[cheshiregrins]

Is it really this easy to become dependent on benzos and start going through hellish benzo withdrawal...

I've had a RX for Klonopin for years but I would only take it when I'd fly or when I'd go to the dentist. I started a new job in October and it's caused an huge increase in anxiety/stress. I use benzos as a last resort after I've tried everything else (meditation, healthy diet, exercise, relaxation, other meds, fish oil, supplements etc.), but I've had to take them frequently in order to get to work. (I also have had to do a lot of public speaking, which I never had to do before.) I didn't realize how often I was taking them but it averages out to about every 4 days since October, ranging from 0.25 to 1mg per day. It's still low dose, but I am super sensitive to meds.

Anyway, I started to notice recently if I missed a day taking them, everything would seem extremely loud; I'd be super on-edge, anxious, extremely irritable etc. I didn't make the connection of these feelings to when I have a day off Klonopin until a few weeks ago.

Now it's pretty much impossible to skip a day. I get so irritable I'll literally punch a wall. It starts to wear off way faster than before and I'll be crying all evening. I tried to not take anything this morning since I don't have to work today, but the worst is that my arms and legs tingle/burn like crazy, like when they fall asleep- it's painful.

I can't believe it's this easy to get hooked on benzos?!?! I didn't even realize it was happening. I hadn't talked to my psychiatrist in 2 months because he was on vacation. I see him next week, so hopefully he'll be able to help. I feel like I've gotten myself into some real trouble here.

[*Laurie*]

Yeah, it's that easy. I've been on Klonopin for 15 years, use it exactly s directed, and every time I try to decrease my dose the anxiety and such is overwhelming. At this point I'm really scared of never being able to come off the stuff.

[seoultous]

I have heard these stories about Klonopin.

I have not experienced withdrawal symptoms and I have been on Klonopin for years to help me sleep. If I skip a dose I am unable to sleep well but I do not get anxious/irritable/agitated. I also take Xanax prn for panic attacks. I get like 5 a year so I don't take the stuff very often.

I hope you can get help tapering off the med if that is what you want.

[-jimi-]

Klonopin has been seen as the less addictive benzo. But it seems like it is the opposite, that it is the sneakiest and most dishonest benzo. Short acting benzos have been said to be more addictive.... but at the same time they are honest... like you cannot get addicted to them taking them every third day. Klonopin is different, the drug stays in your system for a long time and you might refill before you are clean without even knowing it. Also people break down benzos at different rates, some just consume them like fire, other people have bodies where they linger longer than "normal".

[SingDanceRunLife]

I'm physically dependent on klonopin. I tried going off it and I had 0 mental issues, but a boatload of physical ones. I'm hoping to come off it one day, but we'll just have to see.

[gayleggg]

I've been on klonopin for several years. Sometimes I take.5 mg three times a day and sometimes none and don't have any problems. I've weaned myself off it completely and did fine and started to take it again when my anxiety got bad again.

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[sub-dural]

Yes, it takes 2 weeks to build a tolerance/dependence to a benzo - it can take 2 weeks of usage to experience withdrawals. Typically short term usage will have little to no withdrawal... But your brain begins making more binding sites for the benzo (it doesn't matter which "kind" really - the brain sees them all as benzos) creating a tolerance.

An above poster incorrectly referred to it as an "addiction." There is actually no addiction as patients take their meds as directed, typically, and do not crave a dopamine surge. Dependence comes from avoidance of withdrawal symptoms - anxiety and panic being among the most prevalent. Starting and stopping and starting and stopping the drug actually begins a kindling effect in your brain which will make each subsequent attempt to get off of the med more difficult. People typically updose, or their doctors up their dose, when they start to experience interdose withdrawals -- increased anxiety (paradoxical effect of anti-anxiety meds), panic attacks, insomnia, and a host of other problems between scheduled (as directed on the rx) doses. I personally sought medical help when I noticed I had heart palpitations almost at the same time every day that didn't abate until I took my next scheduled dose of valium.

I would encourage you to talk to your doctor about a taper plan. Typically this would be a fixed amount of klonopin on a rigid schedule. If it's too hard or not working, you work with your doctor to make a different kind of plan. I feel really sorry you have to go through this; I hate having to hear about it or read about another victim to a doctor's rx pad. Benzo withdrawal syndrome is a recognized as a thing. It sucks when you realize something so messed up is happening due to this drug that was out of your control and now you have to slowly undo the damage.

There is a great online support group that has a lot of info for benzo withdrawal. If you google that you should find it.

[cheshiregrins]

Thanks for the replies. I do want to get off the drug because I don't like being "stoned" all the time, and it's making me more depressed. I just can't handle the horrible pins and needles in my arms and legs and the irritability.

[sub-dural]

Originally Posted by cheshiregrins

Thanks for the replies. I do want to get off the drug because I don't like being "stoned" all the time, and it's making me more depressed. I just can't handle the horrible pins and needles in my arms and legs and the irritability.

The worst part is that the only remedy for withdrawals is a benzo. Other classes of meds or drugs people withdraw from usually have a "stepping stone" drug or it can be over and done with in a few days -- out of your system, then move on with your life. With benzos it has to be so slow for your brain to readjust. It really sucks. I am tapering after several years of daily valium for sleep. I hate the pins and needles.. I especially get them up my shins. Bleh.

[Paracelsus]

I take a benzo every day too. What you want to do is shave off 10% of your pill one week than start shaving off 20% the next week. before you know it you'll be taking half. Over a few months you will almost painlessly get off them entirely.

[cheshiregrins]

Originally Posted by Paracelsus

I take a benzo every day too. What you want to do is shave off 10% of your pill one week than start shaving off 20% the next week. before you know it you'll be taking half. Over a few months you will almost painlessly get off them entirely.

Thanks I'll keep trying. It seems like I can't go even the tiniest bit under .25mg or I feel crazy.

[Bird Feeder]

I just started taking klonopin in the morning (.5mg) and it has helped with my anxiety....if that's possible? I take .5-1 mg at night for a sleep disorder and have for years but the one in the am is new.

Should I be concerned about becoming dependent on the morning klonopin? I do get a headache about 2:00 in the afternoon, could that be related to the klonopin? Work is just very stressful right now and I have tried everything else. I take a boat load of meds and do ECT every 2 weeks for suicidal thoughts.

It seems like such a small amount and generally I have a high tolerance for meds but the last thing I want to do is become dependent.

[Travelinglady]

I've heard the final low dose of tapering can be the worst. I have been tapering for several years. I am experiencing some anxiety, but am trying to hold on. I take half of .25 in the a.m. and .25 at night.

[cheshiregrins]

Originally Posted by Bird Feeder

I just started taking klonopin in the morning (.5mg) and it has helped with my anxiety....if that's possible? I take .5-1 mg at night for a sleep disorder and have for years but the one in the am is new.

Should I be concerned about becoming dependent on the morning klonopin? I do get a headache about 2:00 in the afternoon, could that be related to the klonopin? Work is just very stressful right now and I have tried everything else. I take a boat load of meds and do ECT every 2 weeks for suicidal thoughts.

It seems like such a small amount and generally I have a high tolerance for meds but the last thing I want to do is become dependent.

I think it totally depends on your brain chemistry. For some people it's not too serious- my sister was on Klonopin for 6 months and got off it easily. However, I wouldn't risk it! I wish I never took one pill. I started just taking .25 or .5 because of a job change, which increased up to 1mg at times, so yes it is entirely possible to become dependent on a small dose. 0.5mg Klonopin isn't really that small of a dose- it's a potent drug. I'm going through hell now trying to get off it. My psychiatrist says I'm definitely dependent on it now. I honestly don't know how I'm going to get off it since I can't function (ie work) without it anymore. I feel like warning everyone- stay away from benozs!!!!!

[cheshiregrins]

Just wanted to add this in case it helps anyone else: My psychiatrist told me to start taking l-theanine, which will work to calm my nervous system naturally and help me get off the benzo. It's a supplement that works almost the same way as a benzo but you can take it everyday and it's not addictive. It's very calming, but makes you alert at the same time- you can take it in the morning and it wont make you drowsy, unlike some of the other calming supplements (ex. taurine, valerian or passionflower.) It's actually amazing! I've taken it twice a day for only four days and I feel much calmer. I'm still obviously dealing with the physical withdrawal (burning/tingling limbs, heightened emotions etc.) but I'm definitely much calmer. I wish I knew about this before I ever took a benzo.

Here's one study with it: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21208586