I am having a VERY difficult time with Klonipin withdrawal

Posted by lisalynn @lisalynn, Jun 29, 2023

I have been on Klonipin for a BIG Panic disorder for over 15 years. I recently had to wean down off of 3 to none fast. The withdrawal was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I have my normal prescription now. However, at a lower level. But, I am still having a withdrawal symptom that is plaguing me. I am still taking it, but half of what I had been. I hear my Heart thumping in my ears, very loud and fast, 120 beats per minute. Did anyone else have that symptom? Or describe their withdrawal? Oh, and I NEVER want to speak to that new and cold Psychiatrist I have.
Struggling. Thanks.

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laughlin1947 | @laughlin1947 | 2 days ago

In reply to @rjdowdell25 "I’m down to 1/4 of a 0.5 mg. for 6 months and stuck. Going to lick..." + (show)

@rjdowdell25 Wow, I wouldn't think you'd ever notice that low of a dose. I cut back from 2 mg to 1 mg overnight and never felt a thing. Time for you to cut it out completely. If you need one dose temporarily, just take that.

kittyjohnson1964 | @kittyjohnson1964 | 1 day ago

That is a massive decrease. After 15 yrs you should cut it down a quarter of a .05 pill per day to prevent withdrawal. Go to a neurologist instead of a psychiatrist. Thats what i did. I have been on it for 32yrs or more. I tried to get off of it ,even at a low dose and i suffered greatly. I went to a neurologist and he asked me why i wanted off of klonopin and i told him my Dr did not want to prescribe it anymore. So he now calls in a script for me for months at a time. So i see him once a year. I will never get off of it and i have that choice and so should you providing your not increasing it. Im at the same dose of 1.5 mg per night. Good luck to you. I will be praying for you. Oh and whatever you feel, think or feel thats different its probably a a withdrawal side effect, even if you can't find it written in a book. Take care💜

kittyjohnson1964 | @kittyjohnson1964 | 1 day ago

6 months at a time

briarrose | @briarrose | 1 day ago

You didn't mention your actual dose - only "3 to none fast." That must be considered in your withdrawal plan plus the fact you state you have been on it for over 15 years. Another major factor in your withdrawal plan.
And it most certainly, in my humble opinion, should have been a reasonable withdrawal plan in place beforehand to accomplish this weaning off process - causing the least amount of harm & discomfort to your body and mind.
I also suffered/suffer from a severe panic disorder. I have been on Klonopin since my 40s...now 71! Yikes, right?!
I was taking 1 mg. in the AM and 1 mg. in the PM. I personally decided to try to get rid of that morning dose.
So for 3 months I cut it in 1/2 for 0.5 mg. AM. Starting last month, I now cut the 1/2 of tablet into 1/4s for 0.25 mg. in the AM. Yes, the pieces are tiny (have a good pill cutter) but I take it this way.
Since I started this in July, I will now give myself at least 3 months at this dose. It might even be more time, depending on how I feel (I feel fine)...but 0.25 in the AM will be the lowest dose I can go. I will reevaluate in November, hope to be completely off in December. I don't know why you had to suddenly go from 3 tablets (unknown dose) to zero tablets "fast". With all the benzo's weaning off is a very gradual decrease dosing, as you have discovered the resulting side effects can be truly, truly awful if not! And I hope you find a psychiatrist who will work well with you but, again my personal opinion, I have found through the years of my personal mental health treatment, psychiatrists like you to go "faster" than what I have just described to wean off psychiatric medications. Not sure why...but beware. Listen to yourself and your body/mind. Everyone is different. Trust yourself here. Remember, go slow and low. Dosing and timing is everything to accomplish this - and most importantly, to stick with it.
The very best of luck to you.

fbw57 | @fbw57 | 15 hours ago

In reply to @laughlin1947 "@rjdowdell25 Wow, I wouldn't think you'd ever notice that low of a dose. I cut back..." + (show)

@laughlin1947 every body is different. Someone here said cut from 2 to 1 overnight without issue.,

I’d be climbing the walls.

From other users and AI advisories, SLOW and SMALL
works best.

Takes a lot longer but methodology works best for me.

fbw57 | @fbw57 | 12 hours ago

I’m 84. Peripheral neuropathy. Take Gabapentin. Down to 500 mg. Also klonopin approx .5mg. Have tried weaning off klonopin with minimal reductions. At this point I’m more inclined to wean off gaba and stay on klonopin. Clearly not concerned with long term addiction. Helps to minimize burning and numbness and is a sleep aid. So why change? Gaba if I understand correctly may contribute to Alzheimer’s. Work out regularly upper body weights and leg exercises. Helps a lot. Had a bleed into my brain almost a year ago. Affected my swallowing, voice and name memory. No fun.

laughlin1947 | @laughlin1947 | 8 hours ago

In reply to @fbw57 "I’m 84. Peripheral neuropathy. Take Gabapentin. Down to 500 mg. Also klonopin approx .5mg. Have tried..." + (show)

@fbw57 I believe Gabapentin is good for, among other things, reduction in nighttime leg cramps. It helps me with that, but not with nerve pain from back injuries. The Klonopin - I cut from 2 mg to 1 mg overnight with no after effect. It helps with sleep, and mild anxiety, but I take the 1 mg in the morning first and it helps keep the jitters away. I know they publish a super long wean-off rate, but it seems overdone. If people need months and months to get off of it, maybe it's an addiction, not a physical need.