I am having a VERY difficult time with Klonipin withdrawal

Posted by lisalynn @lisalynn, Jun 29, 2023

I have been on Klonipin for a BIG Panic disorder for over 15 years. I recently had to wean down off of 3 to none fast. The withdrawal was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I have my normal prescription now. However, at a lower level. But, I am still having a withdrawal symptom that is plaguing me. I am still taking it, but half of what I had been. I hear my Heart thumping in my ears, very loud and fast, 120 beats per minute. Did anyone else have that symptom? Or describe their withdrawal? Oh, and I NEVER want to speak to that new and cold Psychiatrist I have.
Struggling. Thanks.

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ciocio4 | @ciocio4 | Sep 4, 2025

In reply to @rosebookay "Look up water taper benzodiazepines on YouTube. Many years" + (show)

I will say this I've been on Klonopin for years now to fight Panic episodes it is the only thing that has worked ever as far as tapering off is concerned I will be seeing another doctor to talk with about dosage change however,for now whether or not others may disagree I have never found any other relief other than Klonopin also whether it's 1mg or 2 ,I am well aware that I must take at least some Klonopin each day forward, or I can easily have seizures. So ,to all who wish to wean off to something else , Klonopin or it's generic is well tolerated by me and since I've been on it , anxiety/panic attacks subside, thank God, and I should point out however also that it is and does have the longest shelf life that is it remains in the system for the longest amount of time thank you very much I hope you all understand what it means to not have to dread a panic attack ever again so far this panel since I don't know any of you I don't know what your purpose for taking it is for and with that thanks again Nancy

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Sep 4, 2025

In reply to @beracha "Menopause made my memory issues noticeable, but i now know klonopin most definitely has affected my..." + (show)

Hi breach,

Congratulations for weaning off Klonopin. You said you are jittery and anxious, which I'd expect for a while.

Can you please share your tapering schedule? I take 2mg/day and would love to be able to stop, just concerned about withdrawal.

Thank you!

Joe

rosebookay | @rosebookay | Sep 4, 2025

In reply to @ciocio4 "I will say this I've been on Klonopin for years now to fight Panic episodes it..." + (show)

It’s half-life, not SHELF LIFE. Half life is the amount of time it takes half a dose to clear the body. Shelf life refers to expiration dates of medicines and foods and other things.

beracha | @beracha | Sep 4, 2025

In reply to @mcoleman1971 "I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get..." + (show)

Hi. I started in jan 2024 at 2.5 mg per day. I took it 2 X daily. I dropped 0.25 mg for a month unless I hit an issue. Headaches, poor sleep, stomach pain, shivering. Overly hot and sweating a lot. Sounds scary but it was not bad and short lived. January 2025 was at 1mg!! I was so happy but could not move lower . 0.75 mg gave me terrible withdrawal symptoms. I reached out to my primary who referred me to addiction medicine, a dept in my medical center. They started me on gabapentin, and I got down to 0.25, moving to a 0.125 mg oral dissolve , then down to 0.0. Pls just listen to ur body and taper under dr care. If i can do it, you can too.

beracha | @beracha | Sep 4, 2025

In reply to @mcoleman1971 "How many years were you on klonopin before tapering?" + (show)

About 15 yrs. Started after a sleep study

sears | @sears | Sep 4, 2025

In reply to @beracha "Hi. I started in jan 2024 at 2.5 mg per day. I took it 2 X..." + (show)

Did you then have to taper the gabapentin?

beracha | @beracha | Sep 4, 2025

In reply to @mcoleman1971 "I have been on Klonopin for 25 years at 2mg per day and want to get..." + (show)

I am doing that now. Went from 900 mg, 300mgx3, to 300mg, 100mgx3. As I feel better I lower gabapentin under care of dr.

mcoleman1971 | @mcoleman1971 | Sep 4, 2025

In reply to @beracha "About 15 yrs. Started after a sleep study" + (show)

I found a site that will help with micro tapering and am hoping that seems to be well versed in helping as to cause as little discomfort as possible. It will take a while to make it to 0mg but, if it works...then I will be happy.

As for you I am soo proud of you and can't wait to be where you are. 🤗

mcoleman1971 | @mcoleman1971 | Sep 4, 2025

In reply to @ciocio4 "I will say this I've been on Klonopin for years now to fight Panic episodes it..." + (show)

You need to micro taper. Benzobuddies.org is a very helpful site for this. I started my taper from 2mg to 1mg and 0.182 grams which is just a slight sliver off of one of my 1mg tablets. It will be a long, long taper but, I would rather not feel any discomfort or seize out.

beracha | @beracha | Sep 5, 2025

In reply to @ciocio4 "I will say this I've been on Klonopin for years now to fight Panic episodes it..." + (show)

I also have been told by my dr that some cannot get off completely. I considered that I may be one of them. This is my journey. We all have different issues but all share supporting eachother. That's why we are in this chat. Blessings to you in your journey.