Posted by RobertDavid on April 7, 2006, at 2:09:40 [reposted on April 7, 2006, at 14:23:18 | original URL]
In reply to Re: Benzodiazepine withdrawal experiences please... » turalizz, posted by Phillipa on April 6, 2006, at 21:20:09
I've been on klonopin for 12 years for GAD and SAD. I had it in my head a while back to get off of it, that perhaps I didn't need it anymore. I did a slow taper, .25 drop every 2 weeks. I did notice the change and went through the same withdrawls on every drop, I learned what to expect each time.
It wasn't fun, but wasn'n unbearable. First day or two felt actually okay, then didn't sleep as well day 3,4,5. Then increase in anxiety finally leveling out day 8,9,10. Then drop .25 again over and over till I was off.
Finally I was off, but all my original social anxiety in particular returned. I forgot what it felt like to once be house bound from fear. I wondered why the hell I did what I did. So I slowly went back up and am back at 2mgs a day. I just know that for me, so far, benzo's/klonopin have been the only med that has really worked.
Until something comes along that can replace it or work with it, I'm never going to get off it. My doctor told me to think of it as a vitamin pill, that "it's good for you" and when you think about it, it's much better than stress and anxiety.
Anyway, just my take. If you want off, you can do it, but it will take a little effort and I recomend a slow taper. The more sensitive you are to the withdrawls, the slower your taper should be. I'd advise taking your time. Good luck. Rob
poster:RobertDavid
thread:630145
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060228/msgs/630147.html