Are there any medications that can help relieve the withdrawal symptoms from tapering klonopin?
Has anyone had experience with this and been successful?
T
Tapering off Klonopin
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Guest
I was just recently switched from Ativan to klono., so I certainly can't speak from experience (yet...). But, before I found this program, I found <A HREF="http://www.theroadback.org" TARGET=_blank>www.theroadback.org</A> which is all about safely and comfortably tapering off benzo.'s. Check out the website, and if you have questions about the tapering schedule for klono let me know (I wound up ordering the book).
fischee
fischee
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Guest
fischee,
Thanks for the reply. I've seen the site and acutally printed out the instructions. It just seems very hard to get a 2% cut in the dosage of klonopin unless I pay oodles at a compounding pharmacy. I think that may be the way I have to go, though, because I cut out .25mg 2 weeks ago and I am really feeling it. I don't want to go back up to 2mg at this point. I will have to find a doctor who is willing to write the scripts too. Did you just switch directly over to klonopin from the ativan? How many mg are you on now and how many mg of ativan where you on? Just curious.
Do you plan to do the road back? Maybe we can do this together.
Turtle
Thanks for the reply. I've seen the site and acutally printed out the instructions. It just seems very hard to get a 2% cut in the dosage of klonopin unless I pay oodles at a compounding pharmacy. I think that may be the way I have to go, though, because I cut out .25mg 2 weeks ago and I am really feeling it. I don't want to go back up to 2mg at this point. I will have to find a doctor who is willing to write the scripts too. Did you just switch directly over to klonopin from the ativan? How many mg are you on now and how many mg of ativan where you on? Just curious.
Do you plan to do the road back? Maybe we can do this together.
Turtle
Turtle,
I'm glad I can help, and yes, I do intend to start theroadback program when I'm able; it would be extremely helpful and incredibly supportative to work the program together. Count me in!
To answer your questions, I was up to about 9 mgs. of ativan a day in the middle of Oct. At this point my pshch. had me do the typical "three day taper." For three days I would take 9 mgs., then on the fourth day I would take 8 mgs. for three days... etc. Surprisingly, I completed the taper successfully (1 mg. 3X's a day).
HOWEVER, about a week later I had a complete meltdown and wound up taking a two month leave of absence from work (VERY humilating [I teach high school English, and you can imagine the gossip- amoung faculty NOT students!]).
When I returned to work in Jan., I still had anxiety and my psych. switched me from .5 mgs. 3x daily of ativan to 1 mg of klono 2x daily. I've had some problems with pretty intense headaches (I think you responded to one of my questions about valium), and so I'm taking .5-.75 mgs. instead of a full mg.
When I first read about theroadback reduction, I didn't really understand the 2% so I ordered the book. Even though the website claims to be the same, the book is a little more detailed and the taper schedules easier to understand.
For example, (I'm winging this, since my book is at work) say you take 2 mgs. a day like me. I would start by decreasing to .75 (2x daily) for one day, then go back up to the full 2mgs. for 1 week. The next week I would decrease to .75 (2x daily) for two days, the following week .75 (2x daily) for three... you get the picture. Until finally I was only taking .75 2x daily for the entire week. I would maintain this for two(?) full weeks, then begin the taper to .5 mgs. in the same way. If I ever felt uncomfortable, I would go back to the previous dosage.
I don't know if this makes any better sense, but the 2% thing was pretty confusing to me. Oh, I did order the supplements and the passion flower is amazing! It's like an herbal xanax (my goal is to eventually only take that when needed instead of all this other crap that's wreaked havoc on my body!).
I know the Global DNA is $$$, but for me it was a matter of convenience, in addition to the fact that the supplements are regulated and pharmactical quality.
Right now I can't take the supplements (my body totally wacked out and, I developed acid reflux), but I'm hoping that within the next couple months I can begin again. So, yes, I'd really like someone to work the program with- however, I can't start it right now
.
Let me know if you have any more questions. (I'm also on Ambien CR and Zoloft, and I want off those, too! Clearly, I have a L O N G road back.)
fischee
I'm glad I can help, and yes, I do intend to start theroadback program when I'm able; it would be extremely helpful and incredibly supportative to work the program together. Count me in!
To answer your questions, I was up to about 9 mgs. of ativan a day in the middle of Oct. At this point my pshch. had me do the typical "three day taper." For three days I would take 9 mgs., then on the fourth day I would take 8 mgs. for three days... etc. Surprisingly, I completed the taper successfully (1 mg. 3X's a day).
HOWEVER, about a week later I had a complete meltdown and wound up taking a two month leave of absence from work (VERY humilating [I teach high school English, and you can imagine the gossip- amoung faculty NOT students!]).
When I returned to work in Jan., I still had anxiety and my psych. switched me from .5 mgs. 3x daily of ativan to 1 mg of klono 2x daily. I've had some problems with pretty intense headaches (I think you responded to one of my questions about valium), and so I'm taking .5-.75 mgs. instead of a full mg.
When I first read about theroadback reduction, I didn't really understand the 2% so I ordered the book. Even though the website claims to be the same, the book is a little more detailed and the taper schedules easier to understand.
For example, (I'm winging this, since my book is at work) say you take 2 mgs. a day like me. I would start by decreasing to .75 (2x daily) for one day, then go back up to the full 2mgs. for 1 week. The next week I would decrease to .75 (2x daily) for two days, the following week .75 (2x daily) for three... you get the picture. Until finally I was only taking .75 2x daily for the entire week. I would maintain this for two(?) full weeks, then begin the taper to .5 mgs. in the same way. If I ever felt uncomfortable, I would go back to the previous dosage.
I don't know if this makes any better sense, but the 2% thing was pretty confusing to me. Oh, I did order the supplements and the passion flower is amazing! It's like an herbal xanax (my goal is to eventually only take that when needed instead of all this other crap that's wreaked havoc on my body!).
I know the Global DNA is $$$, but for me it was a matter of convenience, in addition to the fact that the supplements are regulated and pharmactical quality.
Right now I can't take the supplements (my body totally wacked out and, I developed acid reflux), but I'm hoping that within the next couple months I can begin again. So, yes, I'd really like someone to work the program with- however, I can't start it right now
.Let me know if you have any more questions. (I'm also on Ambien CR and Zoloft, and I want off those, too! Clearly, I have a L O N G road back.)
fischee
I have a long road back too, fischee. Let me know when you are ready and I will order the book. I am at 1.75 now for a little over 2 weeks and hoping to come up out of this. I can't take ssri's therefore the klonopin makes me a bit depressed. But when you are ready we can do this together. Maybe you can just type out the schedule and then we can go from there, a month at a time. I really don't like the klonopin and I do have some nervous system issues from going cold turkey twice so I'm hoping that will calm down some before we undertake our withdrawal experience together.
I'm with ya.
Turtle
I'm with ya.
Turtle
All for His praise, glory and the joy it gives Him.
Hugs, In His Love >:D<
Gman9259
"He who dwells in the secret place of the most
high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty"
Hugs, In His Love >:D<
Gman9259
"He who dwells in the secret place of the most
high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty"
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Guest
Turtle,
I'm really sorry about the depression. I hadn't made the connection to benzo's, but this completely makes sense. As for cold turkey, one word, HELL, sheer hell (ok, two words).
I've been off and on zoloft for about four years, and although I know I've suffered depression due to situational circumstances in the past, I know I am not clinically depressed. Therefore, zoloft is the first I want to taper off; but I'm scared because according to the way your body metabolizes these drugs, you're supposed to taper off the benzo, then sleeping Rx, and finally the ssri. Part of me thinks this is only because ssri's are "suppposedly" non-addictive and safer than benzo's. It seems like I can't get a straight answer (or maybe the one I want) from anyone. I guess I'll deal with that when the time comes.
I know it stinks to feel crummy on top of anxious, but in the long haul, it's one less drug to get out of your system. Have you tried Omega 3 for depression? Depression runs in my family, and this is what my little brother takes. I call it his "liquid sunshine"- HA! He uses Nortic Naturals Ultimate Omega. Like the Global DNA, it's also regulated and pharnaceutical grade. Another upside, it's lemon flavored so you don't burp fish all day.
I've also started exercising within the last month, and I feel so much better. But I completely understand how hard it is to go to the gym when you don't even want to get out of bed.
I'll be honest, I've been a little disappionted and discouraged with the forums. It seemed like no one was responding to my posts; so I feel especially blessed to have found someone who's on the same track as me- thank-you!
Hang in there, it's going to get better for both of us. Peace to you.
fischee
I'm really sorry about the depression. I hadn't made the connection to benzo's, but this completely makes sense. As for cold turkey, one word, HELL, sheer hell (ok, two words).
I've been off and on zoloft for about four years, and although I know I've suffered depression due to situational circumstances in the past, I know I am not clinically depressed. Therefore, zoloft is the first I want to taper off; but I'm scared because according to the way your body metabolizes these drugs, you're supposed to taper off the benzo, then sleeping Rx, and finally the ssri. Part of me thinks this is only because ssri's are "suppposedly" non-addictive and safer than benzo's. It seems like I can't get a straight answer (or maybe the one I want) from anyone. I guess I'll deal with that when the time comes.
I know it stinks to feel crummy on top of anxious, but in the long haul, it's one less drug to get out of your system. Have you tried Omega 3 for depression? Depression runs in my family, and this is what my little brother takes. I call it his "liquid sunshine"- HA! He uses Nortic Naturals Ultimate Omega. Like the Global DNA, it's also regulated and pharnaceutical grade. Another upside, it's lemon flavored so you don't burp fish all day.
I've also started exercising within the last month, and I feel so much better. But I completely understand how hard it is to go to the gym when you don't even want to get out of bed.
I'll be honest, I've been a little disappionted and discouraged with the forums. It seemed like no one was responding to my posts; so I feel especially blessed to have found someone who's on the same track as me- thank-you!
Hang in there, it's going to get better for both of us. Peace to you.
fischee
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Guest
Fischee,
I just got an adrenal test back (the salivary tests they take 4x a day). I guess I have adrenal exhaustion right now.
I have a hard time with mega supplements so I'm going to try Relora which is supposed to regulate your adrenals. From what I understand, once the adrenals are in balance it is much easier to taper off of benzodiazepines and ssri's. I do use the Nordic Omegas but not on a regular basis. I was feeling better when I was using a tablespoon every morning. I do use flax oil and flax seed.
I feel for you because I only have one medication to get off of now. I've been on and off of a lot of them and, in all honesty, I've never had anxiety like I do now. I believe these medications can cause more anxiety when you try to get off.
You mentioned HELL with cold turkey. Have you tried it before? I've done it twice with horrible and drastic results that affected my nervous system and I still have problems from that. This is why I'm a little scared and want to get off of this drug safely and forever.
Have you started the pre-taper? Did you try the Barley? I'm wondering if I should order the products and do the pre-taper. I have problems with protein powder.
Thanks for answering me too!
Turtle
I just got an adrenal test back (the salivary tests they take 4x a day). I guess I have adrenal exhaustion right now.
I have a hard time with mega supplements so I'm going to try Relora which is supposed to regulate your adrenals. From what I understand, once the adrenals are in balance it is much easier to taper off of benzodiazepines and ssri's. I do use the Nordic Omegas but not on a regular basis. I was feeling better when I was using a tablespoon every morning. I do use flax oil and flax seed.
I feel for you because I only have one medication to get off of now. I've been on and off of a lot of them and, in all honesty, I've never had anxiety like I do now. I believe these medications can cause more anxiety when you try to get off.
You mentioned HELL with cold turkey. Have you tried it before? I've done it twice with horrible and drastic results that affected my nervous system and I still have problems from that. This is why I'm a little scared and want to get off of this drug safely and forever.
Have you started the pre-taper? Did you try the Barley? I'm wondering if I should order the products and do the pre-taper. I have problems with protein powder.
Thanks for answering me too!
Turtle
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Guest
Turtle,
It stinks about the exhaustion, but at least you know what's wrong. You're very fortunate to be in an area where someone can accurately diagnose you. If I asked my GP for an adrenal test, he'd think I was crazy (I guess he already does, so who cares?!).
Yes, I've tried cold turkey. Once on zoloft- I ran out and was too busy/lazy(?) to get to the pharmacy; I didn't really have a negative reaction or side effects, but my anxiety did increase (though when I think about it, my stress was sky high at this specific time) and I wound up back on it after about 4 1/2 months. That's part of the reason why I have mixed feelings about tappering off zoloft first.
My second experience with cold turkey was with ativan about a month ago. I was down to .5 mgs 3x's a day, had just returned to work, and decided 1 1/2 mgs. wasn't enough to make a difference (I felt good- little anxiety), so I flushed the ativan. I lasted a little over 48 hours, before I was back in my psych.'s office. Hence, the klono.
Yes, I did start the pre-taper but had to stop when the acid reflux got bad. I never made it to the barley, but the protein powder tastes good... HA! Just to let you know, the primary ingredients are Whey protein (10,000 mg), then Organic Activated Barley (8000 mg), Acacia Gum (5,000mg), Non-GMO Lecithin (3,000 mg), Wheat Germ Oil (1,000 mg), and MTC Powder- Medium-chain triglycerides (1,000 mg).
I don't know what to say about starting the pre-taper... I guess if it was me, I'd wait until I felt healthier and my body had adjusted to the Relora. I don't really know though. It sounds like your Dr. is quite knowledgable, maybe you could ask him/her?
I completely agree about the meds causing anxiety; in fact, if you read theroadback (don't remember which chapter) it tells you that sometimes the Rx can CREATE the problem it's trying to fix (mostly ssri's) and Mayo clinic agrees! Makes you sick, huh?!
I bought some flax seed a couple weeks ago but haven't started to use it yet. What do you put it on/in? I was thinking smoothies?
Have you ever tried any Eastern therapies for your anxiety? I have a friend in Seattle who recommended acupuncture, so I tried it. (At least I think it was acupuncture... when I got home I told my husband I'd just had electro- shock therapy- HA!) Instead of just the needles, it was with electric currants (?). Not a good experience. Since then, I've asked my massage therapist, and she recommended someone she goes to. Think I'll try it out again in a couple weeks.
Let me know what you decide about starting the pre-taper. It may be a couple days until I post back; I don't have much time during the week.
fischee
By the way, what week are you in? I just started week 3. There's a pretty cool forum on music in either week 2 or week 3.
It stinks about the exhaustion, but at least you know what's wrong. You're very fortunate to be in an area where someone can accurately diagnose you. If I asked my GP for an adrenal test, he'd think I was crazy (I guess he already does, so who cares?!).
Yes, I've tried cold turkey. Once on zoloft- I ran out and was too busy/lazy(?) to get to the pharmacy; I didn't really have a negative reaction or side effects, but my anxiety did increase (though when I think about it, my stress was sky high at this specific time) and I wound up back on it after about 4 1/2 months. That's part of the reason why I have mixed feelings about tappering off zoloft first.
My second experience with cold turkey was with ativan about a month ago. I was down to .5 mgs 3x's a day, had just returned to work, and decided 1 1/2 mgs. wasn't enough to make a difference (I felt good- little anxiety), so I flushed the ativan. I lasted a little over 48 hours, before I was back in my psych.'s office. Hence, the klono.
Yes, I did start the pre-taper but had to stop when the acid reflux got bad. I never made it to the barley, but the protein powder tastes good... HA! Just to let you know, the primary ingredients are Whey protein (10,000 mg), then Organic Activated Barley (8000 mg), Acacia Gum (5,000mg), Non-GMO Lecithin (3,000 mg), Wheat Germ Oil (1,000 mg), and MTC Powder- Medium-chain triglycerides (1,000 mg).
I don't know what to say about starting the pre-taper... I guess if it was me, I'd wait until I felt healthier and my body had adjusted to the Relora. I don't really know though. It sounds like your Dr. is quite knowledgable, maybe you could ask him/her?
I completely agree about the meds causing anxiety; in fact, if you read theroadback (don't remember which chapter) it tells you that sometimes the Rx can CREATE the problem it's trying to fix (mostly ssri's) and Mayo clinic agrees! Makes you sick, huh?!
I bought some flax seed a couple weeks ago but haven't started to use it yet. What do you put it on/in? I was thinking smoothies?
Have you ever tried any Eastern therapies for your anxiety? I have a friend in Seattle who recommended acupuncture, so I tried it. (At least I think it was acupuncture... when I got home I told my husband I'd just had electro- shock therapy- HA!) Instead of just the needles, it was with electric currants (?). Not a good experience. Since then, I've asked my massage therapist, and she recommended someone she goes to. Think I'll try it out again in a couple weeks.
Let me know what you decide about starting the pre-taper. It may be a couple days until I post back; I don't have much time during the week.
fischee
By the way, what week are you in? I just started week 3. There's a pretty cool forum on music in either week 2 or week 3.
Fischee,
I've tried acupuncture and it seemed to help although I'm not so sure if it was just the placebo effect.
I have been tested by a Naturopath regarding the adrenals. She's also given me a neurotransmitter test which hasn't come back yet.
My anxiety started after a complete hysterectomy in Oct 2004 but, thinking back, I could have lived with that anxiety compared to the situation I am in now with the tapering of drugs and such.
As far as smoothies go, my Naturopath suggested a diet that is seeming to help and includes a smoothie every day. What she recommended was:
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 cup coconut mile (lite)
1 to 2 tbps flaxseed
1 to 2 tbsp flaxoil
some powdered greens and/or protein powder
Enough frozen berries to make it to my desired consistency.
I try to use all organic products and I love the smoothies. They have been helping a lot.
I'm still in week 1 of the program and will be starting week 2 on Wednesday.
Do you take the passionflower every day? I might just order some.
Thanks,
Turtle
I've tried acupuncture and it seemed to help although I'm not so sure if it was just the placebo effect.
I have been tested by a Naturopath regarding the adrenals. She's also given me a neurotransmitter test which hasn't come back yet.
My anxiety started after a complete hysterectomy in Oct 2004 but, thinking back, I could have lived with that anxiety compared to the situation I am in now with the tapering of drugs and such.
As far as smoothies go, my Naturopath suggested a diet that is seeming to help and includes a smoothie every day. What she recommended was:
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 cup coconut mile (lite)
1 to 2 tbps flaxseed
1 to 2 tbsp flaxoil
some powdered greens and/or protein powder
Enough frozen berries to make it to my desired consistency.
I try to use all organic products and I love the smoothies. They have been helping a lot.
I'm still in week 1 of the program and will be starting week 2 on Wednesday.
Do you take the passionflower every day? I might just order some.
Thanks,
Turtle
well i think you have another interested party but I am trying cold turkey off low dose Klonopin I am one of those people who is experiencing worse symptoms on meds than when i didn't take any I have read alot of bad stuff about cold turkey but I have cold turkeyed every addiction i have ever had. My husband is totally supportive and I have warned him what might happen so he is ready to take me to the doctor or detox center if necessary. I have always been on a very low dose of Klonopin but 6 months ago it wasn't working anymore so my idiot doctor put me on seroquel. It has been a nightmare ever since. I hit bottom 48 hrs ago when I had a panic attack that took 8 mg of Klonopin to get me out of. that was the 4th one in a month i did some research on seroquel and found out alot of people call it poison and had bad side effects from it too. I may be in for the worst time of my life but I am a stay at home mom who has a husband that works from home and he is taking care of our 3 year old twins 100% of the time if I need it. These meds have turned me into a freak that can't even work as an RN anymore and I have applied for SSA disability. I cannot live like this anymore. I don't think I will have huge withdrawl since I have always only taken the Klonopin for sleep. So I use to take .5mg once a day at night with 25 mg of elavil but I had gotten up to 1 mg once a day at night after my twins were born premature and required round the clock care for the first 2 years of their life. I will keep posting here while I go through this process I am using my pain pills to take the edge off the muscle pain from klonopin withdrawl and I am going to research Neurontin which is an anti seizure med because Iwas put on that too for pain management. I have fibromyalgia from the stress. I haven't taken the neurontin for months now the girls are all caught up on their development and the stress is getting better but the pills have been causing the very thing I don't want and that is panic attacks. I have never been through anything like i have this last month so I will let you know what I read about neurontin.I have told my husband what to expect and what to do if I just go insane but I am getting off these meds no matter what. I have survived the suicide death of a husband in 2001 I know I can survive this. I took very little meds after his suicide but had great support from people in my church and then I met my current husband 6 mos after the suicide and he was my life saver. He let me talk aboaut everything and held me everytime i cried which was alot. I will be checking this posting place daily if not more so I hope to talk to both of you fischee and turtleshoes today sometime gail good My email is abigail.good@yahoo.com if you want to write me that way. I have met another email pal from another forum so we are using email to each other it is easier. sincerely gail good