I'm so thankful to be able to read about others' experiences tapering off of Clonazepam.
I've been taking 2 mg at night (along with 10 mg of Zolpidem) for around 17 years. I took Lorazepam for around 10 years prior - PRN for panic attacks.
I'll be 65 years old in 3 mos. A couple of mos. ago my psychiatric nurse callously told me she could no longer refill my prescriptions (which she'd been doling out for so long without hesitation) after I turn 65 and that I'd "have real problems finding anyone that would prescribe them".
When I expressed fear, she told me I'd most likely have to be admitted to the hospital where I'd be given anti-seizure medication. She almost seemed judgemental. I was embarrassed and horrified.
Already anxious and depressed, her sudden course of "treatment" had me on the verge of tears for weeks. I began searching online (which was scary), for success stories that didn't require hospitalization and weren't too awfully rapid/painful/even deadly.
There's so much stigma and patients are so often labeled as "drug seeking", so I was ambivalent about speaking to my PCP about it.
Today, I brought it up and I'm SO glad I did. She assured me that she will refill my prescriptions, will refer me to a _competent_ psychiatrist and will support me as I work my way through getting off of these pills that have so much control over my psyche.
I cut from 2 to 1.5 mg/night a month ago and other than some stomach issues, mild anxiety, and depression (which may or may not be related), I'm okay!
I know it gets much harder the more the dose is decreased, but now, at least, I feel that I'll have a support system.
I know that all physicians aren't as proactive or understanding, but if your mental health professional is failing you, I recommend you reach out to other providers. Feeling understood, supported, and knowing that you'll have a PLANNED taper is so important.
Thanks again for sharing so much info and for letting me join in the conversation.