I am done with PHP now and back to my old medication manager at the same hospital. She has to release me to return to work Monday, but I told her this morning that I was not trying to be difficult, and I wanted to be transparent as possible, but I am going to get a 2nd opinion if they don't let me do a slow taper. While I know the meds are not working for me anymore, tapering slowly on them is vital for my long-term health. I do not want to argue with them about it, but I have to be released to go back to work and they are a Benzo Free facility, so I know they are not going to write the prescription.
I appreciate it. I will come back with how they answer my question. The guy who can fill my script for me is like 35 miles away, but he is well versed in tapering people off Benzos and opioids, so I feel a sense of peace and trust with him over anyone else that he will care for my well-being. He knows that I am dependent on them even at the "low dosage". And that I need a slow taper, so I am lucky to at least have someone that will fill it and make me a taper schedule. I just don't want to look like I am Dr Shopping because that is not the case. I am trying to get the others to help me first.
I appreciate it. I will come back with how they answer my question. The guy who can fill my script for me is like 35 miles away, but he is well versed in tapering people off Benzos and opioids, so I feel a sense of peace and trust with him over anyone else that he will care for my well-being. He knows that I am dependent on them even at the "low dosage". And that I need a slow taper, so I am lucky to at least have someone that will fill it and make me a taper schedule. I just don't want to look like I am Dr Shopping because that is not the case. I am trying to get the others to help me first.
This is definitely the route you absolutely have to go. The drive will be absolutely worth it in the end. I really don’t think it will look you’re doctor shopping at all. You’re getting opinions as to who can take care of your needs properly.
This is definitely the route you absolutely have to go. The drive will be absolutely worth it in the end. I really don’t think it will look you’re doctor shopping at all. You’re getting opinions as to who can take care of your needs properly.
The Med Manager would not answer my questions. She just said she wants to see me at 4:30 tomorrow. I am supposed to see the taper Doc at 2:00 and I told the Med Manager that I was going to get a 2nd opinion and I didn't want to sever the relationship with them because they have helped me thus far, plus I need a note from them to get back to work. But, I have been transparent to the point that I told her that I would give her the plan on the taper so she could have it for her records. Just trying to be as honest as possible with both sides. However, I am dead set on tapering at a slow pace not to have withdrawals. I just don't want to get into any trouble over it because I am trying to do everything the right way and my anxiety is telling me I can get in trouble..
You’re doing the right thing for yourself. Don’t let anyone talk you out of doing what you need to do to keep yourself healthy and safe. I guarantee most doctors will do what’s best and easiest for them, not you.
You’re doing the right thing for yourself. Don’t let anyone talk you out of doing what you need to do to keep yourself healthy and safe. I guarantee most doctors will do what’s best and easiest for them, not you.
The new PCP is tapering me slowly. I think everything is going at a smoother pace now. However, I have developed a kidney stone and now dealing with it, but my meds are back to a safe level. Thanks for the encouragement.
I’m new here and just decided after 15 years that I needed to taper off Klonopin. I have a PNP who prescribes for me and I have a call into her to get her help. I actually already started tapering on my own from 1 mg to .75 last Thursday night as I only take it at night. So far I had some symptoms that seemed to worsen yesterday and today. Can anyone tell me if they get worse over the next couple weeks as they come to a peak or just remain as they are currently. They are manageable at this point but just want to know if I should prepare for worst.
I’m new here and just decided after 15 years that I needed to taper off Klonopin. I have a PNP who prescribes for me and I have a call into her to get her help. I actually already started tapering on my own from 1 mg to .75 last Thursday night as I only take it at night. So far I had some symptoms that seemed to worsen yesterday and today. Can anyone tell me if they get worse over the next couple weeks as they come to a peak or just remain as they are currently. They are manageable at this point but just want to know if I should prepare for worst.
Please google the Ashton Manual. Read the whole thing. It’s the best taper method we have to date. Tapering very slowly is the key to a successful taper. Keep us posted.
I’m new here and just decided after 15 years that I needed to taper off Klonopin. I have a PNP who prescribes for me and I have a call into her to get her help. I actually already started tapering on my own from 1 mg to .75 last Thursday night as I only take it at night. So far I had some symptoms that seemed to worsen yesterday and today. Can anyone tell me if they get worse over the next couple weeks as they come to a peak or just remain as they are currently. They are manageable at this point but just want to know if I should prepare for worst.
I’m on Klonopin and tapering very slow with the help of my dr. I’m very sensitive and getting bad side effects even at tapering slow. It’s either the tapering or my anxiety or both doing it to me. It hasn’t been easy. Ever since pandemic I was on Xanax then was switched to klonopin to taper off of. Hopefully it will get easier for you and myself.
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.
Been on 1 mg of Kolonopin since 1991. I can stop it for a week at a time without any issues. Taking Paxlovin right now and tomorrow is my last dose. I’ll tell you I do need to take one tonight. I have only had 2 nights sleep because these pills provide me with anxiety and I can’t sleep. I have Hashimoto’s and do normally have problems sleeping without taking a drug like Paxlovin.
Connect
Connect
Like
Helpful
Hug
Too bad they don't want to be flexible. I wish you well.
I appreciate it. I will come back with how they answer my question. The guy who can fill my script for me is like 35 miles away, but he is well versed in tapering people off Benzos and opioids, so I feel a sense of peace and trust with him over anyone else that he will care for my well-being. He knows that I am dependent on them even at the "low dosage". And that I need a slow taper, so I am lucky to at least have someone that will fill it and make me a taper schedule. I just don't want to look like I am Dr Shopping because that is not the case. I am trying to get the others to help me first.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThis is definitely the route you absolutely have to go. The drive will be absolutely worth it in the end. I really don’t think it will look you’re doctor shopping at all. You’re getting opinions as to who can take care of your needs properly.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThe Med Manager would not answer my questions. She just said she wants to see me at 4:30 tomorrow. I am supposed to see the taper Doc at 2:00 and I told the Med Manager that I was going to get a 2nd opinion and I didn't want to sever the relationship with them because they have helped me thus far, plus I need a note from them to get back to work. But, I have been transparent to the point that I told her that I would give her the plan on the taper so she could have it for her records. Just trying to be as honest as possible with both sides. However, I am dead set on tapering at a slow pace not to have withdrawals. I just don't want to get into any trouble over it because I am trying to do everything the right way and my anxiety is telling me I can get in trouble..
You’re doing the right thing for yourself. Don’t let anyone talk you out of doing what you need to do to keep yourself healthy and safe. I guarantee most doctors will do what’s best and easiest for them, not you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThe new PCP is tapering me slowly. I think everything is going at a smoother pace now. However, I have developed a kidney stone and now dealing with it, but my meds are back to a safe level. Thanks for the encouragement.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI’m new here and just decided after 15 years that I needed to taper off Klonopin. I have a PNP who prescribes for me and I have a call into her to get her help. I actually already started tapering on my own from 1 mg to .75 last Thursday night as I only take it at night. So far I had some symptoms that seemed to worsen yesterday and today. Can anyone tell me if they get worse over the next couple weeks as they come to a peak or just remain as they are currently. They are manageable at this point but just want to know if I should prepare for worst.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionPlease google the Ashton Manual. Read the whole thing. It’s the best taper method we have to date. Tapering very slowly is the key to a successful taper. Keep us posted.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI’m on Klonopin and tapering very slow with the help of my dr. I’m very sensitive and getting bad side effects even at tapering slow. It’s either the tapering or my anxiety or both doing it to me. It hasn’t been easy. Ever since pandemic I was on Xanax then was switched to klonopin to taper off of. Hopefully it will get easier for you and myself.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionBeen on 1 mg of Kolonopin since 1991. I can stop it for a week at a time without any issues. Taking Paxlovin right now and tomorrow is my last dose. I’ll tell you I do need to take one tonight. I have only had 2 nights sleep because these pills provide me with anxiety and I can’t sleep. I have Hashimoto’s and do normally have problems sleeping without taking a drug like Paxlovin.