Posted by SLS on May 16, 2005, at 7:53:46
In reply to Need advice from someone knowledgeable(SLS?), posted by Hlar on May 16, 2005, at 1:56:41
Hi Hlar.
> Some sources seem to suggest that it's more dangerous to withdraw from a long-term benzo addiction than to continue usage permanently.
I have not come across this suggestion. Can you perhaps provide a few links to literature that supports this opinion?
> That withdrawal can lead to permanent damage that at least taking the drug masks.
I can see how discontinuing one of these drugs abruptly and inducing a severe and protracted state of withdrawal *might* produce long lasting effects. It is also possible that, in your case, you might provoke rebound anxiety and panic attacks.
At this juncture, I should think that an effective taper and discontinuation of a BZD is preferable to continuing to take it when it is not needed.
> I'm currently on 2mg of Klonopin a day,and my Dr. has asked that I cut to 1.5 immediately.
Why?
Why the urgency?
> From what I've read here,I know it's too soon. I've been taking this drug for panic attacks and insomnia for 5 years--although now I suspect it's a matter of taking it to stave off withdrawal.
It is possible that you may not have much of a problem with reducing the dosage to 1.5 mg. However, my guess is that from there, you will need to be a little more creative in your discontinuation strategy.
For now, try to spread out the dosing evenly throughout the day. At night, use as little as is necessary to prevent severe insomnia.
> I don't want to be one of those people wearing crash helmets with TDK and brain zaps the rest of my life.
You won't. Don't worry. My first time coming off Klonopin, I had no real strategy in tapering. I experienced some aweful withdrawal effects. Among them were the brain zaps. I have no special immunity to drug withdrawal syndromes. The only lasting effect from that experience is the memory of how bad it was and a desire to find ways to minimize or prevent it.
After some experimentation, I developed a strategy to discontinue both BZD and SRI medications that works for me.
> Is there truth to these horror stories?
What specifically are you referring to?
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:498386
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050424/msgs/498412.html