Posted by Ritch on August 6, 2002, at 12:52:43
In reply to Re: Klonopin Withdrawl » Ritch, posted by Squiggles on August 6, 2002, at 10:28:29
> Ritch, Kate, and Optimistic,
>
> I'd be very much interested to know
> whether your doctor recommended that
> you withdraw from Klonopin. Also, why
> where you prescribed this drug in the
> first place.
>
> As you know i had a terrible time and did
> not succeed. However, I doubt that you have
> been taking it for 17 years, and that may
> be a relevant factor.
>
> Very slowly is the general advice; though
> Dr. Heather Ashton and many detox guides
> in reputable books suggest the use of Valium
> or some other drugs (e.g. phenobarbitol)
> particularly for this tough benzo. Another
> method i have heard of is the liquid substitution
> of the drug, which you can get from a compounding
> pharmacist.
>
> Be careful.
>
> SquigglesSquiggles,
I have been on and off some benzo or other for over 20 years now. I would say on about half that time. Clonazepam was first scripted about four years ago. The "decision" to reduce the clonazepam was mine, but was based on my pdoc's discussion about sleep disruption that benzos can cause, and I am really trying to get my sleep fixed up as best I can. I still think I will continue to take clonazepam, but only a small dose (.25mg) during the daytime and only when I think I will need it to prevent a situational panic attack. The Depakote I take helps that a *little*, and I have found that low-doses of AD's can prevent unexpected panic, but clonazepam works the best for the situational prophylaxis, and I intend to have it 'around' if I need it. So far I haven't had much trouble with halving my dose.
thanks for the concern,
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:115326
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020731/msgs/115417.html