Any positive stories about Benzo tapering? I need hope

I am 70 years old and has been on clonazepam for at least 15 years originally prescribed to me for seizures from my head injury. It’s as I am finding a very profound drug and I am not sure if I should be trying to chafer off or cut down I am getting Different opinions from different doctors and it’s very confusing. Can you give me some beginners advice? I don’t even know where to start. Thank you.

What dosage are you taking? Exactly what are the doctors saying? Do you still have seizures? Have your doctors discussed tolerance with you?

I've tapered off benzos, with a slow taper, I did not have too many issues. I did have some increased anxiety, the trick was finding ways to manage it without going back to them.

How did you taper? I’ve been on Ativan 1mg a day for almost a year. How did you taper? I take 0.5 in the morning and 0.5 at night. Please HELP!!!!!!

I'm sad to hear how many of us are out there, we truly are victims of doctors who don't do their jobs effectively. I'm a senior woman 71 years old and also addicted to Ativan, a brand name for benzos and I've taken them for over 20 years. I've looked into getting help online because getting another doctor is difficult to do, I say this only because younger doctors today won't easily prescribe these drugs and this always stops me. I'm between a rock and a hard place, I have very little faith left in my doctor but not entirely due to my drug problem, he isn't supportive to me, in fact he makes me feel like an inconvenience to him. He makes bad choices in how to deal with me, I've seen him twice in 3 years to remove stitches from cancer surgery but I just get phone appointments. If I complain he just brushes it off, it's something you get to see if you're fortunate to grow older, i.e., doctors age just like we do but they can do more damage to us than good. I did get off the drug twice but sadly I relapsed and with his help I went back on them, still he doesn't take any responsibility for my problem. I could write an essay on the subject but I won't, everything is changing today and I'm not sure it's all for the better. I realize now my struggle is my own, I don't want to give up on myself but I'm very tired and mentally drained. I shall continue to try getting help and perhaps reading all the different stories of other souls out there going through the same nightmares might be of some help, amen.

I understand 100%. I get the same treatment I'm 62. I'm dependent on my migraine medication for 12 years now. Drs today do not CARE period. Bad Healthcare is everywhere. I've lived in many different states due to jobs. The Healthcare issues were the same, we are just a number. I have ONE dr who has compassion that's it. The struggle is real 😫. I feel your frustration. God bless us all.

It's a very good thing that you are reaching out now instead of waiting until later because time is very important. To begin with, you mentioned being on them for one year and you're on 0.5 mg. in the morning and the same at night. Your dose is very low and I'm truly hopeful you will conquer this if you act now. To begin you must ask you doctor to prescribe a antidepressant for you, there are ones that can really help you cope with the withdrawal. Once you have found the right med you can start a tapering process, some people have had great success with the Ashton Manuals which you can find online. The main point here is time, you are acting early and so I'm very optimistic about your recovery, good luck.

How are you now? My circumstances are similar to yours, duration and dose, so am interested in how you are progressing. The benzo prescribed to me for panic attacks 20 years ago was xanax .05 with no warnings, to take as needed for insomnia as well. Now, I want to taper off them entirely but the withdrawal is very real and difficult to recognize in the moment.
I hope you have gotten some help.

I’m still very dependent on them, truly I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of them. I will be 72 soon and I’m a two time survivor of cancer, my pho was basically giving me more when cancer showed up and then reducing my prescription when I was in a better place. This type of behaviour is not okay but rather very counterproductive, I will continue to try with the help of the Ashton Manuals. I think it’s helpful in giving me a guideline to follow, you can download it so no need to buy it, good luck to you and don’t give up on hope.

Has anyone used a GABA supplement with weaning? I purchased a brand I trust and want to begin using it but would like some first hand users opinion.
thank you