Do you need to taper Klonopin?

Posted by rlk @rlk, Sep 28, 2022

Do you need to taper klonopin after being on it for one month .5 mg for three weeks and 1 mg for one week quit it about three weeks ago and feeling hi anxiety now used it for sleep and anxiety started taking trazodone again for sleep

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I'd be inclined to believe that symptoms would have shown up sooner.
More possible trazadone may be needing adjustment

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I use klonopin and would suggest that you discuss the issues described with your pharmacist. I have an especially close relationship with my pharmacy team at Walmart, and my pharmacist has given me more information about tapering off medications than I have ever received from my medical providers. They have a wealth of information, especially since drugs are their specialty, whereas in my experience, doctors do not always have the correct answer about what to taper off, how to taper off safely and things of that nature. I have tried trazadone, but the side effects were impossibly horrible, even though the medication did provide better sleep.
Best of luck.

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It’s in all likelihood your original anxiety coming back because you’re no longer medicating. You were on a low dose for a very short time. Doubting it’s full blown withdrawal symptoms.

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@frances007

I use klonopin and would suggest that you discuss the issues described with your pharmacist. I have an especially close relationship with my pharmacy team at Walmart, and my pharmacist has given me more information about tapering off medications than I have ever received from my medical providers. They have a wealth of information, especially since drugs are their specialty, whereas in my experience, doctors do not always have the correct answer about what to taper off, how to taper off safely and things of that nature. I have tried trazadone, but the side effects were impossibly horrible, even though the medication did provide better sleep.
Best of luck.

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Agreed. Trazadone really helped with my sleep. Why is it that the best medicine have the worst side effects. sigh Headaches and stuffy nose were the effects with me

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I understand, as I too had the headaches and stuffiness you described, which is why I stopped taking the medication.

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Is taking .25mg of Klonopin every other day safe?
So I'm currently prescribed klonopin .25mg and take it as needed for anxiety and panic attacks. I take 1 every other day instead of every day, because i don't want to become dependent on it.
Could this dose be causing me rebound anxiety withdrawal since it's not a consistent stable balance in my body?
I've been taking it like this for a few months.

I did also cut my trintellix dose from 10mg to 5 mg yesterday, because it has been causing me side effects. Was on the 10mg dose from 5mg for 4 weeks.

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@divinewisdom28

Is taking .25mg of Klonopin every other day safe?
So I'm currently prescribed klonopin .25mg and take it as needed for anxiety and panic attacks. I take 1 every other day instead of every day, because i don't want to become dependent on it.
Could this dose be causing me rebound anxiety withdrawal since it's not a consistent stable balance in my body?
I've been taking it like this for a few months.

I did also cut my trintellix dose from 10mg to 5 mg yesterday, because it has been causing me side effects. Was on the 10mg dose from 5mg for 4 weeks.

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@divinewisdom28, I moved your question about Klonopin to this existing discussion that @rlk started here:
- Do you need to taper Klonopin? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/klonopin-3/

I did this so you can read the previous posts and easily connect with other members like @scoutngem @frances007 @sears @cdcc @mattie @jimhd and others.

You ask specifically "Is taking .25mg of Klonopin every other day safe?" I think that is a good question to ask your prescribing doctor, especially since you appear to be having rebound anxiety withdrawal. It sounds like you may be cutting too many things at once. I'm not a medical professional, but I would think that taking the medication every other day would not reduce your dependence on it. It is still being taken regularly.

Have you talked to your prescribing doctor about your goal to be less dependent on the medications you're taking? A pharmacist can also be helpful in answering questions.

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@colleenyoung

@divinewisdom28, I moved your question about Klonopin to this existing discussion that @rlk started here:
- Do you need to taper Klonopin? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/klonopin-3/

I did this so you can read the previous posts and easily connect with other members like @scoutngem @frances007 @sears @cdcc @mattie @jimhd and others.

You ask specifically "Is taking .25mg of Klonopin every other day safe?" I think that is a good question to ask your prescribing doctor, especially since you appear to be having rebound anxiety withdrawal. It sounds like you may be cutting too many things at once. I'm not a medical professional, but I would think that taking the medication every other day would not reduce your dependence on it. It is still being taken regularly.

Have you talked to your prescribing doctor about your goal to be less dependent on the medications you're taking? A pharmacist can also be helpful in answering questions.

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I dont remember ever asking that because I take 50 mg daily and have for about 10 years. Than God it is available

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I remain a firm believer that my pharmacist is the best resource when it comes to any medication, whether it be taking the right amount, tapering off the medication or even trying a new medication.

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Oh my gosh YES! I was on extremely high doses for 28byrs straight until over just 2 yrs ago. During the withdrawal which lasted an entire year for me I had to basically had to learn to STAND again ( was taken off to quickly) to sleep, to eat, to breathe... I tell you what though I will never again use that medication ever, ever again. Be 100% careful and honest with your physician 😌

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