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Posted by Dave1 on March 4, 2004, at 16:26:27
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by MSTROU1 on March 4, 2004, at 15:29:25
Hi,
I know Buspar is an anti-anxiety med that isn't addictive, but takes a couple of weeks to work.
I've never heard of trilepital either.
Bye,
Dave
Posted by MSTROU1 on March 4, 2004, at 17:50:51
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by Dave1 on March 4, 2004, at 16:26:27
I've been taking Buspar for seven years now, at 30 mg twice daily. It works a little bit for light anxiety, but I really need a benzo for other matters. I've never found Buspar to be addictive, although one week that I was out of town and didn't have any I got very irritable and had some headaches.
Carter
Posted by zero on March 4, 2004, at 18:14:50
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by ryan123 on March 3, 2004, at 14:29:05
Haven't needed to stop taking Klonopin so far (2mg./day for 8yrs. and still works), but have quit Valium twice.
Valium withdrawal #1 was terrible, as I didn't understand what I was dealing with and quit way too fast.
Valium withdrawal #2 wasn't quite as bad, because I tapered off more slowly.
Both times, the real problem was that once off Valium, my anxiety came back "in spades". Even 2+ months after stopping the Valium, it would be so bad that I rarely left my apartment.
Time #2 Tegretol saved me. I got referred to my 1st psychopharmacologist, who put me on a modest dose of Tegretol, which immediately stopped the panic/anxiety/agitation and I no longer felt any "withdrawal".
Just my experience.
Posted by francesco on March 4, 2004, at 18:24:36
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin » ryan123, posted by zero on March 4, 2004, at 18:14:50
What syntoms did you experience from Valium withdrawal ? I'm asking because I didn't manage to understand I was experiencing a benzo withdrawal until I took Xanax (and the syntoms subsided). It was frightening because I didn't know what I was coming through, I thought I had some neurological disorder !
Now I'm planning to quit Xanax, I'm just taking 0,25 mg twice a day and I'm looking for a schedule. Glad to hear Klonopin it's helping. Bye
Posted by zero on March 4, 2004, at 22:03:21
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin » zero, posted by francesco on March 4, 2004, at 18:24:36
"Mental symptoms" (heightened anxiety, feeling like I was going crazy, fear of losing control, derealization, depersonalization, bad depression, fear of other people, fear of going out).
"Physical symptoms" (muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, my whole body ached, feeling like I had a bad case of the flu, at the end of taper my body was just screaming, other stuff for which I don't know the words).From what I've read, the best thing is to use a benzo with a long half-life (Xanax has a very short half-life and is supposed to be one of the hardest to stop), and taper down very slowly (as your body & mind will tolerate). My feeling is to minimize the pain - who cares if it takes even a year or more if you are successful and don't go thru too much agony.
I've read of using Tegretol, Neurontin or low-dose Seroquel to minimize the withdrawal symptoms (and treat the emerging anxiety).
My personal experience with Trileptal is that while very close to Tegretol in chemical structure, it doesn't help with anxiety.
Everyone is different though.
While not a fan of their beliefs in general, I do think the "benzo.org" site has good info. on tapering strategies and schedules.
Best of luck in this.
Posted by Dave1 on March 5, 2004, at 0:25:05
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by MSTROU1 on March 3, 2004, at 9:08:53
Hi,
My idiot shrink made me cut my Ativan in half, all at once, because I was abusing it. Now, I'm really freaking out. I feel like I'm going crazy, etc. I just took some Valium I found laying around and feel a little better. I'm going to call the shrink tomorrow, and tell him I need a new script for Ativan, a week earlier then he said he would give it to me. I hope he gives it to me.
Bye,
Dave
Posted by MSTROU1 on March 5, 2004, at 7:58:02
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by Dave1 on March 5, 2004, at 0:25:05
Today's my first day of no Klonopin and so far so good; I feel fine. Of course, my next step will be getting off of Xanax...
Carter
Posted by awatts on March 5, 2004, at 13:19:48
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by MSTROU1 on March 5, 2004, at 7:58:02
> Today's my first day of no Klonopin and so far so good; I feel fine. Of course, my next step will be getting off of Xanax...
>
WRONG! Get off the Xanax FIRST. The maintenance of Klonopin will make it easier.If you feel that you must stop all benzos, choose Klonopin as the last one to go.
Posted by Dave1 on March 5, 2004, at 16:36:42
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by awatts on March 5, 2004, at 13:19:48
This is what I have been trying to say, but no one believes me. I think I have the figured the whole thing -
Short acting BZs (Xanax,Ativan) hit you faster and harder, but they also leave your body faster.
Long acting BZs (Klonopin) hit your body more gradually, and thus not as hard, But they leave your body slower.When you are trying to get off a fast acting BZ, the withdrawal effects will be stronger because the BZ hits you harder/faster, but the withdrawal effects won't last as long because the BZ leaves your body faster.
When you are trying to get off a long acting BZ, the withdrawal effect will be weaker because it hits you more gradually/slower, but the withdrawal effects will last longer because the BZ leaves your body slower.
So you have to decide between
Fast acting BZ = Harder, but faster withdrawal
Slow acting BZ = Easier, but slower withdrawal
P.S. I am done posting on this subject.
Bye,
Dave
> > Today's my first day of no Klonopin and so far so good; I feel fine. Of course, my next step will be getting off of Xanax...
> >
> WRONG! Get off the Xanax FIRST. The maintenance of Klonopin will make it easier.
>
> If you feel that you must stop all benzos, choose Klonopin as the last one to go.
>
Posted by MSTROU1 on March 6, 2004, at 12:27:32
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin » awatts, posted by Dave1 on March 5, 2004, at 16:36:42
So far it's been two days with no Klonopin and I feel okay. The Xanax has been a good substitute, and when I can't sleep, I've been taking Neurontin. I have the 800 mg tablets and they help a lot with insomnia. Of course my next step will be getting off of Xanax but I think that if I taper I'll be okay considering I've never had a problem with it in the way I have with Klonopin.
Carter
Posted by awatts on March 6, 2004, at 15:11:10
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by MSTROU1 on March 6, 2004, at 12:27:32
> So far it's been two days with no Klonopin and I feel okay. The Xanax has been a good substitute, and when I can't sleep, I've been taking Neurontin. I have the 800 mg tablets and they help a lot with insomnia. Of course my next step will be getting off of Xanax but I think that if I taper I'll be okay considering I've never had a problem with it in the way I have with Klonopin.
>
We all respond differently. Do what works for you. However, major benzo withwrawal problems often don't begin until 3 or 4 days after reducing the dosage - depending on the drug.Klonopin is easy to stop compared to Xanax.
Of course, from my experience, none of the benzos are as difficult to quit as Effexor and some of the SSRIs. Unfortunatly, Effexor XR (300mg) is the only thing that works for me. I may take it for a very long time.
Posted by MSTROU1 on March 6, 2004, at 17:08:40
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by awatts on March 6, 2004, at 15:11:10
I have been on SSRI's for seven years and have heard that the withdrawal may last months from them, even if it's not physical.
Today I actually did some Klonopin that I got from a friend and even though it's only been two days since I did any, my entire body is feeling tingly and euphoric. I'm assuming it's because the Klonopin re-entered my system.
I don't know what to do. I want to get off of the benzo's and by the same token I may need them. Right now I have both Klonopin and Xanax and am figuring out a way to use them to work together to taper off of them both.
Carter
Posted by ryan123 on March 6, 2004, at 17:48:54
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by MSTROU1 on March 6, 2004, at 17:08:40
To take benzos or not. Tough question.
I went through 7 weeks of klonopin withdrawals. I decided to quit paxil at this time as well and went through about 3-4 weeks of SSRI withdrawals. I took oxazepam (benzo) the whole time and still felt like death.
I thought possibly I would feel like a new man after I got off klonopin.
When the doctor told me to get off of klonopin, I was on paxil and trazodone too.
Now I am on paxil, trazodone, serequel, tegretol, propanalol, and oxazepam. I feel much worse than when I was taking klonopin, trazodone, and paxil. Stupid doctors think they did me good but I'm more screwed up than ever.
Posted by MSTROU1 on March 6, 2004, at 18:31:13
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by ryan123 on March 6, 2004, at 17:48:54
> To take benzos or not. Tough question.
>
> I went through 7 weeks of klonopin withdrawals. I decided to quit paxil at this time as well and went through about 3-4 weeks of SSRI withdrawals. I took oxazepam (benzo) the whole time and still felt like death.
>
> I thought possibly I would feel like a new man after I got off klonopin.
>
> When the doctor told me to get off of klonopin, I was on paxil and trazodone too.
>
> Now I am on paxil, trazodone, serequel, tegretol, propanalol, and oxazepam. I feel much worse than when I was taking klonopin, trazodone, and paxil. Stupid doctors think they did me good but I'm more screwed up than ever.
Why are you on propanolol (sp?)?
Posted by Dave1 on March 6, 2004, at 18:46:17
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by MSTROU1 on March 6, 2004, at 12:27:32
Carter,
I've been trying find something good to help me sleep (other than a BZ). How well does Neurontin help? Does it make you signicantly sleepy and drowsy?
Thanks,
Dave
Posted by Dave1 on March 6, 2004, at 18:48:39
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by ryan123 on March 6, 2004, at 17:48:54
Six drugs at times seems quite excessive. Maybe you should consider consulting another doctor.
Dave
Posted by ryan123 on March 6, 2004, at 22:11:46
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin » ryan123, posted by Dave1 on March 6, 2004, at 18:48:39
My last psych had me on five drugs. The most recent one added tegretol.
Propanalol was given to me to help my body make it through klonopin withdrawals. Without it (during withdrawals) my heart rate and blood pressure were high into stroke zone (up to 150 bpm and 150 over 100).
Posted by MSTROU1 on March 7, 2004, at 6:50:41
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by ryan123 on March 6, 2004, at 22:11:46
> My last psych had me on five drugs. The most recent one added tegretol.
>
> Propanalol was given to me to help my body make it through klonopin withdrawals. Without it (during withdrawals) my heart rate and blood pressure were high into stroke zone (up to 150 bpm and 150 over 100).Do you still need the Proppanalol now?
Posted by Dave1 on March 7, 2004, at 8:49:55
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by ryan123 on March 6, 2004, at 22:11:46
You know when you take alot of meds. at high doses, it fires up your liver enzymes and you metabolize your drugs faster.
Bye
Dave
Posted by David Greenberg on March 19, 2004, at 18:17:34
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin » awatts, posted by Dave1 on March 5, 2004, at 16:36:42
This is generally true. It took me three years to switch from 3mg of klonopin to just under 1mg. Although I didn't suffer severely for more than a few days at a time, the withdrawal symptoms (mostly anxiety and insomnia) are both periodic and persistent.
> This is what I have been trying to say, but no one believes me. I think I have the figured the whole thing -
>
> Short acting BZs (Xanax,Ativan) hit you faster and harder, but they also leave your body faster.
> Long acting BZs (Klonopin) hit your body more gradually, and thus not as hard, But they leave your body slower.
>
> When you are trying to get off a fast acting BZ, the withdrawal effects will be stronger because the BZ hits you harder/faster, but the withdrawal effects won't last as long because the BZ leaves your body faster.
>
> When you are trying to get off a long acting BZ, the withdrawal effect will be weaker because it hits you more gradually/slower, but the withdrawal effects will last longer because the BZ leaves your body slower.
>
> So you have to decide between
>
> Fast acting BZ = Harder, but faster withdrawal
>
> Slow acting BZ = Easier, but slower withdrawal
>
> P.S. I am done posting on this subject.
>
> Bye,
> Dave
>
>
> > > Today's my first day of no Klonopin and so far so good; I feel fine. Of course, my next step will be getting off of Xanax...
> > >
> > WRONG! Get off the Xanax FIRST. The maintenance of Klonopin will make it easier.
> >
> > If you feel that you must stop all benzos, choose Klonopin as the last one to go.
> >
>
>
Posted by David Greenberg on March 22, 2004, at 20:53:53
In reply to withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by sheebies on August 25, 2003, at 8:54:49
Withdrawal from klonopin can take a while, but there's no need to become panicked about it.
The best course is to be patient and resolute, and draw up a long-term plan for withdrawal that mimics the amount of time (and dose) that you were taking prior to that.
For example, I took klonopin, up to 3mg/day, for three years, when I decided to begin withdrawing and lowering my dose. Actually, I wasn't entirely convinced of the need to get off the drug completely, only to keep the dose as low as possible.
After 4 more years, I was able to return to a relatively low dose of 1mg/day. This period involved some low-points, with lost sleep and reverse-insomnia (early morning anxiety), but that was about the worst of it. Usually, acute withdrawal wouldn't last for more than a few days. I took trazodone irregularity when my sleep was really difficult, but I haven't used it for a while.
I'm happy to give you some more suggestions, if you'd like. Just send me an email to [email protected].
Warmly,
David> Help please. I have been taking klonopin (.5mg taking one to two at bedtime) for almost a year. I started taking after a bad withdrawl from Metabolife (yes, I know very stupid). I also had really bad insomnia and diagnosed with having an anxiety disorder. Any way all of the sudden one day, my klonopin stopped working. I totally went through 4 days of hell - heart palps, huge insomnia, panic attacks (still taking the klonopin). I remembered that my doctor had said that you can get addicted, you will start needing more and it will stop working. That is what happened. I started taking 3 (.5mg each) at night to get to sleep. And my insomnia got worse. So I went to my Doc and told him I wanted to get off of them. After describing my huge panic, heart palps and mood swings during those 4 days. He perscribed Seroquel. When I asked him why he wanted be to take that - he said that he thought I might be starting to be bi-polor. This freaked me out and I didn't take them. I thought that those feeling might just be related to the klonopin, so I just started tapering off (.5 a night), then after a week or 10 days, I totally stopped. My insomnia got worse. I totally freaked out and had huge, huge anxiety/panic and depression feelings. I called him and said that I wanted to go off of the Klonopin and did'nt want to start taking the Seroquel, so he gave me xanax xr .5mg and told me to take 2 at night to help me sleep. Completely blowing off the idea about me trying to get off of every thing. So, thinking that xanax would be milder than the klonopin, and needing to get one night of sleep - I have been taking 2 (.5mgs) of xanax for the last 2 nights. Yes I am sleeping, but I dont' know what to do know.
>
> My question is....has anyone been successful in getting off of klonopin and how long do the horrifing withdrawls last. Do you feel normal again? Or at least how you felt before starting it. I am wondering if I need an AD to help with the withdrawl? Any way I am going to my thearpist today to see what she thinks about his bi-polar comment and to get a name or a psych. for a 2nd opinion.
>
> THanks.
Posted by ryan123 on March 23, 2004, at 14:51:48
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by David Greenberg on March 22, 2004, at 20:53:53
I was on klonopin for over three years at 3mg/day. It took me 7 weeks to get off it. I know others that got off with 3 weeks.
Everyday my vitals were in the stroke zone (my doc gave me propanalol to help this). My anxiety and depression were through the roof and beyond (my doc gave me seroquel for this and it helped).
Even with the added meds though, the pain was so intense. Every minute seemed like an hour. I am a recovering alkie, so I am used to feeling alcohol withdrawals everyday, but this made alcohol withdrawals seem like a walk in the park. Pure torture.
But then again for others, it isn't so tough to get off the drug. Everyone's different I guess.
How am I now? I still have a hard time leaving the house and cry during sportcenter, but hey, I wasn't the picture of perfect mental health before all this. I only worked 8 weeks last year.
I could be better I think if I just applied more mental energy at my probs with anxiety and depression, but I'm not in a real hurry, and am kinda taking a mental energy vacation after getting off the klonopin.
Rough stuff. I dunno what else to say. Good luck.
Posted by Mr. Scott on March 24, 2004, at 21:42:38
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin, posted by David Greenberg on March 22, 2004, at 20:53:53
Hello David,
Have you had to put anything in it's place (The Klonopin)? I am trying to get off of benzo's too, but I'm such a mental case on it I can only imagine I must need something lest I jump out a window!
Scott
Posted by Viridis on March 25, 2004, at 2:33:55
In reply to Re: withdrawl from Klonopin » David Greenberg, posted by Mr. Scott on March 24, 2004, at 21:42:38
I'm really just curious, but what's the reason that so many people want to get off benzos like Klonopin? I realize that many of us would prefer not to be dependent on meds, but if they improve your quality of life, why stop? Have all of the discontinuers who suffer so much with withdrawal found other ways to deal with anxiety?
This is not a sarcastic post; I just want to know. My life has improved immeasurably with benzos and I don't think I'd feel better without them. I have no doubt that I'm dependent on Klonopin, but I've had no problems with it, haven't had to increase the dose (1 mg/day) despite almost three years of use, and have no side effects whatsoever.
I'd like to be off meds, but what's the alternative for a sane, anxiety-free life?
Posted by Sad Panda on March 25, 2004, at 8:34:16
In reply to Why do people want to quit Klonopin?, posted by Viridis on March 25, 2004, at 2:33:55
> I'm really just curious, but what's the reason that so many people want to get off benzos like Klonopin? I realize that many of us would prefer not to be dependent on meds, but if they improve your quality of life, why stop? Have all of the discontinuers who suffer so much with withdrawal found other ways to deal with anxiety?
>
> This is not a sarcastic post; I just want to know. My life has improved immeasurably with benzos and I don't think I'd feel better without them. I have no doubt that I'm dependent on Klonopin, but I've had no problems with it, haven't had to increase the dose (1 mg/day) despite almost three years of use, and have no side effects whatsoever.
>
> I'd like to be off meds, but what's the alternative for a sane, anxiety-free life?
>
>Effexor+Remeron is giving me relief from some of my mild anxieties. A lot of docs seem to be steering towards AD's & going away from Benzos (probably drug company steered) & I really doubt that AD's are actually any safer than Benzos, but they may be for some.
Cheers,
Panda.
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