Relief from Klonopin withdrawals; weaning from Klonopin?
Question posted by Ben1187 on 18 Sep 2014
Last updated on 20 December 2022
I've been on klonopinfor the better part of a year, and the last week I've been forcibly taken off the medication as a result of not counting the meds and finishing them too soon (before they would let me get a refil). As a result I've been experiencing very strong withdrawals inluding night terrors, body tremors, panic attacks (very severe), insomnia, nausea, fear of going insane (severe), lack of ability to concentrate, and I think that's it...
My question is pretty simple, my mom is bringing my new prescription over this afternoon, however, I've come to a decision (as this has been a huge wake-up call for me), I want to quit Klonopin, however, I also don't want to have these horribly uncomfortable withdrawals.
I was wondering if anyone has any experience, or tips on how to manage and properly wean off of Klonopin (or other similar drugs).
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48 Answers Page 2
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cherttz
31 May 2018
I've recently quit using klonopin after using it for third years. I tapered down first, when I got down to about a 1/6 of a 1mg. a night for a few weeks, before I went off them. It's been ten days since I've used the klonopin. I did a lot of research before I went off them, hoping to counteract most of the withdrawal symptoms. Since I only used it to promote sleep, sleeping was one of my biggest concerns. I decided to use cbd oil and tranquil sleep with a foot massage followed by an evening yoga for relaxations just before bed, which I found on youtube. I'm sleeping most of the night using these techniques, without many of the serious withdraws symptoms. This drugs effects your gaba receptors in the brain and your central nervous system, repairing the damage done by the medication with natural supplements and exercise, such as yoga, helped me lessen the withdrawals. I'm not a doctor and I'm only stating what as helped me. I wish you all good luck!
Votes: +0
GE
Germanized11
10 March 2018
I have bipolar disorder and use only Klonopin now to control symptoms. If taken as directed, it works great. I also used to run out early. So the fact is, if taken as scheduled, no problem. Bipolar Disorder is difficult to manage as you know. Regardless, usually some type of medication is necessary to control symptoms. The controlled substances usually work well enough so the trick is to take what you've been prescribed at the exact rate given. To be placed on other meds often entails a new set of issues at some point so if Klonopin was working for you, I would continue to use it because side effects are minimal and taking the entire dose at night helps me sleep and because there is a long half life, it carries me through the entire day. You have to think about your ability to stay on a regimen. If it's too difficult, find someone who will mete out the dosage for you. I was able to go from 6mg to 4mg but no less. Withdrawal is a beast. Best wishes.
Votes: +0
SL
sleepnomore
23 Feb 2018
I wish you the best, Ben. You can do this! Through this horrible ordeal, I learned that I can live on little or no sleep, I can survive going off of benzos, no matter how severe the symptoms became. I thought I would die, quite literally and then I wished I would die, not quite so literally. Thank goodness I did not die and in fact survived and won the war. I finished a 9 month taper on Nov. 9, 2017. I started tapering 1/4 of 0.5mg K, every 5-7 days February 2017, and went into a severe withdrawal like yours. I started at 1.5 and was down to .25 when I re-upped to 0.5 mgs. I stayed with that for approx 4-6 weeks, then tapered ever so slowly after that. Usually 10% every week or two, depending on how my withdrawal symptoms were. I would usually stabilize during that time, so I felt like doing another taper. In all honesty, I had withdrawal symptoms during the 9 month taper, but they would come and go, be less severe, go away completely.
The worst one was insomnia, anxiety, racing brain, leg jerks, foggy brain dizziness, light sensitivity, ringing in my ears, fear of going anywhere or being around people, upset stomach, restless leg syndrome.. At 3 month, 14 days off, I am finally becoming symptom free. This week, I've been sleeping!! Never once did I say to myself that I was tapering too slowly. I did say many times, that I was tapering too quickly. I did want to be off of this drug, but going slow was the best way to achieve success. I stopped drinking alcohol (for now), only drank coffee or soft drinks with caffeine in them at noon or before. If I noticed something was bothering me, I would stop eating or drinking it. I've probably gone on enough. Hang in there!
Votes: +0
TI
tikobird
23 Feb 2018
I've been on 1mg Clonazepam for sleep or anxiety for 35 years. My psychiatrist wants me to get off them. How slowly should I do this? I think he wants me to do it faster. I've been subscribed 3 per day years ago for an anxiety disorder. What should I do?
Votes: +0
DC
dc9
23 Feb 2018
If I were you I’d take at least a year or 2. Maybe longer. I was on 1 mg a day for a year and struggled with weening for around 5 months. I’m always in favor of an unimaginably long taper period. Why suffer when taking time will result in no suffering. Ask your doc to prescribe .25mg pills and even cut those up. If you were on 3mg a day, from what I’ve read, I’d suggest going to 2.9mg as best as u can estimate. I’ve read people using nail filers on pills. A pill cutter will easily cut a .25mg into four .0625mg pills. I read one guy reduced every 2-3 weeks by .06 which produced minimal-none side effects
If you were only taking 1mg a day. Great! Same process. Go to 0.94mg first 2 weeks.
I’m not a doctor but been through a lot of medications and read a lot about them
TI
tikobird
24 Feb 2018
Actually I've been one 1mg. for the last 10 years. I had got off the 3 per day a while ago. Sometimes I break them in half if I'm anxious earlier in the day and take the other half at night. My psychiatrist wants me to do this faster but I don't think he gets that 35 years is a long time. Any suggestions on how to do one?
DC
dc9
24 Feb 2018
Well thats good news. It should go smoother for you then. Yes 35 years is a very long time. I would still get .25mg tablets from here on out. If you take them mainly at bedtime, and for sleep, IT'S POSSIBLE you might be able to ween faster. The phrase "ween faster" just makes me cringe though. Any medication I've ever gotten off I've always wished i spent more time to minimize the side effects.
If you are prescribed .25mg tablets written to take 4 at bedtime for sleep. You could try taking 3.5 and see how it works. If you don't sleep well or you feel pretty bad the next day... try taking 3.75 tablets. (.25+.25+.25+.0625+.0625+.0625). Decreasing by 0.06mg every 2 weeks. 2 weeks seems to be the general guideline but it can vary.
If my math is correct and you do every 2 weeks, that will be 16 "step-downs", so 28 weeks. That sounds short to me for after 35 years... but I would start there and perhaps your doctor is thinking that schedule? It may also be possible to decrease by an even smaller amount. I am not sure how low in MG klonopin tablets are made.
TI
tikobird
24 Feb 2018
They start at .25 which is a quarter. Thank you for your help.
You must wean off very slowly lesson pill by 10% for about a month then lesson a bit more for another month etc. Also talk to doc about alternative med to help you through.
Votes: +2
TI
Tina57
18 Jan 2018
My advice to you is to try to get off at as soon as you can I've only been on them 13 days and I can already tell that I'm going to have a hard time getting away from them I've got one prescription I've never taken a full one but now I'm seeing that if I don't take at least a quarter of one daily I'm having all sorts of side effects already and withdraws and I'm wondering how to get away from it myself,!
Votes: +0
DC
dc9
18 Jan 2018
I'd highly advise tapering off as soon as possible. Also, try going every other day. Then stretch it to taking 1 pill, then two days off. That's an underrated way of weening off in my opinion. Klonopin has a very long Half-Life, around 30 hours. In the past, I've noticed I could take a klonopin at the beginning of a work week, and feel fine for 3-5 days without needing more. It also helps staying busy throughout this process.
I was once on Klonopin for a full year, and it took about 5 months of (unemployed) HELL, to get off them. Do not fret over 13 or so days... the withdrawal symptoms should be minimal. Most doctors I've spoke with say its unsafe to take them everyday for more than 30 days
SL
sleepnomore
25 Nov 2017
I began tapering off of 1.5 mgs of clonazepam in February of 2017. I tapered 1/4 th of a pill every week. Big mistake as I slept very little and experienced leg jerks, night sweats, racing thoughts. Finally re-upped from. .25 mgs to .5 and held for 3 weeks. I then began a very slow taper using a gram scale. I never re upped again and continued a slow taper until I stopped taking the drug when I was down to .017 grams. I'm now 17 days clonazepam free. We can successfully taper off of this drug. Slow and steady wins the race.
Votes: +3
MR
Mrfree
14 Nov 2018
Did you have any paws or long term effects
BE
Ben1187
25 Nov 2017
It's been just over 3 years since I originally made this post. I want to thank everyone for their insights, questions, and advice. While I haven't been back but a few times when people respond I want to just say that I have been off all medications for 3 years since this question was posted. I moved to the Philippines a year ago and I'm living a rich and full life, medication free, as a professional music composer! I followed my dreams!
I can't say that everyone will have the same experience, but if you are reading this and you're still stuck in these medications, just know that it is possible. The withdrawals you'll experience are but a blip on the radar to your entire life. You can do it! I know you can do it! Now stop being a victim to this disease and fight back! Follow YOUR dreams!
Votes: +1
HO
Holly Golightly
25 Nov 2017
Hi, I was prescribed .25mg of alprazolam in August. At first, I took as needed for anxiety. In September I began taking them daily, ranging from one .25mg daily to .125mg daily or .5mg daily. I'm running low on my prescription and probably won't be able to get another script until next month. I had a stash of 1mg of klotopin I've been taking for a week. I cut them up into quitters. I want to stop taking benzos completely. I need suggestions on how I should taper. Could I do this in two weeks because of the low dose I was taking to begin with?
Votes: +0
DC
dc9
26 Nov 2017
Possibly, how low of a dose are you able to cut the 1mg pills into?
DF
Dfoley
11 Nov 2017
Definatly taper..I was on 2.5 mg xanax which was impossible to get off.. My Dr put me on Clonezepam started at 3.5 mg a day then reduce by .5 every 2 weeks..I am now down to 2.0 mg for 2 more days then will start 1.5 for another 2 weeks.. So far no side effects... I know it sounds like it will take forever but i will take that over the side effects..
Votes: +0
AH
AH17
16 Sep 2017
I'm beginning week 5 of weaning off klonopin (Chlozonopham) Severe symptoms of your brain having to relearn how to process and communicate with nervous system, digestive system. I've experienced gallbladder type issues. Not being able to digest fats, protein, and meat. (Especially red meat) Raw vegetables, high fiber foods. Take Zantac for severe acid indigestion. 2 TBS/MOM with 8oz water. And lots of water. For constipation. Now advice of gastroenterologist using a fleet glycerin suppository every other day with MiraLax 1ce daily. Doing this for 14 days. To help with insomnia. 1 Tab Benadryl some have suggested Bonnie??? Done clear liquid diet 2 days, add BRAT diet, day 5 add low fiber diet. Also experiencing Vertigo, dizziness, flu like symptoms. Need lots of water, Chamomile & Green Tea with tsp raw honey. Lots of rest.
(No spices or red meat. No processed or fast food, luncheon meat, hot dogs) Checking into Magnesium 200mg at night. Vit-B Complex. Never take benzopines. Cause hippocampus issues (fight & flight) One other tip to aid in digestion is a intestinal message of "Ileocecal Valve" to relax bowel. Google it or videos on YouTube by actual doctors.
Votes: +0
PA
patriciavilla
16 Sep 2017
(Your question was written 3 years ago.} I'm a detox RN specialist with many years experience. I've detoxed many people off from benzodiazepines which includes Klonopin. Benzos damage your anxiety receptors in the brain and it can take up to 2 years to restore them after you stop taking them. During this time you will experience withdrawal symptoms and probable panic attacks and other symptoms described in your question. Either you can tough it out and allow your anxiety receptors to heal or you can go back on them. This is a tough problem and a good reason to not take them in the first place and to develop better coping skills and facing issues. There is no magic pill or potion to get around life's challenges. You can join a 12 Step program and get a sponsor which is life saving for many and find positive activities and interests without turning to chemicals. While people are zoned out and numbed on chemicals their problems pile up oftentimes unsolved and become overwhelming. Good luck.
Votes: +1
TI
Tim8703
11 Jan 2018
I agree with what you have said. This drug was Rx'ed for me over 15 yrs. ago (1mg/dy). My short term memory has been diminishing since being on this drug (my age does not help-76). Is it possible docs were unaware of these side effects 15 yrs. ago? He put me on it to help me with sleep after going through a prior of depression. Bad choice. I even had a psychiatrist friend mention to me to get off as soon as possible. Well, what's done is done and now I am in the process of titrating off the med. I have been gradually reducing the dosage for 2 months now and am down to .25 mg/dy and the only side effect is waking up more frequently at night. No anxiety or other symptoms--- except the short term memory problems. Not sure if that will ever improve due to my age. Hopefully, it will.
DC
dc9
18 Jan 2018
Hey Tim,
My short-term memory on this drug is absolutely terrible... and I'm 30. I often get up to do something and do ten other things but what I was originally going to do. Hang in there, the memory issues are probably mostly related to the drug. Also, if you are 76 and have been on the drug for 15 years... you may seek your doctors advice of staying on a low dose for an indefinite amount of time... unless you spend years tapering off. Personally, I'd rather enjoy the remaining years of my life than suffer many months, if not years, of withdrawal symptoms. (That said if you've been on them for 15 years.)
AN
Annette1963
13 March 2018
Hello! Hoping you'll have some help for me. I've been off of Klonopin for almost 5 months and still dealing with some issues. I didn't really taper like I should have. It was too late when I found out I should do that. Anyway, mainly my problems now are excessive saliva problems, with mouth sucking, that can cause a sore mouth and head aches and some anxiety issues. Mainly the mouth thing driving me crazy. The other may be stemming from being off the drug, I don't know. Kind of worried about my teeth with all this. Thanks!
I am weening off Klonopin for some 70 days... down to 1/2 MG at nite.
My herbal professional center advises me to get KAVINACE herbal pills.
AFTER THE FULL WEENING PROCESS. NOT BEFORE YOU ARE DONE - Etc Check it out. Safe... herbal .
Bruce / St Pete
Votes: +0
SH
Shellkmk
18 March 2017
You absolutely need to taper and get a dr that will help your. It won't be easy to find one but enough calls and you'll get there . A drug support group can help even though it's a legal drug you end up with some of the same issues as stopping any drug . I would consider a cross over drug to. That drug should never have gotten FDA approval
Votes: +1
KL
klonopin2017
17 March 2017
I am now weening for 80 days. From 4 mg down to 1/2 mg now.
Tricky to get lower when you're at this point . But I am going slow.
