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Has anyone tapered off their anti-depressant and then the anti-anxiety? I'm on both klono (1 mg BID) and 100 mgs. zoloft. I've been off and on zoloft (even quit it cold turkey- no significant side effects), and I don't know why I even started taking it again; I really don't feel like it does much of anything for me.

I'm really curious to know if anyone has had success going this route.

fischee

I've been taking Klonipin for 13 months now. I take 2/day (one in morning and 1 at night with Ambien CR) cause I have insomnia. My dosage is .5 mg equaling .10/day. Is that a lot and if I were to eventually stop or taper off, what types of side effects have any of you experienced? I also take Paxil 20mg. A long time ago I took valium and stopped on my own and there was definite withdrawal - sleeplessness and irritability for several days. Thanks for sharing. I'm brand new to the forum.

Welcome Dinny!
I don't know an awful lot about klono.- I've only been on it since the beginning of Jan., so I'm not sure how much is a lot in camparison to ativan or xanax. If it makes you feel better, I'm on twice as much as you , so it doesn't seem like an unreasonable amount. When I've examined tapering schedules at <A HREF="http://www.medhelp.org" TARGET=_blank>www.medhelp.org</A> or <A HREF="http://www.theroadback.org," TARGET=_blank>www.theroadback.org,</A> I think we're both taking reasonable amounts; and, yes, I do believe a person can taper off safe and comfortably. Check out the above sites for specific schedules.

Hope this is helpful,
fischee

1. Tapering off is always the best way to get off of a medication. Consult your doctor before doing so.

2. If you stop taking any drug "cold turkey" out of your own volition, as a doctor would never advise this unless you're in a hospital under the surveillance of a physician, you will go through withdrawl. If you like tremors, vomiting and seizures...

3. As with any benzodiazepine, there's always a possiblility of tolerance. Research has proven that Klonopin/clonazepam is safest, long-lasting and is used as a maintenance drug. .25mg to 4mg/day for use as an antianxiolytic is quite common.

4. Talk to your doctor.

[Edit: 5. I'm slightly cranky today. ]

Jenii,
What do you know/think about my previous post on this forum in tapering of zoloft then klono? I know it's discouraged because ssri's are safer/less habituating than benzos.

I'd really like some advise on this (+ or -).
fischee

fischee,

If you haven't already, please discuss this with your doctor.

As for my thoughts on the subject...
I've been on and off of so many meds it's not even funny. My doctor informed me, although I already figured this out due to personal experience, that getting back on a medication after you've already been on it before lowers the original efficacy of said medication. Of course, this is not always the case for everyone, but it's a confirmed norm.

Been on Zoloft myself, and like you, it didn't do a thing for me, other than make me feel absolutely nothing. No emotions, just numb, making me an utter wreck. Tried several SSRIs and SNRIs, and had the same results.

Personally, I like your tapering schedule. Klonopin would minimize or hopefully stop you from feeling any adverse side effects (e.g. headaches, tremors, etc) you might experience as you come off the Zoloft. If your anxiety were to increase once off the Zoloft, Klonopin's great for A. Then if you decide to, taper off the Klono next.

First get rid of one, then the other, so on and so forth...at least that's what my GP has always advised, and thus never experienced horrible withdrawl symptoms when changing meds. But as always, when changing medication combinations or dosages, I stay in constant contact with my doctor, usually seeing her once a week or once every two weeks during the process.

Best wishes to you as you change med regimens and such!

xoxo

[Edit: I thought that maybe I should note that I have partial epilepsy, so my GP monitors me very closely during med changing processes to decrease my chances of having a sz.]

Jenii,
Much thanks for your advice. I like your logic (naturally because it matches my rational and great minds think alike ). I think what it all really comes down to is we know our bodies best, so sometimes it might be better to follow our own instinct.

I think I probably will start to taper of zoloft soon; I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks again!
fischee

I was told by my doctor to never stop the paxil or klono cold turkey. I was taking 30 mgs of paxil with the klono and it was ok but it was making me a bit hyper. So my doctor dropped the paxil to 20 mgs. At first, I felt a bit lightheaded, but she said that was not uncommon. If I'm feeling unusually stressed, I'll take another 1/2 tab of klono and that helps.

I was on xanax for 10 years. Went through medication withdrawal. Then switched to klonopin in for the past 15 years. I have tried cold turkey - too drastic. My pscychiatrist gave me a schedule to ween off slowly when I'm ready. The klonopin has contributed to dry mouth. I was just diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome - autoimmune disease in which body attacks mucous secreting glands causing dry eyes, mouth, throat, and nose. Very challenging. So even though the klonopin works, at 0.25mg, it's best for me to come off and use this program to manage my anxiety. I also have fibromyalgia so the exercise is important for all of us. Be careful with withdrawal from klonopin. Get your doc to help so you can tolerate it better. I plan to do it this way.