Clonazepam for Benzodiazepine Withdrawal User Reviews

• benzo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 24, 2020

"I'm very aware of the dangers and the suffering of benzo withdrawal--I've gone through it multiple times and I'm only 25. However, I'm going to detail the successful tapering schedule I did using Klonopin. I was taking 2mg for two years and this is how I successfully got off--I did 1.75mg for a week, 1.5mg for a week, 1.25mg for a week, 1mg for a week, .875 mg for a week, .75mg for a week, .625mg for a week, .5mg for a week, .325mg for a week, .25mg for a week, .125mg for a week, and then I jumped off. No, it wasn't easy, but it sure beat rapid withdrawal in a detox center and then going insane for months. I suggest trying what I did and you can prolong the cuts as well (instead of holding for one week, hold for two? three? a month?). Be well everyone and good luck with the fight!"

• Glad
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 3, 2021

"I started taking Xanax after I lost my job and then my wife to brain cancer. My psychiatrist recommended Klonopin since it lasts longer. I started to wean myself off by taking smaller doses over a long period of time ( 4-6 weeks lowered each dose)…it’s now weeks with no meds and very little, if any, side effects…I’m 67…if I can do it…you can too!"

• tabby
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 2, 2020

"Withdrawing from this drug has been the worst experience of my life. On 0.5mg twice a day for five years, I wasn't told by my doctor that it is addictive and not for long term use. I told the doctor l wanted to stop taking it and he advised me to wean myself off it. After 3 months of reducing it l stopped completely and during the weaning process never experienced any withdrawal symptoms. Within a week they started, dizzy, ringing in my ears, tremors, terrible headaches, nausea, lack of appetite and weight loss. Every time l feel a little better all of the symptoms come back. I am told that this can go on for months. My advice, don't start on this drug."

• Jay
• November 17, 2020

"I was on clonazepam for 12 years - .5 twice daily with the larger dose at night to help me sleep. I never increased my dose. It allowed me to have a life, a business and a relationship and be normal again. I am now in late 50's and our country has decided this medication can't be taken long term so I weaned myself off them. It was horrible and I miss the feeling of being relaxed. So far nothing else has worked for my anxiety snd now it is a struggle every day. Clonazepam was a lifesaver for me and although I feel much brighter mentally off it, I struggle so much with physical exhaustion, lack of sleep and other issues. The side effects feel like they were worth it for my quality of life but I am unable to access this medication. As I slide into my 60's I feel like this should not be a time I have to relearn how to be a normal human again... :( I lose 20-30 hours per week of unproductive time, I have high blood pressure, horrible insomnia, pulled muscles in my body from stress...."

• Renee
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2020

"Ok, been awhile since I posted. I’m down from .5 to .125 once daily. I use a prescribed and pharmacy made liquid compound to get very accurate doses. I’m having no withdrawals effects right now. It’s been about 6 weeks at this dose. It’s taken nearly 8 months to get this far. In a couple of weeks, I’ll reduce again. I’ll either alternate days, or go to .0625 daily. Those will be my last doses. I hold the dose until symptoms calm. It’s never perfect. But I know I can get off this horrible drug. I hate the withdrawals and the anxiety after a cut, but I love getting free. We can do it. Go slow, small cuts in doses, steady progress. Do distractions and healthy eating. Remember, your brain can and will heal."

• Bbz
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 25, 2020

"If I could rate it as a “0” I would.. You shouldn’t be on this drug for more than a couple of weeks.. Clonazepam is a nightmare. I’m a month or so in on the withdrawals and the only thing keeping me alive is my faith in God and my loved ones. It’s hard to eat, it’s hard to sleep, it’s hard to take care of myself. I would never wish this pain on anyone. Please do NOT take this drug for more than a couple of weeks. I know you feel like you should listen to your doctor over some random anon on the internet but PLS listen. If I can warn people so they don’t have to face the same mental anguish and pain I’m in right now I will. This is the hardest thing I’ve been through in my entire life. Be wary of ANY drug that’s a benzo. They’re awful, habit forming and change your judgment and decision making.. Stay away from this drug.. and if your doc keeps pushing you to take it get a new doctor."

• New...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 29, 2020

"6 yrs. ago when my husband died suddenly, my PCP gave me an RX for clonazepam (1 mg) at bedtime to help with my anxiety attacks and as a sleep aid. I had to call her every month for a refill because it is a controlled substance in the U.S. and she warned that I should NOT withdraw quickly. I recently met and married a Canadian man and moved to his country. In becoming established with a new MD I learned that they do not like to Rx clonazepam in here. I had reduced my dose from 1 mg to 1/2 mg and when she asked about my withdrawal symptoms, she felt that I was OK and didn't prescribe more. I suppose that I am OK but my ears are ringing, my skin is burning, I had blazing headaches and severe muscle pain for the first two weeks that I was off of the 1/2 mg dose; I haven't had a good night's sleep since reducing my dose from 1 mg to 1/2 and now to none at all. I am anxious have palpitations and generally feel unwell."

• Ekadd...
• June 14, 2020

"I've been on Klopin for 14 years. Started at 1mg in the beginning and went up 2mg every night to help with sleeping and anxiety. This drug is the most difficult drug to cut back on. I've come off Vicodion, Opiates, Tramadal, and most recently a long term everyday Cocain addiction. By far Klopin is the is the hardest to withdrawal from. I abused Klopin and was taking up to 3.5mg a night and mix that in with Cocaine addiction and withdrawal. To be honest I'm not sure how I never went to the hospital. Unfortunately I have a high tolerance for pills and managed to run a business and maintain a somewhat normal life. On top of everything I'm bipolar with a major addiction problem. Finally decided that I need and want a life without drugs. To everyone going through this process there is a silver lining and the Klopin fog will get better and in return make you a stronger person. A little discomfort but the result is the greatest feeling in the world not having to rely on a pill."

• Betsy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2019

"When you come off go slow. I used a metal fingernail file. Just file the pill down a little bit. About every 5 days file a bit more. I am almost done after 5 yrs at 1 mg a day. Took about 2 1/2 months. Very light and manageable side effects."

• Gord...
• February 7, 2020

"Been on Klonopin for 30 years almost. Took it for problems with OCD and anxiety. Decided to get off it as I feared possible neurological damage. Was on a dose of 1.5mg a day, felt in the end I was just addicted to the drug. Started tapering off from the current 1.5mg level roughly around September of 2019. By early January of 2020, I was down to one half to pill to one pill a day. Hadn't noticed any severe withdrawal symptoms except some minor anxiety, memory issues, some confusion. By middle of January stopped taking any. Did ok for 12 days then the real nightmare began. Had multitude of problems; insomnia, depression, gastrointestinal issues, blood pressure issues, some memory problems, confusion, severe OCD, paranoia, feelings of suicide. My recommendation would be don't use this medication for longer than few weeks at lowest dose possible and only in situations where it's warranted. Myself hopefully I get through it but I wonder about the future."

• Chrissy
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 2, 2020

"I have been on this medication clonazepam off and on since I was 19 for benzo withdrawal. I am now 25, and have been taking it regularly for 2 1/2 years. I was prescribed 8 mg a day, now 4mg, but have somehow managed to get down to 1mg a day and trying to get below that is nearly impossible. It is the only thing that has helped my anxiety, but the horrid withdrawals aren't worth it at all!!!!!!! Terrible muscle twitches, cold sweats, feeling like I'm going insane. I'm so afraid of having a seizure so I end up taking my regular dosage out of fear, so it's an endless cycle. Please be cautious with this medication. I regret ever even taking clonazepam."

• Gord...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 11, 2020

"Been on Benzos for many years. I've decided last September to taper off slowly. Well by middle of February of 2020 I was off them completely for 12 days. Unfortunately my OCD and anxiety came back so strong that I felt I was going to go crazy. I couldn't sleep or eat or think straight. So I went back to one pill a day and of course symptoms vanished. I still want off them but the withdrawl drives me to point I wonder if I will survive......Help!!!! Any suggestions?"

• Young...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 20, 2019

"I have taken clonazepam 1mg, 4 times a day for over 15 years. 120 tablets 1mg per month....My doctor & I are tapering over a LONG period of time. We reduced script to 110 1mg tablets. (will do for 2 months) (VERY SLOW TAPERING) Next refill was 100, 1mg tablets. (did this for 2 months). I now have 80 1mg for a month. (cut all in half) I tried to cold turkey & ended up in the emergency room. DO NOT cold turkey this medication! I was prescribed this med about 15 years ago. So my body is dependent on it, but not for much longer! Have gone from 120-1mg pills per month, to 80 1mg tablets per month..Next refill will be 75 1mg per month for 2 months. And so on...Talk to your doctor about everything, your rough days etc.. Taper over a slow period!! .Hope this was helpful. I still have some months to go, but, feeling much better physically & mentally! Good luck! You can do it!!!"

• Kitty
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 12, 2021

"I've been on .25 to .5 mg of clonazepam three times per day as needed for anxiety for about 4 years. I started out taking 'as needed" but had to take more and more to get the same relief. Six months ago I was fed up. I took 3mg and flushed the rest of my pills. Four days later I ended up in the ER and then a psych hospital for a week where the doctor scolded me for quitting cold turkey. I started tapering .5 mg per week until I got to 1mg per day. I am now at .25 mg once a day for a week and will then go to .125 mg and hopefully be done. My husband has been a saint putting up with me. I've had tremors...jaw shakes...anxiety...depression...mind going into overdrive...depersonalization...seeming like the world is fake...just know it has been horrible. I'm hoping the worst is over. And believe me...when I'm finally clonazepam free I will flush the rest of the pills and never go back."

• Renee
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 10, 2020

"Posted plans to titrate from .175 to .125 x 1 daily clonazapam. I did near the end of January. It’s been ok. Easier than .25 to .175 was. Some mild reactions, worst being brain zaps. That lasted only 2 days. Some spaced feelings in head, but ok. Sleeping well most nights, but taking 300 mg gabapentin. It’s hard to cut these pills smaller. Dr says only 2 weeks at this dose, then alternate nights for 2 weeks, then stop. Nervous, it seems fast. I may cut this .125 in half for a few weeks first. Today is the 2 weeks point. I really want off of this. I advise never start clonazepam, or titrate really slow. Once you adjust to a cut, do not go back up. Slow and steady. I’ve had tremendous stressors during this titration, my sister passed away a few days ago. But I tell myself this: Life stressors will always exist. Nothing is an excuse for increasing these meds. Just feel and keep going. I expect to be free by my birthday March 21."

• Jawwer
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 11, 2020

"Sad to read all these bad experiences I guess I am a lucky one. I started with 4mg dose (a very high starting dose yes! If I only had known back then...) for severe GAD 2+ years ago and was instructed to take 4mg at once before going to bed which I did around a year. Then I kind of skipped doses and there were multiple days in a row I didn't take anything, on some days just a 1mg and now I am taking 1mg a few times a week if even that. Haven't had any kind of side effects or negative symptoms so far. Now, that Covid-19 is here, I have decided to take even less and eventually (hopefully) stop this for good. GAD still exists though but the medicine has helped me through some tough spots. I guess this medicine is very different on the individual level."

• Eddy
• July 22, 2019

"I've been taking klonopin for 10 years. Started at 0.5 mg after that I went up to 1 mg. It was prescribed for insomnia. Worked great but as a side effect. Not it's intentional use. I decided to taper off to .75 mg, and now currently on 0.5mg. The withdrawals I'm experiencing are palpitations, insomnia and a warm sensation that travels throughout my extremities. I feel so out of it. I feel depressed. Please don't take this drug. Taper off slowly. Good luck to all of us trying to get off any benzo. Wish I would've done some research but I was desperate and trusted a professional."

• Orp
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 22, 2021

"I hope I can keep someone from going through this nightmare that I'm going through. Was on 3 mg daily for a year, over time I grew dependent, and they stopped helping and causing worse anxiety and panic attacks upon awaking. I didn't wean off properly and am in acute withdrawal, I'm suicidal, and my life is falling apart. Please stay away from this awful drug. IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE!"

• Dani
• October 13, 2019

"I've been on clonazapam 0.5mg for three years now. Six months ago I started having really bad vertigo, my PCP said I can just stop it completely without fear of seizures because I'm at such a low dose and I wasn't abusing it. I have been weaning myself off week by week. I'm down to 1/4 of .5mg taking it two days then nothing for one day then again for two days. I'm hoping to be done by November or by end of November at the latest. I will post again once I'm off and recovered to share any symptoms. Best of luck to all trying to get off the medication."

• Claire
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 16, 2020

"My GP prescribed Klonopin for me for anxiety, several years ago - BIG MISTAKE... I should have done my homework, before EVER taking it! I was taking 2 milligrams per day. A relative of mine, & my G.I. doctor told me just how addictive it was, & I decided that I wanted to wean off of it. My GP suggested to take 2 milligrams for the first 2 weeks, then to take 1 milligram for the second 2 weeks, & then take 1/2 milligram for the next 2 weeks. He doesn't have a clue how to wean me off of it, & he honestly doesn't care. I'm almost done the 1/2 milligram for 2 weeks, & needless to say - I'M MISERABLE?!!! First of all, if I'd ever known how addictive it was, I NEVER would have taken it in the first place. I've never abused it, but my body's feels like it's being abused NOW! I'm having heart palpitations, headaches, stomach pains, etc. I would welcome any suggestions..."

• Anonymous
• July 4, 2021

"I started on 0.5mg for anxiety & panic attacks. Doctor recommended I take 2-4 times a day. I did that for 2 months then stopped to a few times a week. When I didn't take the medication every 3 days I feel like I was having a panic attack so I would take it thinking it was my anxiety but only to find out it was my body going through withdrawal. I'm trying to get off for good because this has only made me feel worse. Very depressed, stomach issues, bad headaches, arms hand and legs would get tingles and feel like my heart is about to pop from my chest. After doing a bunch of research and speaking with my doctor I was going to taper myself off but since I haven't taken it in 4 days I'm just going to continue to ride this horrible experience out and hope I get better within the weeks to come. If you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks please try something your body won't depend on. Didn't think it could happen to me and it did."

• Acupunk
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 12, 2021

"HORRENDOUS drug. Became severely dependent on it over the course of 4 years and didn't even know it. Didn't take it every day. Basically, I felt fine, until I didn't. Now I live with debilitating physical and mental symptoms. It has cost me my livelihood and living is hard work most days. Trying to get off by micro-tapering 18 months now and using diazepam to do so. It is still agony. DO NOT take BENZOS. I took responsibly. Clonazepam is extremely potent in particular. Avoid like the plague - it can destroy your life."

• ABano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2020

"I started taking clonazepam after back to back panic attacks in the middle of the night that kept me awake. I started taking 1 mg a day in late 2014. I moved to a different state last January and could not obtain a prescription. So I started taking lower amount to make it last. I felt I was losing my mind mainly due to no sleep. I went back to my home state a couple of times and got an prescription with intentions to ween off. Now 8 months later and taking 0.5mg every other day. I try to go 2-3 days in between but I get terribly sick. I've been depressed. Can't get things moving with my career (self employed) I can't take it anymore! I intend to start cutting the doses to .25mg a day instead of .5mg every other day. I think I will take advice to put this in a solution or use a nail file such as I have read. Please post your updates with your weening process and I will do the same. It helps. Pray you all can get yourself off this junk."

• Tdmr
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2020

"I took 0.5 KLONOPIN FOR 4 MONTHS and now I am physically addicted, I never used it to get "high", I just used it as prescribed, it is not a high dose. But I have HORRIBLE WITHDRAWAL when I stop including using horrible mental anguish ...."

• JJano
• July 13, 2019

"UPDATE (2019-07-13): I am 3 weeks in to my tapering plan (reducing 1/4 mg every 7-10 days) and on track. I'm down from 2mg to 1.25mg and it's been manageable but not comfortable. It's taking a full week to accept the lower amount without symptoms of headache, tight jaw, diarrhea, & general discomfort. I have continued to work & live normally. Original post: My doctor informed me that this drug, which I have been taking for years for general anxiety, is now on a list of "reported drugs" every time it gets refilled. She suggested I wean off of it and use Lexipro instead which is not physically addicting. I knew I was addicted to Clonazepam because even a 1 day delay in refilling cased major withdrawal systems such as my hands shaking and headache. I was taking 2mg a day and I am tapering (1/4 of a 1mg tablet) each week. If all goes well I should be to 1mg in 4 weeks. Then I will re-evaluate how to get off the 1mg. So far just tapering from 2 tablets to 1 3/4. Will update."