HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Clonazepam (Klonopin) Withdrawal ? - Is it even possible?

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/25/2015 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone!

I'm a new member here, literally just joined several minutes ago. I've been experiencing anxiety/panic since May of 2014 after quitting my job of 2 years as I had to pursue my practicum placement for my degree. I moved to another town approx 1 hour away from home for the duration of my placement (7 months) and returned early Jan. Despite returning home, my anxiety/panic didn't subside.

I've been taking Clonazepam (.25 mg - .5 mg) on and off since October of 2014 - now. I've gone a month in between not using but at times, it's really difficult. I've recently 2 weeks ago took 0.25 mg (2 - 3x in that week) followed by another 0.5 mg last Sat. I've been experiencing anxiety (nausea, tingling sensation in arm, racing thoughts) since...

My question is: Even though I only took benzo "as needed" on such small dose, it is possible for me to experience withdrawal?

P.S. I'm 5'3, female and around 96 lbs. (Not sure if this plays a role).

Thanks guys!
Posted 3/25/2015 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Clonazepan normaly is no problem to get off of, actually none of these benzos are unless one is using them
for recreation, remember you started taking it because of anxiety and panic so when you quit unless you
were able to move past what ever the problem was, the anxiety and panic would normally still be there.
Have you taken any kind of Therapy? Peace

Larry ***
Posted 3/25/2015 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Larry,

Thank you for the response. I've seen a therapist for 6 - 7 sessions, but wasn't successful on CBT. I'm currently seeing another one but just started so I guess I have that going for now. Tried Laxapro once, can't stand the side effects, so stopped.

Aside from that, I'm simply using herbal supplements for the time being. Omega 3 calm; B complex; magnesium powder drink and just started today L-Theanine. If anyone had any feedback on supplements, that'd be much appreciated also.

For me, for whatever unknown reason, roughly 2 - 3 days I stopped benzo, I get clammy hands, headache (mild), on edge, nausea. So that's why I'm just curious for people with more exp with benzos :)

Thanks again!
Posted 3/25/2015 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
I had the same symptoms when I stopped taking my Lorazepam for two days. I finally had to break down and take a quarter of a pill (0.25mg). It helped take the edge off but like you I was wondering if I was going through withdrawal too. I had only been taking 0.5mg for about a month and then stopped because I didn't want to be dependent on it. I saw my doctor today and she said at those small doses for such a short period of time it was unlikely withdrawal symptoms and was probably just my anxiety returning. Pretty much I was doing it to myself worrying about my anxiety returning because I hadn't taken a pill.

I hope your new therapist is some help to you. I haven't tried the herbal supplements but I've heard some good things about them.
Posted 3/25/2015 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
I think it is unlikely that it is withdrawl if you were just taking it on an as needed basis, but if you have concerns, you can certainly check with your doctor and have them put you on a schedule to go off of it.
Posted 3/25/2015 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
It's definitely a mystery for me. I would like to think the fact that I've really only taken the benzo on occasional basis (at most 2x a week at such low dose) I would have no withdrawal whatsoever. However, one thing I should point out is that I cold-turkey it because 0.25 mg is probably at the lowest you can possibly go?

My anxiety I realized was never as debilitating as it is now prior to me taking benzodiazepine. Yes, I had my episodes and i experience loss of appetite for a long duration, tingly sensations but typically I'd feel like I can function normally again. Since Benzo sadly, the anxiety seems like it became an on-going thing, hence I want to stop taking clonazepam altogether if possible.

With the amount of supplements, vitamins i've tried....i can probably become a naturopath soon...
Posted 3/25/2015 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your input Park12. I've visited a number of doctors for the past several months due to my physical symptoms. My family doctor prescribed SSRI for me but maybe I'm just really sensitive to medications, the first dose at 5 mg, the side effects for me was horrendous (nausea, hallucination, depersonalization) I felt like I was dying so stopped taking it.

Other doctors simply recommended therapy for me because I'm still so young and they were shocked I was even prescribed benzo. I did notice slight dependency already for me because I saw the pill as the "go-to" whenever I'm stressed. I just had to deal with the consequences not taking it after it runs its course in my body.
Posted 3/25/2015 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi G.S. and welcome!

I see that you responded on Lisa's post on essentially the same subject, so you likely saw the way I answered her...which are the same things I was going to say to you! ;)

Keep going with your therapy, and know that with time and commitment that will become beneficial to you.

Also, as you go through this transition, the use of coping skills will really help to get you through any rough spots. We have an amazing collection here in the link below.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Look through...see if there are any that look helpful to you, and give them a try!

If you would like me to post anything specific that you would like help with in particular...let me know and I will do my best to find it for you.

Keep posting for sharing and support anytime.

Scaredy Cat

Posted 3/25/2015 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Gradstudent1988 and Welcome to the Anxiety and Panic forum here on Healing well. You've gotten excellent advice above so I just want to echo them and say I doubt you are having withdrawl symptoms on such a low dose, but if it continues to bothers you be sure to call you dr and have a chat with them. I hope you'll stick around with us and post when you need, simply to vent, ask a question or offer support to others, we are always looking for new members :) again, welcome!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply