1. < Depression & Anxiety

I was on 0.5 mg Klonopin for about 10 yrs. Going through withdrawal

Posted by annako @annako, Oct 2, 2023

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

annako | @annako | Oct 4, 2023
In reply to @kawanhee "Be careful about websites like webmd. Stick with reputable facilities like Mayo Clinic. I was on..." + (show)
@kawanhee

Be careful about websites like webmd. Stick with reputable facilities like Mayo Clinic.
I was on .5 Ativan, a benzo like klonopin, for over two years. I did I VERY slow wean and have been off it since June. All my doctors, including the one who prescribed it, wanted me off of it.

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Can you share more - how much time did you take for very slow wean and did you experience bad side effects from withdrawal?

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1 reply
annako | @annako | Oct 4, 2023
In reply to @scolio "How awful. Your medication decisions should be your decisions! I don't know a lot about theanine,..." + (show)
@scolio

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?

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I am thinking about finding another doctor and maybe even see psychiatrist to help to manage this whole process.

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arthur57 | @arthur57 | Oct 4, 2023
In reply to @annako "Yes,I know it should be very slow withdrawal but the doctor really confused me by saying..." + (show)
@annako

Yes,I know it should be very slow withdrawal but the doctor really confused me by saying quit after 2 weeks… I extended it to 4 weeks and now I question myself and don’t know what to do. Last 5 weeks were very hard and I am not sure if I did it right.
I don’t want to take it anymore but I have hard time. One of the side effects of Klonopin withdrawal is higher blood pressure. I am on medication for BP and it was under control but in last few days seems to be higher and I don’t know what should I do.

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I don't recall reading anything about elevated BP being a side effect, while on or during withdrwal, of Klonopin? Maybe I'm wrong or just missed it? Could your elevated BP be a result of increased anxiety you are having during your withdrawal from this drug, which would be understandable? Just my thoughts?

Wishing you all the best during this process.

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1 reply
kawanhee | @kawanhee | Oct 4, 2023
In reply to @annako "Can you share more - how much time did you take for very slow wean and..." + (show)
@annako

Can you share more - how much time did you take for very slow wean and did you experience bad side effects from withdrawal?

Jump to this post

I started in January and did not finish until June. I made the wean slower than both my pcp and sleep med doctor recommended because of everything I read about benzodiazepines. It was the second time I had tried to stop.

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1 reply
annako | @annako | Oct 4, 2023
In reply to @kawanhee "I started in January and did not finish until June. I made the wean slower than..." + (show)
@kawanhee

I started in January and did not finish until June. I made the wean slower than both my pcp and sleep med doctor recommended because of everything I read about benzodiazepines. It was the second time I had tried to stop.

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Thank you so much. It all makes sense.
How did you feel after you stopped for the second time?

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1 reply
annako | @annako | Oct 4, 2023
In reply to @arthur57 "I don't recall reading anything about elevated BP being a side effect, while on or during..." + (show)
@arthur57

I don't recall reading anything about elevated BP being a side effect, while on or during withdrwal, of Klonopin? Maybe I'm wrong or just missed it? Could your elevated BP be a result of increased anxiety you are having during your withdrawal from this drug, which would be understandable? Just my thoughts?

Wishing you all the best during this process.

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Elevated BP was listed on long list of withdrawal symptoms.
Sure, anxiety can add to it too

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kawanhee | @kawanhee | Oct 4, 2023
In reply to @annako "Thank you so much. It all makes sense. How did you feel after you stopped for..." + (show)
@annako

Thank you so much. It all makes sense.
How did you feel after you stopped for the second time?

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As I weaned, I was, and still am, on mirtazapine for sleep. It was so slow that I don’t think I had any major issues.
I still don’t sleep well every night but I do feel better

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annako | @annako | Oct 4, 2023

Thank you. I am glad you feel better. You did the right thing by weaning of medication slowly. I have such a mixed feelings about this new doctor and expecting me t quit taking Klonopin after just 2 weeks. I think she really has no clue what is proper protocol to follow.
I am grateful for your support

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1 reply
cinrose | @cinrose | Oct 5, 2023
In reply to @annako "Thank you. I am glad you feel better. You did the right thing by weaning of..." + (show)
@annako

Thank you. I am glad you feel better. You did the right thing by weaning of medication slowly. I have such a mixed feelings about this new doctor and expecting me t quit taking Klonopin after just 2 weeks. I think she really has no clue what is proper protocol to follow.
I am grateful for your support

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Hello, I weaned off Klonopin after taking it for only 2 months and the doctor had me take nearly a month to do it. After 10 years I would think you need much more time than that. I am so sorry you have to go through this. The last week after the wean I was so anxious I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. But if you just power through and hold on for dear life it eventually gets better. It may take quite some time for you though. I do take L-Theanine for sleep for about a year now and have not noticed any ill effects although I don’t sleep great. It is supposed to restore a sense of calm. It is a substance that is found naturally in green tea. I also tried to take a walk every day and meditate to help the process along. You can do it! We are strong people and in the end, you will be stronger for it! I would suggest a new doctor to guide you on this path. 2 weeks is way too short.

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1 reply
annako | @annako | Oct 5, 2023
In reply to @cinrose "Hello, I weaned off Klonopin after taking it for only 2 months and the doctor had..." + (show)
@cinrose

Hello, I weaned off Klonopin after taking it for only 2 months and the doctor had me take nearly a month to do it. After 10 years I would think you need much more time than that. I am so sorry you have to go through this. The last week after the wean I was so anxious I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. But if you just power through and hold on for dear life it eventually gets better. It may take quite some time for you though. I do take L-Theanine for sleep for about a year now and have not noticed any ill effects although I don’t sleep great. It is supposed to restore a sense of calm. It is a substance that is found naturally in green tea. I also tried to take a walk every day and meditate to help the process along. You can do it! We are strong people and in the end, you will be stronger for it! I would suggest a new doctor to guide you on this path. 2 weeks is way too short.

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Thank you so much for your response.
Today is day 9 after I stopped taking Klonopin and anxiety is touch better. Other symptoms seem to be a little better. I take LTheanine with magnesium and Holy Basil and GABA- one at night and half in the morning. Taking one day at the time.
The doctor who told me to stop taking Klonopin did not have a clue how slowly we have to stop. I am angry that she was incompetent like this.
Yes,we are strong and slowly It will get better

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