← Return to Klonopin taper

Discussion

Klonopin taper

Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Apr 2, 2023 | Replies (547)

Comment receiving replies
@jakedduck1

@lizaa
Although I had a symptom free taper off Klonopin it was only because my cuts were infinitesimally small. It took me longer to get off this medication than any other I’ve been on. The problem as I see it is two fold, first you’ve been on this medication a long time even though your dose is low. Second, even though the half life of this particular pharmaceutical is long compared to some others, I believe it was irresponsible for your doctor to decrease your medication by 50%. I say this primarily because of the time length of time you were on this medication. Another issue is, does your neurologist plan on putting you on another seizure medication? If so have you discussed that other medication yet and you could ask if it would help decrease the effects of the Klonopin side effects at the same time? (like a bridge) After taking this medication for 11 years what is the big rush getting off of it. The important thing is that you decrease it very very slowly on a consistent basis without any side effects and don’t let your doctor tell you that it’s not possible. Sadly doctors rarely pay attention or even seem to care that their patients are having withdrawls. In my own particular case when I was on my last taper amount I was chipping off tiny flakes at the very end but they kept the side effects away. There is also the 5 to 10% method (you don’t have to stick to 5 or 10% but I wouldn't chance going much higher) and the best way to do that is by using a compounding pharmacy. The downside to compounding pharmacies are that not all medications are covered and they are more expensive than regular pharmacies but safer than cutting the pills yourself. I take a medication that has to be prepared in a sterile compounding pharmacy and is more expensive yet and to my dismay not covered by insurance.
Another option is Cinderella therapeutics, It’s a company located in the Netherlands, here is some information & another link to the Klonopin tapering strips,

https://www.cinderella-tx.org/en/

Tapering strips for Klonopin,

http://www.taperingstrip.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/CLNZ_bestel_GB.pdf

Some people use the Ashton manual for their tapers however I have found their recommend tapers are to quick and many people have complained of withdrawal effects. Although likely affective for some people personally I’m not a fan of it.
I wish you success and if your willing to be VERY PATIENT & taper EXTREMELY SLOWLY you should have a symptom free taper. I'm not sure if Cinderella is covered by insurance.
Also just because your doctor recommends a 50% taper doesn’t mean you have to follow it and as I’m sure you’ll agree by now his recommendation was very irresponsible.
Best of luck to you,
Jake

Jump to this post


Replies to "@lizaa Although I had a symptom free taper off Klonopin it was only because my cuts..."

Yes, I plan to ask my neurologist to take over. As I said, I did a taper very slowly last year, that took several months and I did well. I should have never let her increase my dose then drop it. I know she meant no harm, but this was definitely not the call for a family physician and she should have rushed my referral to the new neurologist. Well, here I am. I am going to do the best I can, and pray for God's help.

I really think I am going to look into the liquid titration method. I was in that group last year when I cut my tapers, just like you, but followed them in case I had to change. Looks like many of them did fairly well, or at least didn't seem to have the severe side effects as those who did Ashton.