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Going to Slowly Start Tapering off Clonazepam

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Posted 3/28/2014 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
Today I've started my slow taper off clonazepam. I normally take a .5 in the AM and .5 around 3 or so. I also am on Prozac but will continue to take that. I took 3/4 of a pill this am, and will take 3/4 this afternoon. I am doing this with the help of my Dr. I'm excited to start this phase of my treatment. I haven't had a anxiety attack for months, and feel I am ready for this. I just hope it works, lol.....
Posted 3/28/2014 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Sweet!

Good for you. This sounds exciting, and you sound quite enthusiastic and ready for this. Frame of mind is so key.

Please keep us posted on your progress!



M.
Posted 3/28/2014 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Best of luck
Posted 3/28/2014 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Cheri.,

Congratulations on the start of a new phase!

I agree with Merrida...your outlook and attitude are very indicative of success...and I am sure that you are going to do very well.:)

Keep us posted...we are cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 3/30/2014 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Third day of decreasing Clonazepam and I haven't noticed any difference at all. Was out with hubby yesterday to Hardware Store, then went out to lunch. Trying not to give any thought to meds or anything. Hubby bought me this cool little sander so I can start sanding my front doors to stain, he's good at trying to keep my mind occupied on other things, I love him to death!!! turn I know his support helps me tremendously. yeah I keep forgetting to ask SC, what part of CA are you in? I hope you have not been affected by all the Earthquakes in the Los Angeles area. I'm in the Bay Area, so it's been quiet here......Anxiety free thoughts for all of our HW friends!!!!!! smilewinkgrin
Posted 3/30/2014 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am Bay Are as well!! E-mail me (in my profile) and we can talk if you like...we may be neighbors!?!

S.C.
Posted 3/30/2014 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Cheri

 

Congratulations on your choosing to wean off Klonopin. Keep in mind that the slower you go weaning the more successful you should be.  

Thinking of you,

Kitt

Posted 3/31/2014 12:20 PM (GMT 0)
I hope you keep us updated on how your withdrawal is going. I also am on klonopin .5 twice a day for ~ 1 yr and am looking to decrease it slowly. How much of a decrease and how often works the best.
Posted 3/31/2014 2:27 PM (GMT 0)
palpit,

My Dr recommended 3/4 of a tablet in AM 3/4 of a tablet late afternoon and 1/4 tablet before bedtime. I purchased one of those pill cutters so it makes it easy. I am supposed to do this for 2 weeks. If I feel anxious, I am to just take a full pill then go back to the 3/4. After the 2 weeks, she wants me to take 1/2 in am and afternoon and 1/4 in evening, I'm to do that for 2 weeks. After that, we're to discuss how I'm doing then she will recommend what to do next. I've not noticed any difference as of yet, though as we all know that can change, but I'm hoping that it doesn't. We know the minds powerful, so I'm not even putting the thoughts in that I am decreasing, just keeping a positive outlook on it. I wish you lots of luck in decreasing yours also.

yeah
Posted 3/31/2014 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Cheri,

Sounds like your Dr. is very wise.  I weaned off of Ativan ( a short acting benzodiazepine)  4 mgs per day  by switching to a long acting benzodiazepine, Valium. Diazepam (Valium) is one of the most slowly eliminated benzodiazepines.

1 mg of Ativan equals approximately 10 mg of Valium - therefore I weaned down using 40 mg of Valium.  Valium is supplied as round, flat-faced scored tablets in 2mg, 5mg, and 10mg tabs so one can go extremely slow - I took 3 months and my wean was painless.

Clonazepam 0.5 mg = 10 mg of Valium(Diazepam) - approximately. This is the link I used; I printed out the info I wanted to try and mailed it to my Psychiatrist ahead of my appointment so she would have a chance to review this method.

http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm

Truly, any method you use will work if you don't try to go to fast. The most important thing is that you choose to wean off the medication.  Most people fail if they do not choose to stop  benzodiazepines because they are anxious re not having this medication to fall back on. JMHO

Keep up your great work and keep talking with us.

Posted 3/31/2014 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on xanax for over 10 years, i have taken up to 4 a day, and i am prescribed up to 4 a day, most days i take 1/2 pill, some days none. I take them when i need them. I just had a ohysical and the only problem was perimenopause, low thyroid and low vitamin B, which my dr gave me all natural meds for. My thinking is that after taking this drug for this long, and not having to take 4 pills a day (which most people take it like clock work, i know because i work in the menatl health field) i dont see a problem in taking them when i need them. i holy yoga which helps, and i exercise, but there are times when i need to take it and i do. I am current in perimenopause and my anxiety during PMS is throught the roof. Any comments?
Posted 3/31/2014 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Whether one chooses to take meds, use holistic methods, therapy, self-help or other treatment options is simply a matter of choice and what works for them as an individual.:)

What works for one person, may not for the next...and even an individual's needs change over time...so here we respect and encourage whatever a person and their doctor has set up for them in terms of seeking recovery.

Keep advocating and doing what is right for yourself people!!:)

S.C.
Posted 4/2/2014 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
Day Six, I get a little lightheaded, but it's not enough to make me take a whole pill, going to keep trucking on still on the 3/4 pill 2 x day and 1/4 at bedtime. I hope this passes soon, like I said it's not bad enough to keep me from even going to the store, just hate the floatie feeling.
Posted 4/2/2014 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Cheri,

Great job on continuing towards your goals!! I am impressed with your perserverance through this process.:)

I certainly understand about feeling 'floatie' on certain days...and I don't take meds...it is just one of my anxiety symptoms! ;p

Keep up the good work,

S.C.
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