@helenfrances @sears

Recently, taking benzodiazepines and opioids together has become a red flag for the state pain control commission here in Oregon. It means, for now at least, getting prior authorization approval through my doctor. I just started last week taking Cymbalta for neuropathy, and it required prior authorization approval. So, now I have to go through the process for 2 medications. I got approved for Cymbalta through the end of 2021, but Morphine approval is only good until the end of 2020 (hoping that when I have to go through the approval next month will be good for a year).

I've been taking clonazepam 1mg for 15 years, and mscontin for 7, and never had to get approval until this summer. Something has changed to make me get approval all of a sudden. Initially, I was prescribed Clonazepam for anxiety,, but along the way I found that it also has treated my restless leg syndrome. My wife is happy that I don't kick in my sleep anymore.

You said that you were taking 4-5 pills. Was that 1mg pills? Tapering off Clonazepam is a really, really long, slow process. I would anticipate it taking longer than a year, and from what I've read from others, the final low dose is the hardest, and takes an even slower taper.

For now, I depend on Clonazepam to do its job. Dependence is not the same as addiction. I depend on Meloxicam and voltaren cream to reduce the arthritis pain, especially in my hands, enough so I can write and play the piano without awful pain. So, I am dependent on them to make it possible for me to function. Diabetics are dependent on insulin. People with OAB depend on Myrbetric. So, being dependent on a medication is nothing to be ashamed of, or afraid of. Renee, who's a pharmacist, @faithwalker007 has explained the differences very well, and I've found her to be a great resource on this whole issue.

So, where are you in the titration process? I'll be interested in hearing how it goes for you.

Jim