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Klonopin taper - any suggestions?
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: May 30 2:58pm | Replies (542)Comment receiving replies
I ran short of clonazepam and had to have my GP doctor call in a few days' worth of pills - 4 mg a day, and the pharmacy treated me like a drug addict! Missing a dose(s) of clonazepam is a living hell and I felt like I wanted to die. Insomnia, jitters, etc. So, I've decided to talk to my new Psychiatrist about tapering off clonazepam as I don't want to be addicted to anything, especially something that can cause seizures (and even death) if you go off it too quickly. Tapering MUST be done under a Doctor's supervision and SLOWLY. I've read tapering is done .5 mg every two weeks, then, when you get down to 1 mg. to taper more slowly - 1 mg for 2 weeks, .75 for 2 weeks, .5 for 2 weeks, .25 for 2 weeks, then off if the Doctor sways it's okay. (I am NOT a Doctor). I don't want to be on ANY benzo and will ask about alternative medications that don't make you severely addicted.
Replies to "I ran short of clonazepam and had to have my GP doctor call in a few..."
Jim, I'm so glad the 1 mg is helpful to you and that's my goal, too, to go from 4 mg daily to 1 mg. Thanks for the good point!
I'm not sure if I really need the Klonopin for anxiety, but I continue taking it for my wife's sake. Without it, I act out my dreams, which could be painful for her. I don't just dream about kicking a ball. I actually kick. That doesn't promote marital harmony.
I can't imagine taking 4mg. I think I'd be a zombie!
Jim
You are spot on! I have been told that I can not get a new klonopin script because I also take opiates for my chronic pancreatitis and they are both Central Nervous System depressants and I may stop breathing. My body has been used to both for at least 8 years and I only stop breathing with my sleep apnea and wear a BiPAP for that issue.
@stressedmesseddepressed
That seems way too fast from what I've read but everyone is different. they will not fill mine until I'm on my last pill. It's very scary but my psych is looking into liquid doses since I'm on the smallest dose. I've read many horror stories and I'm terrified.
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@stressedmesseddepressed
My feeling is that if you need a medication that effectively treats a medical condition (mental conditions are included), it makes sense to take only as much as is necessary.
Addiction is a word that's thrown around too freely today. Needing a medication long term doesn't necessarily equate to addiction. Klonopin at 1mg has worked for me for 12 years. I don't feel any psychological addiction to any of the meds I take, though many people might.
Unfortunately, not only is there a stigma attached to certain illnesses, there's a stigma attached to many medications that serve a legitimate need. Being shamed (not here, thankfully) for taking any particular medication, or for needing a medication, is counterproductive. Antidepressants are a real Godsend, and there should be no guilt or shame associated with taking them. If one antidepressant treats your clinical depression, I say, thank God for it, and who cares what anyone else thinks about it. That's their problem.
Climbing off my soapbox.
Jim