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Weaning off Klonopin

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Posted 12/20/2014 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
I started weaning off my Klonopin this week and I am feeling the anxiety creep back in. I have been on Lexapro 10 mg once a day for 8 weeks. At this point I should be feeling the full benefits right? My psych wants me off the benzos, he doesn't even want me to have some as needed. He would rather I went up to 20 mg of lexapro a day. Should I call him and tell him how I'm feeling or do you think I'm just having some type of withdrawal to the Klonopin and the anxiety is coming from that?

Let me know what you think.
Posted 12/20/2014 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Benzo's are a good med when taken as prescribed, the medical world plays a lot of CYA just to avoid a
problem meanwhile people who need the benzos to be able to work and live are going to suffer, i took
xanax for years, i never abused it, these things help, i understand You not wanting it but your Dr. is just
being PC, I suggest you have a heart to heart talk with him, you can cut back if you do be sure and use
something like Mindfulness to support you during anxious times, I seriously doubt that you will have a
problem coming off your not abusing your meds, he needs to be willing to give you support if you have a
problem, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 12/20/2014 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jennings

Tapering of a benzo should be done slowly and under supervision of your doctor and an increase in anxiety is likely so I think your doctors suggestion of increasing your lexapro to 20mg is a good one.

In the meantime use any coping strategies you have learned to help reduce your anxiety.

Hibee
Posted 12/20/2014 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
Jennings,

I had the same issue about 3 weeks ago when I tried to lower the Klonopin from 1.0mg to 0.875mg. I was only on day 6 of the 20mg Lexapro however, so it was too soon. After 5 days of the lowering it, the anxiety started to come back to decent enough level where I was very uncomfortable.
I have been taking 0.5mg of Klonopin for 12 years. Then around 1-1.25mg for the past 7 months. I honestly do not see any harm in taking bozo's like Klonopin in such a small dose. I have lived a very happy, production life until this second episode occurred.
I agree with Img that your doctor is being a bit harsh for wanting to cut the benzo off, or at least that fast.
In my opinion, you need to completely stabilize for a while, get your confidence back and put this whole episode behind you before you start reducing the Klonopin.
Meanwhile, if that is the only choice you have, you have to understand that the anxiety is coming from reducing Klonopin and you are fine otherwise. Meditate, do relaxation stuff, keep yourself busy etc... to get through the few weeks and it might last. I most certainly know it is easier said than done.
Posted 12/20/2014 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Jennings,

Well... To be straightforward with you, my perspective comes from being kind of 'anti-benzo.' Not fully, because they did wonders for me when my anxiety was simply unbearable. The reason I am now 'anti-benzo' is because of how hard it was for me to stop taking them. Weaning was no piece of cake, not even a little.

The anxiety was still there for me, even when I weaned off of Ativan, but I am really glad that I finally did. After my body was "benzo-free" I figured out that the Lexapro worked great. I still have bad days, off days, but I have way more good ones! :D

When I weaned off of Benzo's... I was a disaster for quite a while. My body really wanted me to take them. So, I was dizzy, nauseous, had body tremors, heart palpitations (ever 3 beats, for 24 hours straight!), couldn't focus, foggy brain, brain zaps!, etc..... Hopefully yours will go much smoother than mine! But hey! I made it through all that! :D Woot! That's the good news, you can make it through.

Some doctor's are different though, and do allow long-term use. It sounds like you're wanting to keep with what's working for you. So, I guess from a 'pro-benzo' side of this... you could always seek a second opinion, or maybe even be prescribed them for your PCP? Just a thought! I am really rooting for you, whatever you decide! :D
Posted 12/21/2014 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, I think I'm going to try to get the lexapro up to 20 mg and wean off of these unless it becomes apparent I can't function.
Posted 12/21/2014 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Jennings,

I wish I was local to you. You're good people and it'd be cool to help more. There's a lot on your plate and a friend can make all the difference.

I'd say withdrawal is likely. There's nothing wrong with going up on your Lexapro
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