Tapering off Clonazepam

Saw my pdoc last Thurs., and while he's happy with how I'm progressing, he says I'm still healing from the concussion and so doesn't want to restart the taper. So I'm going to stay here for another month and then revisit.

Hi you!

I ve been taking Clonazepam from Nov 2015 I began with 2 mg. Made my way down. Then huge stress, no sleep , and went up to 4,5mg! In december 2017.
Then made my way down , Since a year or so in 10% steps . Kept the dosage often very long. Now im on 0,11 mg. dont know yet when I will dare to go to 0. But apart from my histamine issue increased I ve no symptoms. all the best for you!!

Thanks Annissa, and congratulations to you too for managing your taper. Good luck with getting off it completely.

splitimage

Thank you loads!

Saw my pdoc yesterday, and he agreed that I could restart the taper, so I'm going down to 2 mg today.

I'd forgotten to take along my copy of the Ashton schedule with me, and he didn't have the copy I gave him.so we were kind of guessing about how much I should go up on the valium. I wanted to go up by 5 mg, but he wouldn't go that high. He only gave me an extra 2 mg. I'm hoping that'll be enough.

He's starting to suggest a faster taper and I'm like no way. So far at least he's amendable to me controlling the pace of the taper.

Sounds like you have a great doctor who is open to your time frame on the taper.Remember to take it low and slow.Seems like you are doing a great job. Congratulations!!

Thanks Guiness,

I am lucky. I've got a great psychiatrist who listens to me. And more importantly he was willing to try a cross taper withdrawal, which he normally doesn't do.


I am taking it very slow, which seems to be working for me.

splitimage

I'm now at the point, where I'm physically sick from the withdrawal. Threw up multiple times last night and have a splitting headache this morning. This is about normal, and should clear up by tomorrow or Wed.

Just dropped down another .5, so I'm now at 1.5 mg. So far so good, but I expect it to hit me in a few days.


My pdoc agreed that since I seem to be mostly over my concussion, we can look at doing another decrease at the end of January, although I may decide to only go down .25 mg, instead of the full .5 at that point.

splitimage

Making another decrease today, going from 1.5 down to 1 mg /day.


I'm a bit nervous, as % wise that's a big drop, but think I can handle it.


My next goal will be to go down to .75 mg / day. But I may wait until I'm done the IOP trauma program that I'm starting at the end of this month before doing that. I'll have to see

splitimage

Thats a big drop. I am glad the tapering is going good for you. Tapering off of benzo's can be one of the toughest things to do.

Thanks Guiness

I just feel that I'm lucky that I have a Dr., who is letting me go as slowly as I want to and didn't force a sudden sharp taper.
splitimage

I don't mean to hijack your thread at all but I am also trying to taper off of clonazepam currently (with my doctor's support). I find it difficult. I always rationalize taking clonazepam by saying I need it because I have anxiety. But intellectually I know that I'll feel more energetic without the med, clonazepam. I know there are other strategies towards managing anxiety but I haven't found any that are consistent yet.

WastingAsparagus, it is difficult I have some days where I absolutely crave clonazepam. What helps me, is my pdoc only will prescribe me a 2 week supply at a time, and I know if I take extra one day, I'll run out early, and the pharmacy absolutely will not refill it early, so that's good motivation for me to stick to my daily dose.

I also find that I have incentive, because I've finally reached the point where I'm feeling like my brain is a bit clearer and less foggy, and I don't want to go backwards.

I just keep telling myself that it will be worth it in the end, and that I don't want to damage my memory any more than I already have.

splitimage