Klonopin taper

@cperaino Thank you for the warning. I really do appreciate it. Everyone's situation is different. Not wearing either a CPAP or a Herbst appliance is risking heart attack or stroke. The latter causes dry mouth which awakens me after 2-3 hours of sleep. I either don't go back to sleep or I use some prescription med to help me. Every choice (even informed choices) has its dangers. Sometimes it's necessary to take non-life-threatening risks.

Hi have you considered taking biotene to help with your dry mouth at night ? I am not sure if you can take it if you are on certain medications.
https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-prevent-mouth-breathing-on-cpap-3015215

@linda66 The device must be kept totally submerged in water whenever it's not in my mouth. I'll have to check with the manufacturer to see if the ingredients will harm it, as it was quite expensive. Thank you!

Hi, I am new here. I have been on Klonopin 1.25 for 10 years for myoclonic movement disorder. I developed tolerance about a year ago, but didn't realize it until this year. I have been tapering for the past 3 months and down to 1mg, right now. I am tapering with mild symptoms, but glad to find a reputable site with others tapering also.

Hi, @lizaa, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Since you said you'd been taking clonazepam (Klonopin) for myoclonic movement disorder prior to starting your taper, I thought you may also be interested in this Mayo Clinic information on myoclonus, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myoclonus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350459.

You mentioned that you developed a tolerance to Clonazepam (Klonopin) about a year ago. How did you and your doctor find out that you'd developed a tolerance?

I was experiencing strange muscle spasms, quick jerks while awake, extremely vivid dreams, and breakthrough myoclonus. My family doctor, at first wanted to rule out MS. My MRI of the brain and spine came back normal. Finally, I found Dr Heather Ashton's information, and realized the symptoms were tolerance symptoms. My neurologist's nurse practitioner agreed, and said I should slowly taper off. We are hoping my myoclonus may be tolerable without medication.

Hi, @lizaa - I also wanted to encourage you to consider posting in the Brain & Nervous System group on Mayo Clinic Connect, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/brain-and-nerve-diseases/, about your myoclonus.

I was put on klonopin a low dose at age 17 by an old psychiatrist. I am now almost 38. I remember trying other medications and nothing worked. I was diagnosed with GAD and had horrible panic attacks and needed home tutoring for the rest of my senior year of high school. i changed drs. And over the years my dose got higher and higher i guess my body was building a tolerance to it. Im now on 2 mg 4 times a day. The max dose. I have been on this dose for around 8 years now. I saw my psychiatrist the other day and he told me he is becoming concerned because im developing major cognitive problems. Major Memory, thinking, speaking, walking, etc. and as i was responding he asked me to repeat what i said because it made no sense. I wasnt aware of it. I was looking at all of the long-term side effects and i have almost all of them. Its been hard to take care of myself, my son, my dog and even small tasks. I noticed a severe decline in 2013 of numerous things. i have never abused this medication. Ive been so upset since seeing my psychiatrist. i tried weaning off 3 years ago with His help and i failed. Its upsetting to be 37 years old and having so many difficulties because of a medication. Im at a loss. I cried all the way home after my appointment that day.

@michele81

Welcome to Mayo Connect Michelle. I'm sorry you're suffering from your medication. Many people become addicted to medications and it's hard to withdraw from them. You will need all the help you can get from your doctors and pharmacist in order to withdraw. You will also need patience, perseverance, and a strong desire to be free from the klonopin. However, you can withdraw from it over a long period of time.

I recommend that you ask for a DNA test to determine an antidepressant that might help you with your anxiety. For me, Celexa has worked wonders, but it's not for everyone. I had panic attacks before that interfered with my life. I've not had one since taking the generic version of Celexa. I was taking Ativan for my anxiety at the time. I'm not a doctor, so my recommendation is based on my own experience. Each of us is different. I don't think you should try Effexor or Venaflexine as people have a terrible time with it and with getting off it.

I want to give you hope and to encourage you to regain the cognitive and motor skills that can add joy to your life. You can do this, and those of us on Mayo Connect will support you any way we can. I recommend that you read through some of the other threads about various withdrawal processes others use for their medication.

Thank you Lisa! I will do that!