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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frouke | @frouke | Jul 22 5:06pm

In reply to @briacirs "Someone please answer me. Thank you." + (show)

@briacirs I’m sorry you’re feeling so stressed about tapering off Klonopin, it may seem like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be. I read that you have been on them for 3 weeks and honestly that’s a big bonus for you, the dose is not impossible to get down but you need guidance from a doctor or other medical professional to wean yourself very slowly, that is the most important part of all because it will spare you side effects, there’s no short cuts to this process, just time and patience. I feel that you should speak with the doctor and work out a plan to help you, I don’t know if you’re taking anything else to help with stress but it might be worth looking into. Please don’t read any stories about other people who have struggled and suffered with this medication, it’s different for everyone and as I mentioned, you have only been taking them for a very brief time which will help you in the long run, if you look up something called the Ashton Manual you will see how to decrease your medication in a slow and comfortable manner, I believe 10% is a good starting point, remember that many people have gotten off these medications successfully and you will too.

briarrose | @briarrose | Jul 23 5:16am

In reply to @briacirs "I'm 77 and want to taper 3.5 to 3.25. I've been on 3.5 for 3 weeks...." + (show)

I agree with frouke - it's a plus you have only been on Klonopin for 3 weeks. A very short time. Good news and, in my opinion and personal experience, very very doable for you.
Of course, you need to discuss tapering/weaning off this medication with your doctor.
My experience is to go slow. I have been on 1 mg. in the AM for several years due to an awful panic disorder. I am 71. I decided I wanted to wean off of it (gradually) and started going from 1 mg. to .5 mg. (splitting it in 1/2 with a pill cutter) 3 months ago. I did fine with that. And just 2 weeks ago I started to split the .5 mg. in 1/2 so I am now on .25 mg. in the AM. I plan to stick with this dose for several more months, possibly longer than 3 months. Yes, the .25 dose is very small so I have to be careful to shallow it. Your advantage is the relatively short duration of time you are on the dose of 3.5. Yes, in my opinion, that dose is a bit high but it has only been 3 weeks - that's a huge plus for you!
There is nothing to be fearful about...just make the decision to start a weaning process. Run it by your doctor and plan together the best way for you to begin tapering. At your dose it is probably going to take some time...but again the short duration you have been on this dose is a huge plus!
The very best of luck to you. And your tapering is very doable!

raphaela2025 | @raphaela2025 | Jul 23 8:14am

In reply to @briacirs "Someone please answer me. Thank you." + (show)

@briacirs I’ve been trying to get off it for years. I strongly recommend doing this in conjunction with the prescribing provider

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jul 23 8:36am

In reply to @briacirs "I'm 77 and want to taper 3.5 to 3.25. I've been on 3.5 for 3 weeks...." + (show)

@briacirs I moved your post about getting off clonazepam (Klonopin), to this Mayo Clinic Connect discussion that's on the same topic:
- Help Getting Off of Klonopin https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/help-getting-off-of-klonopin/

This will help more Connect members see your question and invite responses from people with experience in tapering off this medication who may be able to help.

What is your biggest concern right now about going down in dosage?

briacirs | @briacirs | Jul 23 9:55am

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

That I have so far to go. 3.5 to zero is a long haul.

sears | @sears | Jul 23 11:29am

In reply to @briarrose "I agree with frouke - it's a plus you have only been on Klonopin for 3..." + (show)

@briarrose You’ve been on it for such a short time I don’t think you need to put much thought into it. Just use .5 less everyday until you’re done.

briacirs | @briacirs | Jul 23 3:49pm

In reply to @sears "@briarrose You’ve been on it for such a short time I don’t think you need to..." + (show)

I've been on benzos for 30 years. .5 everyday would land me in the hospital.

pflyboyatl | @pflyboyatl | Jul 23 4:30pm

In reply to @lisalucier "@briacirs I moved your post about getting off clonazepam (Klonopin), to this Mayo Clinic Connect discussion..." + (show)

@lisalucier Thank you for moving my post. The possible withdrawal - I think 2-4 weeks is the time frame to be on it. And in the few months on it was a low dose.