Posted by laima on February 8, 2007, at 7:59:21
In reply to Re: Benzo Confidential - clonazepam's history, posted by Squiggles on February 7, 2007, at 19:46:27
If you guys are referring to anything I wrote, not kidding- sudden withdrawal from higher dose of klonopin/clonazapam, or any anticonvulsant, after a long period of daily use, carries with it a RISK of seizure. (Perhaps this is one of the reasons most doctors don't like to use more than 4mg clonazapam for most cases?) That doesn't mean if you quit cold, you definately GET seizure. It is a real and well known risk to be aware of though. If you taper off of an anticonvulsant properly, body gets a chance to readjust, less of a surprsise to the system. An important key is "taper". Naturally, if the person is already using another anticonvulsant, say lamictal, that will naturally help to protect against the risk. I've definately experienced body shocks and worsened myoclonus from too-rapid clonazapam withdrawal, though no full blown seizures. The few days I attempted to quit cold on my own were much worse, and I didn't attempt to continue. Those first real withdrawal symptoms took over a day or two to even begin to appear, because clonazapam is a long-acting benzo- so one missed dose also does not equal seizure. You'll notice that the instructions which come with medications like lamictal and clonazepam sternly warn against quitting suddenly. And again, the obvious risk factors would incude how high the dose is, how long person has been on that dose, if person is taking any other meds which carry increased risk of seizure (ie, plausably wellbutrin?), if person is taking any other meds which reduce risk of seizure, individual brain and nervous system characteristics.
Your dose doesn't sound all that high Squiggles, and I don't understand from your post if you are still taking it, or if you are saying you quit cold and lived to tell the tale. I'm sure your doctor or pharmacist would be able to advise you of the risk level for your own situation.
> Do you people who are prescribed benzos,
> take them every day or when/as needed;
> that may be the missing link. I was/am
> prescribed K every single day-- it's been
> about 17 yrs. now taking 0.5-1.50mg. Still
> can't figure out how w/d almost killed me
> with a seizure/stroke-- maybe the anti-benzo
> poltergeists were responsible.
>
> Squiggles
poster:laima
thread:730516
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070207/msgs/731045.html