Hi Wander. I'm sorry you have to go through such a long and hard benzo withdrawal. I think it's terrible that you had a psychiatrist that would put you on such a high dose for so long. It's not right, and really shouldn't be done, anymore. I agree with others who recommend it just be done as slowly as needed to prevent too severe of withdrawal. Patience is hard, but worth it.

I have experienced withdrawal symptoms from Ativan (lorazepam) in the past. There was a time when I took it daily for about three years, while also taking a small dose of Klonopin. Like BethRags, my Klonopin is still basically just to prevent withdrawals. It doesn't do a thing. The Ativan I used to take was initially for PRN anxiety relief, but then became an anti-akathisia medication. I had the akathisia from Geodon, which I was very slowly weaned off of. Dang! Geodon was a terrible medication in terms of withdrawal symptoms. Then, after the akathisia from the Geodon subsided, I had to slowly go off the Ativan. I'm sure my withdrawals were not as severe as yours, and the time to withdrawal was a little quicker (since my dose was comparatively lower), but the combo of the Geodon and Ativan withdrawals made it seem like forever. But, I did eventually get off of both.

I would love to get rid of my small dose of Klonopin. I've been on that for 10+ years. My psychiatrist has refused to touch it, especially since I'm soon to move abroad. I call it "Klonopin Jail". It is. However, someday I will try.