Getting off Klonopin (klonazepam)

Hi everybody
I just joined this forum and I am very grateful.
I was on Klonopin 0.5 mg for about 10 yrs. My family doctor prescribed it because I had experienced multiple losses one by one and had anxiety issues.
Long story short- my family doctor retired and new doctor on our first visit told me - no more Klonopin and to stop it in 2 weeks. She prescribed Wellbutrin,which I don’t want to take.
I took a month to tapper it down and stopped a week ago. Having hard time with withdrawal symptoms.
My question is about LTheanine Serene Supplement.
It was recommended to me by grief counselor some time ago.
I know I will need help with my anxiety.

Interesting how different physicians view these meds. in different ways, isn't it? That alone should be alarming in my opinion. You can go to 3 different physicians for the same concern and get 3 different opinions and often 3 different scripts written as well. So whats one to do? Only thing you can do is be your own advocate and try and find a physicain you can trust. Klonopin was only meant for short term use, per the manufacturer. Long term use can lead to consequences, such as cognitive decline, thgat to me is concerning enough, not to mention dependence, whether one realizes it or not. That's why one has withdrawal symptoms, your body becomes dependent on the medication, go figure. Best of luck to you on your withdrawal.

I have taken L theanine 200mg for well over a year, also for anxiety. It really does help and I've had no negative side effects. It works gradually, not like a benzo...and you need to take it every day to keep it in your system. I take mine now at night with 2mg melatonin for sleep, but have taken it during the day as well and it won't make you groggy. Best of luck to you, dealing with anxiety is awful!

A month is not a long enough taper for long term use of Klonopin. It should be done over many months just a little bit at a time. I had to taper off 1mg and did it over about 8 months, and I still take a 0.125mg occasionally. I was taking it a bedtime for 15 years. Wonder drug until it wasn't allowed. Apparently several years back, it was given a black box warning and that makes it much harder to get. However, the brain changes that occur with long term regular use need time to heal and very slowly. I tried L-theanine and it gave me hives. I'm finding acupuncture helpful. Best of luck.

A family member was on it for 8 years and experienced difficult withdrawal as well. He has been prescribed Wellbutrin. Tapering off the K gradually.

How awful. Your medication decisions should be your decisions!
I don't know a lot about theanine, and I've never tried it.
Is there any way you could get a second opinion, get a refill of the Klonopin, and taper off more gradually?
What have you learned or read so far about theanine? Do you see any pros or cons that might influence what you decide?

Thank you for your comment. You are right 100 %. Seems that older doctors were more likely to prescribe benzodiazepines. Now in general these meds are less popular.
All meds have side effects and in my case I had very hard time with antidepressants and Klonopin in very small dose worked great for my anxiety.
Withdrawal is very hard and I go through it one hour at the time.

Thank you so much. Excellent links.
Yes, we have to be informed patients and you are also right about doctors participating in pharmaceutical presentations.
Like with all medications- people may react differently and have different opinions.
I am very grateful for all your replies. Thank you

Thank you again for your reply.
The supplement recommended by counselor is called Theanine Serene with magnesium , GABA,Taurine ,L- theanine and Holy Basil leaf extract.It is made by Source Natural,Serene Science.

Thank you for your comment.
Can I ask question? How did he react to Wellbutrin?