Posted by Snoozy on April 25, 2003, at 11:50:51
In reply to Klonopin withdrawal (and a reckless pdoc), posted by cubbybear on April 25, 2003, at 2:17:45
I wasn't on Klonopin, but Xanax, and I very gradually stopped it. I can't advise on the frequency of dose reductions, but there is something I did in my Xanax withdrawl when I wasn't able to cut the tablets more. I would take the smaller dosage one night, and then go back to my previous dose for a few days, then the smaller one, gradually decreasing the days on the higher dose, until I was switching every other day, then take the next step downward in dosage. I hope I explained that so it makes sense.
I am bothered when a pdoc prescribes a benzo, but then does not give you an adequate taper schedule when you want or they want you to stop the drug. I've read a few posts this week of this same type of situation that have bothered me. It's fine if the dr wants you to stop taking the drug, but why can't they give you a humane tapering off if the drug isn't causing any problems? Benzo withdrawl doesn't have to be hell on earth.
Sorry if that seems harsh, but that really bugs me!!
Good luck to you.
> Sorry for the long post, but please read on:The benzo withdrawal problem is so common and now it's my turn. Last July, I started on 4 mg/daily of Klonopin at bedtime to help me sleep. Then I got down to 3.75 in December. I stayed at that point for 3 more months until my depression went into remission. Then, agreeing with my pdoc, we decided to proceed with the decrease once again. I did fine for a while, from 3.75 to 3.50 the next week to 3.25 the next week to 3.0, 2.75, to 2.50, then OOPS! I felt totally ill, anxious in a way I never felt before, and my entire sleep mechanism shut down. Disgusting feeling.
> My %$*!~!!!! pdoc was hell-bent on continuing the reductions, with no chance to let me get accustomed to the 2.5 dose, let alone going back to 2.75. His attitude was--would you believe--these were NOT withdrawal symptoms, it's your own personality because you're so sensitive and worry about everything! And he refused to write a script so I could maintain the 2.5 dose or backpedal to 2.75. So I got myself another pdoc in another hospital who is much more amenable. She wrote a script so I could go back to 2.75; and so last night, I finally slept the night away and feel better. But what about the future? Some day, I'd like to be off this medication.
> I realize that everyone is different, but I'd like to hear from all of you who had difficulties coming off Klonopin. What kind of ultra-slow reduction plan did you use? What about .25 mg. reduction every 2 weeks instead of every week? What about going in increments of .125 mg (impractical to break tablet however), or what?
> Please, let's share experiences.
poster:Snoozy
thread:222237
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030423/msgs/222302.html