I am currently tapering off Klonopin after almost 20 years. I took Ambien before that but it did nothing for my night panic attacks. I would wake up drenching in sweat and shaking. It worked like a charm but my psychiatrist (a new young doc) convinced me it was a bad drug, especially in the elderly, and so I am coming off. It has not been horrible, but this last taper from .5-.25 was the hardest. As for sleep, it has been rough during the taper but I am trying meditation and supplements of magnesium, zinc and L-theanine as well as an occasional antihistamine or .5 melatonin. They are not as effective as the Klonopin was. It seemed like the perfect drug for me, until I was told it wasn't. He suggested Remeron for sleep but it is tricyclic antidepressant that has to be taken every night and there are nights I sleep well so we are holding off for now. I'm hoping to develop a better relationship with sleep so I don't depend on a drug. But sleep is important and if the insomnia gets worse than just once a week bad night, I can deal.

Thank you. I'd like to be off of it, but I honestly never felt that way before. 8 months ago I walked into my Dr's office and walked back out with my script like I had for 20 years and then he abruptly retired leaving my head spinning. I should have been looking for it since he was 77. I wasn't though. I just need some time to wrap my head around all of it. I wish the best for you too.