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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.
Replies to "I was put on klonopin a low dose at age 17 by an old psychiatrist. I..."
Hi Michele, have you tried a microtaper/Liquid Titration, or the Ashton Method ,and wean off the Klonopin? When you are at tolerance, you develop withdrawal symptoms, even though you are still taking it. Your symptoms that you are taking Klonopin for return as it is no longer providing you with much benefit-your body and brain have become used to it. I would definitely discuss a very, very slow taper as the ones I mentioned, and as Gail said, look for other medication options to help you with the anxiety. I have tolerance too and my neuro condition I take it for is returning. So I have been slowly tapering at my own speed the last few months, and it has been manageable.
@Michele, are you taking any other medications? I am taking 1mg 4 times per day because I have Burning Mouth Syndrome or atypical trigeminal neuralgia. Klonopin is the recommended med for this condition. I take Cymbalta twice ((2mg) per day also. I've checked this out with several doctors and they are in agreement. I agree that other medications should be evaluated, perhaps by another doctor. Generally speaking, I am wondering after my research if one doctor I spoke to is correct. He said there is an over reaction to the effects of Klonopin based on one small study and people need to move slowly if they decide to taper off. What do other people think? I do not plan to take a higher dose of Klonopin.
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@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.