I have been taking clonazepam, 500 micrograms once daily, for RLS for the last 4 years. I did not like the long term consequences of this drug and asked my Dr. to prescribe pramipexole in its place. He first said that would be unwise as clonazepam was addictive. When I said that was the main reason why I wanted to stop he agreed to take me off it, but gave no advice on reducing the dose gradually. I checked on the internet and found advice saying I should cut my dose by 25% a week. I did this and took the final morsel a fortnight ago. Withdrawal symptoms have not bee severe but troublesome (lack of sleep, stomach pain, loss of appetite, weight loss and mild depression). I now learn that the 25% taper programme is regarded as far too fast by experts. Would it be wise to start taking clonazepam again at a minimum 125 micrograms for some weeks before finally stopping altogether, in order to reduce or eliminate these side effects?

Jump to this post