even with my health issues. Please reach out to a suicide help line or a therapist or someone you feel you can trust if you are feeling suicidal. That is such a regretful final solution when there may be other help out there. Don't cut your life short, please. I have been in a psych ward for attempted suicide. I know your desperation and pain. However, there is help and you are not alone. And, don't stop a medication that is working. Doing so will just push you further down that dark spiral. Praying you are feeling better soon. Please keep in touch!

Jump to this post

Jim, @jimhd

Great insights, Jim.

Teresa

REPLY
chipper | @chipper | Feb 26, 2018

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

REPLY
martyman | @martyman | Feb 28, 2018

Hi. 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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