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pjo Senior Member  Posts: 77 |
posted 02-01-2003 11:08 AM
  
With my doctor's approval I have been weaning myself off klonopin. It's been pretty rough, so now he suggested that I start taking Buspar to help with the withdrawal symptoms of the klonopin - tense muscles, feeling like I can't get enough air, clenching teeth, anxious all the time - but I don't know if I want to start another med even though Buspar isn't supposed to be addictive. From my research into Buspar, it seems like it doesn't help very many people and also causes weight gain, nausea, dizzyness and other side effects. The weight gain alone is enough to make me not want to take it. I'm thinking that if I just tough it out through this withdrawal without taking the Buspar that I will be better off. Anyone going through this? Pam IP: Logged |
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Dazzling D Newbie Posts: 3 |
posted 02-02-2003 04:18 PM
Hello, I am writing to tell you I have been on Klonopin for many years. It is a very difficult drug to get off of. I have not been completely off it since 1991. However, in 1998 Dr.s decided to reduce me to half the dose. I went through varying degrees of withdrawl symptoms for over a year. My advise to you is wean yourself very slowly. Even if you only drop down a quarter of a pill at a time. Go as long as you can between doses.I don't know how often or the dosage you take, but stretching the time between doses you can eventually eliminate one of three doses a day with little discomfort.If you are having a really terrible time, you should take a little extra for that day to get you through. I have major generalized anxiety disorder and have had it since childhood. Klonopin is the only drug that works for me, but when the dose starts to get higher, I have to cut back and then work my way back up. Not easy. Hope this helps. IP: Logged |
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114603681 Newbie Posts: 2 |
posted 02-04-2003 03:37 PM
Hi, I’ve been talking Klonopin at 1mg twice a day since 1983. On November 1st of last year (2002), I went to the doctor as I was not sleeping very well, and consequently, tired (sleepy) during the day. My doctor suspected that since I was older (like almost 20 years later), and with my body chemistry changing, that the Klonopin might be the cause. So, following his recommendation, I began to wean myself off the drug very slowly. Well, let me tell you – it’s February 4th 2003, and I’m down to ½ mg at night and ½ mg every other morning. I’m about ready to jump out of my skin. My shoulders, neck and upper arms are so tight, and achy all day and all night until I go to bed, I’m just about ready to through in the towel. These symptoms (among others) are exactly what I experiences 20 to 25 years ago. For me, it’s back to the doctor, as I can’t do this any longer – I need help. Tim IP: Logged |
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cindylou1358 Newbie Posts: 3 |
posted 02-05-2003 07:50 AM
Hi Tim, I can certainly relate to what you are going through. I am determined to get off this drug once and for all, as I have been taking 0.5 mg. for 7 years. I never knew how additive Kolonopin was until I started weaning myself off. Now I only wish I had never started taking it in the first place. Best of luck to you. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Jennita Senior Veteran  Posts: 780 |
posted 02-08-2003 02:24 PM
There are groups of people on support boards for benzo troubles exactly like these, so search them out for support. Also, the Ashton Manual is now free online. It explains in detail benzodiazepine effects on the body and how to withdraw. IP: Logged |
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Lilyana721 Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 02-12-2003 10:49 AM
I am being taken off Klonopin, which I have been on at 3 mgs a day for 11 yrs, on a very fast taper in order to get into a rehab. I am a recovering alcoholic and I have bipolar disorder. I have just now found out I have a bed at the rehab so I am being tapered off by my pysch in a weeks time. Today I am down to .5 mgs twice a day. It's tough and the rehab wants me in a detox which I don't feel would be the best place for me. I am coping at home. I have stiff, sore muscles and feel tingly. I am shaky and jittery. It's hard to fall asleep at night. Still, here at home I can take a walk, take a bath, call friends or go out. I can have the company of my boyfriend or children which is all much better for me. There are moments where I feel I might break and run to the Klonopin bottle but I have held fast against it so far. The more I read the more I want off this stuff. I wish I had never been put on it. And I was put on it so cavalerly by a friend of my now ex-husband for some anxiety. It's trailed with me ever since. Best of luck to us all. It was so good for me to read this all and know I am not alone. Thanks! [This message has been edited by Lilyana721 (edited 02-12-2003).] IP: Logged |
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pjo Senior Member Posts: 77 |
posted 02-12-2003 11:14 AM
Lilyana721, Best of luck to you. This is a terrible drug for anyone to be on. Hopefully things will work out well for you. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in your rehab. Let us know how things go. Pam IP: Logged |
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regina01 Newbie Posts: 2 |
posted 03-17-2003 11:22 AM
I, too, am being weaned off of Klonopin after about 13-14 years of use. I'm also taking 30 mg. of Prozac daily and was prescribed 100 mg. of Neurontin to help with withdrawal symptoms. I'm suffering terribly and would appreciate some real help here. I'm down to .25 mg. of Klonopin every other day. I wake up at approx. 3:00 a.m. every morning, can't nap during the day, am dizzy and very foggy-headed, have heartburn and other digestive difficulties not previously experienced, my tongue and mouth feel red and swollen, have difficulty swallowing, humming in my ears, etc., etc., etc. I also jump in my sleep when I am sleeping (which isn't often or well). I didn't feel this way BEFORE I started taking this horrible drug and I want terribly to be off of it once and for all. However, I'm very concerned that these withdrawal symptoms won't ever go away. Talk about throwing in the towel... I have a call in to my doctor but he is very pro Klonopin. I DO NOT want to take this drug any longer. Can anyone help? Sorry if I'm sounding strange but I feel so awful. Thanks for any and all help. Ree IP: Logged |
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Jennita Senior Veteran Posts: 780 |
posted 03-18-2003 03:36 AM
Check out the Ashton Manual online and look for benzo withdrawal sites. The symptoms go away, but can last a long time before that happens; it varies but 1-2 years of gradually decreasing symptoms is not unusual. Other drugs disrupt the healing process of the brain, and SSRi's are very stimulating to the nervous system (not what you want during benzo use recovery!), so I would try to wean off the Prozac very, very slowly. Save weaning Neurotin for last. IP: Logged |
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regina01 Newbie Posts: 2 |
posted 03-19-2003 11:00 AM
Thank you, Jennita. I found the Ashton Manual and it is very helpful and reassuring. When I spoke to my doctor, he didn't believe that all of my symptoms were from withdrawal and said I could be having "breakthrough anxiety". I told him that I disagreed but, of course, this put him off. He suggested that I back up to .25 mg. of klonopin every day for another week or so and then cut back to .25 for two days, skipping every third day. I'm trying this and do feel somewhat better but would like your input. Also, I've been on Prozac for as long as the klonopin (14 years) and am reluctant to cut back on it, however slowly, at this time. I don't think I could stand withdrawing from two drugs at the same time. Is this reasonable or do you think it is do-able? One more thing ~ the neurontin does have a somewhat stabilizing effect on me. Is this drug going to be a problem withdrawing from? It comes in capsule form and will be difficult to wean from slowly. Thank you so very much for your help and input. It's very good to know that someone is out there and helps tremendously. Ree IP: Logged |
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Jennita Senior Veteran Posts: 780 |
posted 03-19-2003 02:18 PM
I am glad you found the Manual. I am no expert on the tapering process, that's why I hoped you would find the Manual. I also thing there are many antidepressant withdrawal schedules on the net. The "breakthrough anxiety" is definately more like "rebound anxiety" due to drug withdrawal. In my personal experience and the experiences of others I came to know, doctors really don't have the correct answers when it comes to withdrawals or drug recovery. Of the people I know who have tapered mutiple drugs the method varied. One group had success by tapering the benzo first, then the antidepressant because they were very depressed after even one cut of benzo. But it seemed the majority were too stimulated by the antidepressant and tapered that first, then the benzo. But you are also on Neurotin, so that complicates things. But I know Neurotin can sometimes help in some benzo withdrawal symptoms, so people have taken that during withdrawals and then tapered it last. I am thinking that since you decided to wean the Klonopin first and felt so terrible, maybe you should wean the Prozac first? Then go for the Klonopin after that, Neurotin last. Neurotin can be hard to wean from too but it does seem to cover a few benzo withdrawal symptoms, so I would wean that last. I am not sure about weaning both Prozac and Klonopin at the same time.. that does seem like alot to do at one time! But links from the Manual should lead you to some other informative sites and also support groups where you could get even more information on what to do. I have had experience but it is limited compared to some other people, plus I am not a professional. See if you can't find some of the sites...it is not allowed to post links here but I think if you do some digging you will find the sites. Good luck! IP: Logged |
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ljm Newbie Posts: 5 |
posted 04-23-2003 03:10 PM
I started taking Klonopin on an "as needed" basis about a year ago and found myself taking it more regularly. I stopped abruptly and had a lot of soreness, headaches, etc (feel like crap) not realizing it was due to withdrawal. I was taking 1/4 tab 3 X a day and am now taking 1/4 tab about once a day. The tabs are .5 mg. It's taken me three months to get this low and I can't seem to get any lower as it catches up to me with panic or high anxiety which gets me to take some for relief. I am worse off now than I was before taking the drug. I've tried Benedryl to help me sleep which can be effective (some nights I was only getting a couple of hours of sleep while trying to wean). It's driving me crazy as it has made me unreliable as I never quite know how I'll feel from one day to the next. Have good days and bad days. (I'm 40 years old). Just wanted to VENT... IP: Logged |
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Janik Senior Veteran Posts: 697 |
posted 04-23-2003 04:54 PM
Detox does not work with benzos. It's too fast. There are many tapering methods but they all let you adapt to each new dose before the next cut. 10% cuts are recommended. You should stay at least one week at each new dose. The Ashton manual is a good reference. You still get symptoms, but they are very mild and bearble. The drawback is that it takes a few months to be completely drug free. IP: Logged |
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betty mclaughlin Junior Member Posts: 20 |
posted 04-26-2003 08:21 AM
I have been on this stuff prozac and klonopin for over 10 years and the prozac i came off and no trouble. Klonopin is another story and thank god for this forum. I thought it was me going crazy. I have had the withdrawals like not being able to remember where i put something and getting all nervous. This morning my teeth and gums hurt and i am having the buzzing and ringing in the ears and i believe after reading what everyone says it's the klonopin. I was taking the klonopin alone and theni took 1/4 tsp. of prozac and sometimes i take a 1/4 ofthe 0.5 mg pill. The other night i took 1/2 pill and i got too nerved up i guess from being off it for a month and started to have an anxiety attack running through the house to get outside to calm down and it took about and hour before i could and then went to sleep and yes i did sleep good but never again that much. betty IP: Logged |
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Janik Senior Veteran Posts: 697 |
posted 04-26-2003 07:06 PM
Betty, Try to stay longer at each dose, so your body adapts gradually. Also, mixing drugs is not a good idea. Prozac can cause insomnia and agitation. It's better for you to do without it. [This message has been edited by Janik (edited 04-26-2003).] IP: Logged |
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sheiljd Newbie Posts: 1 |
posted 04-29-2003 07:10 PM
I can not believe this medication is so widely used and so hard to get off of. I had been on Klonopin 2mg. at night for 3 years. I have Lupus and Fibromyalgia and this was suppose to be the fix for the Fibro...now I am in worse shape than ever. I am going to download that Ashton Manual right now. Believe it or not my Doctor said I didn't need to even taper off this med, just stop it ...I am close to collapse right now. So glad to have found this board IP: Logged |
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betty mclaughlin Junior Member Posts: 20 |
posted 04-29-2003 10:08 PM
Janik, I am not going to worry about the ears buzzing and ringing and i am going to make it through by not ever going back to any of those drugs anymore. I went and read in the Ashton Journal how they gave klonopin to animals that fight and then gave it to humans, how terrible for us!!!! to be put through this and i wish the doctors would tell us more about the drugs. I was told i would have to be on this the rest of my life.I am trying to eat better and get more protein and i do believe the drugs were covering up the fact that i could eat anything i wanted and it didn't seem to bother me, just kept me relaxed and now i am watching more careful what i eat because my diabetes was out of control as far as i was concerned , always hungry and now i am eating right and feeling a lot better. It did help me to sleep better, but if it takes 2 months to feel good i can make it. I didn't even have this much trouble when i took Valium back in the 70's. I just wonder if we really do have a chemical inbalance like all the doctors want us to believe. I got started on these drugs as i was going into my menopause years at 40. I have to stop now because when i stay on the computer too long my ears start to buzz and ring and i get agitated, jumpy and shoulders hurt and back then i have to calm myself down to sleep, thanks for listening everyone Betty IP: Logged |
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Janik Senior Veteran Posts: 697 |
posted 04-30-2003 06:19 PM
quote: Actually, there is no way of proving you have such a chemical imbalance unless they put a probe in your back to sample spinal fluid. From what I've read, this theory is based on the effectiveness of the medications, not on anybody's spinal fluids. So most doctors go with it. Of course, this theory does not deal with side effects and withdrawal. I am glad you are on your way to being drug free and healthy. IP: Logged |
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betty mclaughlin Junior Member Posts: 20 |
posted 05-04-2003 10:53 AM
I feel really terible trying to get off theis klonopin and shuld i try taking a little just to help curb the side affects. I took a whole pill 0.5mg for over 15 yrs. and i thogth i was so smaart that i could just get off it and go cold trukey i guess itf it was alcohol it would have been easier. Tell me if youthink these are symptoms of the meds. canker sores now gone having a hard time opening mouth because of jaw catching,worse constipation then before, not really interested in the things i used to do before like yard sales, friends and shopping,not motivated to even feel happy need help quick !!!! betty IP: Logged |
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betty mclaughlin Junior Member Posts: 20 |
posted 05-04-2003 12:28 PM
this is Betty I went and took a 1/4 of the 1/2 pill of 0.5mg. klonopin and i just finished washing my hair and feel a little better and thought i would tell you. I feel a little dizzy from it but otherewise i feel like I could conquer the world. My jaw problem has calmed down and i called the psyciatrist and left a message to come in and see him this week to get something to help me throught the klonopin withdrawls. I can live again but look at the hold this medicine has on me. betty IP: Logged |
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suzykat Newbie Posts: 4 |
posted 05-08-2003 09:40 AM
I have been on this drug at 3mgs aday for 2 years I tried every antidepressant and nothing works but the klonopin. I went to a cb therapy class for 10 weeks and weaned down to 1mg every morning. Somedays when Im really stressed I take an extra .5mg Its hard to get off but I really suggest you try an anxiety workshop. My doc just put me on 10mg of noritriptyline to help wean off the klopopin but Im taking more to curb the side effects of the noro. I'm thinking of stopping the noro because if Im going to take both whats the use. Did u know that 1mg of klonopin is the same as 10mgs of valium!!!!! I read that in my anxiety book last nite SCARY!!! I think these doctors should try some of this sh--! IP: Logged |
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suzykat Newbie Posts: 4 |
posted 05-08-2003 09:42 AM
I have been on this drug at 3mgs aday for 2 years I tried every antidepressant and nothing works but the klonopin. I went to a cb therapy class for 10 weeks and weaned down to 1mg every morning. Somedays when Im really stressed I take an extra .5mg Its hard to get off but I really suggest you try an anxiety workshop. My doc just put me on 10mg of noritriptyline to help wean off the klopopin but Im taking more to curb the side effects of the noro. I'm thinking of stopping the noro because if Im going to take both whats the use. Did u know that 1mg of klonopin is the same as 10mgs of valium!!!!! I read that in my anxiety book last nite SCARY!!! I think these doctors should try some of this sh--! IP: Logged |
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Jennita Senior Veteran Posts: 780 |
posted 05-08-2003 01:41 PM
Boy, I imagine if you wonder the number of people who have been diagnoised with chemical imbalance have actually had a spinal tap, I bet the number would be 0. Chemicals do change with lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, etc. anyway! Nice to know they are experimenting on brains like they do these days, not exactly sure of the long-term outcome.... Suzy, yep, the old Valium is weak compared to the top three, newer benzos; Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin. IP: Logged |
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Janik Senior Veteran Posts: 697 |
posted 05-08-2003 07:10 PM
Betty, when you go see your doctor tell him you want a slow taper, it's the safest way to go with benzos. Suzy, I also had c-b therapy. It's very useful for anxiety and depression. I wish I had had the therapy before I was given all those meds, it would have saved me a lot of trouble. Now about a spinal tap... who in his right mind would allow to have one done to himself? Maybe that's why there's not much data around and research still has to rely on patients who report if they improve or not. IP: Logged |
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Andrea78 Junior Member Posts: 20 |
posted 05-26-2003 12:20 PM
I was on Klonopin for 6 years and tapered off without any side effects at all. I strted at 18 and tapered off at 24. I was taking them with an anti-depressant, but I tapered off of them and I didn't have any of the side effects. My anxiety was fine also. Remeber though I was on anti-depressant also. Maybe I was just fortunate or something. But maybe this will calm the fear in some to know that I had no weird side effects at all. as a matter of fact I actually started feeling better. More like myself again!! Good Luck!! IP: Logged |
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ljm Newbie Posts: 5 |
posted 06-06-2003 09:01 AM
It took me four months to taper off of Klonopin. I started to take a small dose of elavil during the taper process which helped tremendously (I could sleep). I think the Klonopin made me depressed and messed up the brain chemistry. So glad to be off and feeling "normal" now! IP: Logged |
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