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I'm in the middle of trying to get off antidepressants, pristiq is what I was currently on. I was still taking clonazepam as I need something to ease the panic. only .5 mg at night. now I read this and see that this hell I am living to get off pristiq is only the beginning as I will then have to live through getting off clonazepam? I don't think I will live through much more!!!
I have read 4-6 weeks to get away from the medication withdrawals for pristiq and can't even fathom feeling like this another day let a lone another 4-6 weeks. what am looking at with getting off clonazepam? how long? I guess I will just stop taking it too now!! I just don't know if I can live through this.
Replies to "I'm in the middle of trying to get off antidepressants, pristiq is what I was currently..."
Look at YouTube on withdrawal from benzodiazepines. You must go extremely slowly. There is instructions in micro withdrawal there. I am surprised there are not more clinics around that specialize in Benzo withdrawal. I’m sure someone can make a lot of money
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @tkdaydreamer. Whether tapering off an antidepressant or a benzodiazepine, it is important to taper slowly and under the guidance of a qualified medical professional. I recommend consulting with your doctor before stopping both drugs at the same time. Here more information:
- How to Taper Off Klonopin https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/klonopin-addiction/klonopin-taper/
- Pristiq Withdrawal & Detox https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/pristiq-addiction/withdrawal-detox/
Remember, it's not a race. Slow, slow, and safely is important. While it might seem counter-intuitive to take one drug while weaning off another, it is also important to consider the underlying condition, namely the panic and withdrawal symptoms. How long have you been on Pristiq and when did you start the taper?
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@tkdaydreamer ... just noticed your post via emails I get... and so havent read any of your previous posts etc. but just as a quick response.... I was taken off clonazepam by a new dr suddenly, 2018 after he said take last five pills.... when I had been taking O.5mg daily for over 15 years along with Zoloft, no questions asked and had never been told they were "addictive" ... it was mainly for sleep.
Too long a story but you are not the only one having difficulty and I ended up going back on and still on..... but I am an older senior with many physical illnesses and I wish I could stop taking it but where I live I have no family doctor and during the trial of even half a pill had NO support or proper guidance.
I am wondering whose decision it is to stop taking and if it was a doctor, ask him/her what support you will be given; I haven't heard of Pristiq but am in Canada - Clonazepam is often called Rivotril here.
My humble opinion - and really maybe should not be giving it as no medical traiing..... I feel its like any addictive product (husband/smoking/alcohol).... and some people have a much much harder time than others , we are all different and I feel doctors look at a fact sheet stating how long it takes to get off various drugs, and treat us all the same, whereas we all have different bodies, lives, problems.... I do not know if one day I will be off these..if I could wave a magic want I would take NO medications.
. I took MYSELF off Zoloft twice (due to diagnosis of narrow angle glaucoma) and have refused to go back on any more antidepressants, but as I say, I am a Senior and if I have to stay in bed all day and mope, its not the end of the world - not pleasant - but when I first went on these meds I was working and had no choice than to take them to be able to work and look after my family... but even at half dose awake half the night. But, it can be done... I think you need more help than you are getting right now... as my husband says, take it day by day and I say, can I take it hour by hour. Wish you the best.... you are not alone...... J.