Posted by 49er on December 15, 2010, at 7:13:36
In reply to Need to get off Klonopin + Xaxan XR..advise please, posted by blondemoments on December 9, 2010, at 18:28:50
Hi,
As one who successfully tapered off of a psych med cocktail of 4 meds, I wanted to chime in. While I didn't taper benzos, I think my advice still applies.
First of all, I would google Heather Ashton as she is the expert on tapering benzos. I think her withdrawal schedule is too fast but I still think she provides valuable information.
Personally, I would not use a med to taper because then you have to eventually get off that med. It defeats the purpose.
I would taper 10% of current dose every 4 to 6 weeks. Yes, it will take longer but you're not saving time by going more fast which causes horrific WD issues.
I relate to your statement about feeling like you will always have anxiety. I feel that way about depression particularly being currently unemployed. But knowing that about yourself is freeing since you now can ask yourself what steps to take so you can live med free.
Have you tried CBT?
Regarding your job being stressful, I know in this economy, changing jobs isn't easy. But is that a possibility or can you find ways to less the stress in your current position?
By the way, I know this all easier said than done. Now that I am off meds, some issues hit me big time that I have to deal with and I am slowly making progress. But it is definitely not easy and it caused me to understand why people chose to be on psych meds.
Just so people know, I feel this has nothing to do with my brain chemistry except for the fact that I feel the meds were numbing me to my problems.
Anyway, I hope this helps and let me know if you have other questions.
As an FYI, sometimes, I forget to check back so if you want to get a hold of me, babble mail me.
49er
> I have dealt with severe anxiety, on/off depression, and PTSD issues for half my life.
>
> After being on SO many drugs & the "fog" zone for so many years, I have felt like I was in a better place in my life and in the past 3 months have successfully slowly tapered off Zoloft & Lamictal. (My most recent cocktail.....I have tried them all).
>
> Now here is my biggest hurdle.....My Benzo problem. I was prescribed Xanax in 1991 after my first real anxiety attack. Little did I know that as much as that little peach pill would feel like my friend, it would grow to become my worst "frenemy". Over the years, I had to take more and more Xanax (hence the "XR") and then finally
> approximately 8 years ago, my psych doctor decided
> that Klonopin would be an "alternative" drug since it lasts longer.
>
> Since I had to have major surgery many years ago to remove parts of my stomach, I do not digest medications normally so I take more than a normal person without feeling the effects.
>
> So here is my current dose:
> I take 1 mg of Klonopin 3 times a day.....and
> I take 1 Xanax XR (sometimes in a.m. before work)
> but always 1 before Bed.
>
> I know this sounds like alot of benzos but I never feel hungover, perhaps it's because I have been on it for so many years my body is so use to the dosage. BUT, I do want to try to taper off.
>
> Question is.....I know I will always have this anxiety problem......how can I taper off this large amount and still keep my anxiety under control? (I have a very high stress job)
>
> I take plenty of vitamins, supplements and HAVE attempted to taper off many times before without much success (just an FYI).....I drink plenty of water, eat well, get plenty of exercise, I just have MAJOR anxiety!
>
> Thanks in advance for any advice :)
poster:49er
thread:973024
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20101203/msgs/973620.html