Part II. I feel confident enough, even though my current lifestyle has led me into a greater depression state, that if I were to ween off the Clonozepam (far too expensive for out of pocket use and my health cost of prescription, required INR testing without Klonopin is more affordable than the premiums I would have to pay for medicare, since my premium would be even higher because I refused Medicare at age 65 (two years ago) because I simply could not use it out of country and my healthcare in the country is virtually free. Many sticky situations apply to my circumstances regarding medicare but If I weened of the Clonozepam I could afford to return to the US and get by on my SS with low income housing aid and other benefits. Since I didn't have any life threatening occurrences when I was forced to quit cold turkey before, I thought I'd try it again after being on the drug now for more than 15 years. After 4 days (just as my research had confirmed was the time frame for experiencing withdrawal symptoms) I did experience just about every withdrawal symptom known to this drug use and quitting. I resume the usage and as suggested on many internet medical sites I started to taper. The site I read recommended cutting back 1/8 Gram per week. I am now into week 3 and after the episode with cold turkey I did not resume at my 1.5 gram dose, but 1 gram seemed to be sufficient to subdue the withdrawal systems. I am starting week 4 at just 1/8 gram, basically the final phase. I had no issues so far until last night. I suffered a severe episode stomach cramps that was actually very short lived after I added another 1/8 Gram dosage. I'm finding now other websites (including Mayo Clinic which I trust) that the weening process needs to be longer and slower in order to safely quit using. I woke this morning to things back to normal. I intend to move to 1 month reduction at 1/8 gram and resume with 1/4 gram for another 3 weeks. I do not have any resource for support groups other than online and I do not trust the free healthcare system here for any type of intellectual guidance. I guess you get what you pay for. Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated.

Jump to this post