Posted by BryanFromNJ on February 24, 2004, at 0:07:27
In reply to Re: Klonopin is great, but how do you get off it? » BryanFromNJ, posted by Rick on February 23, 2004, at 23:02:16
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > 1st of all, if it helps you, don't stop taking it. Why stop taking it, as long as you don't have a problem abusing it?
> >
> > Good question. I was on Klonipin for about 3 years, I'm now 22. The only thing I've learned about being off of Klonipin, and going through this withdrawal is to grin and bear it.
>
> Sorry to hear about your difficulties.
>
> > Obviously I'm not happy about that...but I've found a webpage that explains WhY you should never be on Klonipin ( or any benzo ) for more than a week or two...It's very frightening to think that I was about to ruin my entire life because I simply listened to the doctors, and never educated myself.
>
> Not sure I completely follow...Are you saying it was the article that tipped you off that continued benzo use would have ruined your life? Or are you saying it was the withdrawal that tipped you off? Or a combo of the the two? Or something else entirely?No it was the article that secured my decision to stay off of klonipin, or benzo's in general.
My experience with discontinuing benzo's was based on a numbness that I cannot really put into words. It was only AFTER I completed the taper process that I realized how overwhelmed my body was from 'long term' benzo usage.> > Here is the website : http://www.benzo.org.uk/FAQ1.1.htm
>
> Why do such a disproportionate amount of benzo warnings come from the UK?I could only make an educated guess, I'm from Nj.
> > Here is the information (specifically) which can teach you what Klonipin use does to us (longterm) :
>
> I'd make that "what Klonopin use [might] do to [some] of us".Okay.
> > Regular benzodiazepine use almost always causes some degree of deterioration in cognitive functioning, which progresses with continued use.
>
> My experience after 5 years on Klonopin: Probably true to some degree, specifically sporadic short-term memory lapses. Not sure really worsening, though.I remember telling people that too, in fact it was the hardest thing for me to come to terms with. After my body had detoxed I thought I was finished. Very naive I was.
> > Long term benzodiazepine use also causes lethargy and decreased energy levels that result in impairment in work productivity and disinclination towards exercise.
>
> My experience: Hasn't happened.My experience has left me with eyes wide open, I cannot believe how much this drug has affected my life.
As for the rest of the symptoms...it's not something I really saw while I was taking Klonipin...I think it may have been impossible for me because of the way I had learned to 'cope'. I don't judge anyones' decision to use, I know I was suffering and Klonipin just kept me there. The reasons behind my previous post was to answer someone's question, I think it did just that.BryanFromNj
poster:BryanFromNJ
thread:89412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040223/msgs/317060.html