Posted by shauna156 on September 24, 2005, at 9:59:14
In reply to Re: Klonopin anyone?, posted by terramuggus on September 17, 2005, at 8:42:29
Hello all,
I've been taking benzo's now for 11 years.. Yes, 11 years if you can believe it. The first time I discontinued taking them was about 6 years ago in a clinic setting as I wasn't sure if I could do it on my own. I thought I was losing my mind.. the floor was tilting, the lights were buzzing; hell, -I- was buzzing! Not to mention that for 1 whole day one of my pupils was larger than the other.. this day ended with a seizure and a trip in an ambulance. I stayed in the clinic for 14 days after which I returned home. The lingering wd was even worse (IMHO). The anxiety, agoraphobia and horrible nightmares were almost to much to bear. I couldn't drive (everything looks as though your watching a 3D movie without the glasses!), couldn't work and worst of all, didn't know when it would all end. I've been told by different docs that it can last anywhere from a few months to 2-3 years for full recovery!After 6 months on no medication and no relief from the wd symptoms I finally had a breakdown and began taking the meds again.
Now, 6 years later and a little wiser I've stopped the klonopin again. This time at home and after a much longer taper. It's still hell, but nowhere near as hellish as the first time. Perhaps because I know what to expect, or have a different attitude.. I'm not sure. 3 1/2 weeks ago I finished my taper. I haven't had a seizure and I've begun driving again already.
I was just wondering, do any of you have any suggestions for dealing with the residual wd's? Sometimes the anxiety gets so bad I can't bear being around the people I love or even answer the phone. Would also love to hear some wd stories from fellow klonopin survivors. You don't feel quite so alone when you read other's experiences. Perhaps it would also give me an idea as to how long this is going to last!
Thanks,
Shauna
poster:shauna156
thread:532850
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050822/msgs/558891.html