Good Morning, @elwooodsdad, @njp1013, You are right that is a great question, I never even thought about side effects and dependencies until now. I never used any depression and/or anxiety meds....just post-surgery meds. Here is why I chose to taper off Nortriptyline.

Did I need it after 4 years? I spent considerable time learning to accept my diagnosis and to replace depression with activities, distractions and lots of mindful meditation.
Was it truly the cause of the Intolerable digestive issues?
Will the pain still be manageable?
Do I really need so many meds every day?
Can I conquer the depression and then work on the anxiety?

I wanted to travel and spend time with friends and family. My med case looked like a Doctor’s bag from the days of at-home visits.

My PCP and I had a chat. My life partner chimed in with a commitment of support.
What was there to lose?

So I am still in learning mode every day. My goal is to do whatever I can to improve the quality of a life that I share with the realities of small fiber neuropathy. Thank you and other members of Connect who continue to ask questions and advocate for themselves along this journey.

What are you learning now? What still eludes your understanding of the purpose of your medication program?

Be free, safe and protected. Chris

I’m trying to figure this all out myself! Tapering, not tapering, I’m a nervous wreck!

@elwooodsdad, @njp1013- I too have taken Klonopin/ Clonazepam for over 20 years and I just turned 68. I started taking 1.5 mg and after getting past much of my panic attacks and anxiety, I dropped down to 1 mg. and have been on that dose for close to 18 years. I have been keeping up with most of the posts about this drug on this site and much has been said about getting off because of possible issues with Alzheimer's and other memory issues. There has also been a fair amount of posts related to tapering to quickly and then not finding the same relief when going back to the original dose.
For me I don't want to find myself in that kind of situation, but nor do I want to look back and wished I had tapered off this drug.
My PCP & I have had these kind of discussions and in the end he leaves the decision in my hands. He doesn't have a strong opinion of getting off, but said he would support my decision and help with the taper if I decide to go that route.
I have posted on this before and said "If it's not broke why fix it" yet there is always that thought in my mind of do no harm.
Seems like every time I get close to making a decision to taper a trip is planned to fly some place, etc. and I decide to put this off till after the trip. This is where I am. Don't have any difinitive decisions as yet so sounds like I'm thinking like so many of you.
Open to your thoughts! Jim@thankful

Hello ellwooodsdad,

Some who take Clonazapam for prolonged periods develop memory and mood issues.

I was taking 4-5 a day for many years. My ability to remember some things decreased. I repeated myself and sometimes did not remember what I said. ( I took a lot of notes at meetings!)

Then the change of mood: who wants to hear “I just told you.” 🤦

Slow Titration off a pharmaceutical:
I NOW Take 1 tablet a day ...(2 halves)
My memory has improved. My husband said my mood has improved!

I have a wonderful neurologist who said I have a mild cognitive impairment but “You do not have Alzheimer’s!”

My husband thinks my memory is fine, especially when he is trying to find a word and I supply it🏆.

Titrating off of Clonazapam has to be done slowly.
I am hoping the psychiatrist who I am scheduled to see will provide medical and psychological support.

All the best on your journey.