Can you become dependent or will I suffer withdrawal from Klonopin after 4 days of 0.5mg per day?
Question posted by New2Klonopin on 15 Oct 2017
Last updated on 7 August 2022 by Slitherz
I have recently been prescribed Klonopin (generic) 0.5 mgs, with the instruction of taking one-half (1/2) twice daily, for a total daily amount of 0.5 mgs. I want to stop for a day or so to clean my system. * (I understand that I should discuss all dosing decisions with my P/C Dr) I am severely nervous about becoming dependent, but more importantly I am deathly afraid of withdrawal seizures as I have been reading about them online. My P/C Dr. had tried me on Zoloft then Prozac and I have been sent to the ER for "adverse drug reactions" (tremors, palpitations, chest pains, over all feeling like crap).
So there's the back story lol.
My only question is, IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE WITHDRAWAL SEIZURES FROM 4 DAYS OF .5 OF KLONOPIN (total amount used in 4 days is 2 mg)?
No you will not have any withdrawal symptoms at all after only 4 days of Klonopin use as prescribed. Hope this helps
Votes: +0
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96chanz
16 Oct 2017
The worst thing to do is to read up the built up stigma around Benzodiazepines. Also, as you stated SSRI's do not agree with you. Also they pose dangerous withdrawal symptoms as well. That is going to be a risk when taking any medication. Klonopin is a long acting benzo. It' takes 2-4 days before withdrawal symptoms are felt. That would be if you were on them for more than 14 days. Which you weren't. I've been on the same dose of Klonopin along with xanax (both 1mg, three times daily) since 2011. I don't look at the negative aspects of the medications. They've been a complete life saver for me. Klonopin has almost cured my PTSD. Xanax works wonders for my GAD, and panic disorder. I wouldn't advise stopping for a day to clean your system. there is nothing to 'clean'. Clonazepam is a very safe substance. Especially at the low dose you're on.
Sorry for the rant lol but Benzos have saved my life/career. I was a 13 year old suffering from severe Panic Disorder, and now I'm 20 and have maybe one panic attack a month thanks to Klonopin mainly, also Xanax.
Anyways, No it's not possible to have 'withdrawal sizures from 4 days of .5mg of Clonazepam Tablets (Generic Klonopin) . Coming from a pharmacy technician. Hope this helps.
Votes: +1
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Stephen Treloar
17 Oct 2017
Long term use can lead to tardive dyskinesia and is distressing (involuntary muscle actions often typified by lower facial spasms) and permanent for those affected. Klonopin poses risks in long term use and if you have to stop after 5 years because the FDA said so, then things can be really unpleasant.
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96chanz
24 Oct 2017
I staple a FDA warning sheet to each Klonopin Script that is written everyday. Just like any other medication. I'm well aware of the 3 potential long term side effects with Clonazepam as I am a Certified Pharmacy Technician. It has one of the shortest side effect risks I've seen compared to other psych drugs. If you we're to compare the 2 page long term side effects of SSRI's to few possible side effects of benzos there would be no comparison. I have seen patients who have permanent brain damage from long term use of Prozac. My Grandmother has been in the hospital for over 8 months since being taken off Prozac after being on it since it's release on the market. She's suffering from severe brain damage.
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New2Klonopin
24 Oct 2017
So my main question now is how to not become dependent on benzos? because in theory, if your body isn't dependant on benzo it can't withdrawal from benzo, correct? The klonopin help alot, with everything from weather to work, my anxiety is still existing but not crippling anymore, like i can actually go hours without checking my heart rate, but I don't want my body dependant on benzos.
Can I go one day dr. recommended dose, one day none at all? repeat repeat, will that keep me from becoming physically dependant?
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96chanz
25 Oct 2017
No you can not take it every other day. Clonazepam is a long acting benzodiazepine. It's half life is 19–60 hours. So skipping a day regularly will do no good with dependence. It would only agitate your anxiety on the days you don't take it. Klonopin is meant to be taken as prescribed. And it's one of the few benzos that doctors are willing to prescribed as it is long acting, effective, and poses less risk of abuse. And how you described klonopin has been helping your anxiety is how it is supposed to. It will help even more when all doses are taken as prescribed. Once it builds up in your system like other anti anxiety meds, It can prevent Panic attacks from coming on, and general sense of being uptight/tense to being in a clear headed state of mind. I really think you should give Klonopin a chance. Dependence is impossible to avoid with any medication.
The question is the physical dependence caused by Abuse or Taken as prescribed? Dependence sounds negative, but as I just stated there is two forms. Tolerance is common as well. Usually if taken as prescribed the intended effects are still present. I've been on the same dose of 1 MG 3 times daily since 2011. Withdrawal only happens in two ways, if you are abusing it or in the event your doctor takes you off the medication for a certain reason. Good Luck and I wish you well with your anxiety.
Stopping for a day or so to 'clean' your system will be completely ineffective as the time to total elimination of a single dose is 7 to 9 days. After 4 days you will experience no withdrawal symptoms of any kind.
PS. if you are deathly afraid of dependency then Clonazepam is probably not the drug for you.
Votes: +1
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New2Klonopin
15 Oct 2017
SSRIs give me a bad reaction and make my anxiety/panic attacks wayyyy worse. I actually took 1mg Xanax and it helped me feel normal for the first time in years but I talked with my doctor about how klonopins are "safer" (I use that term loosely) for long term use, due to longer half life and less severe withdrawal symptoms etc etc. I haven't taken any medications fory anxiety for about 5 years but I got to the point recently where it is starting to effect my quality of life. I don't like pills in General and never have but I couldn't take it any more and finally talked to my dr about it...
What would your advice be to deal with my panic disorder medically, ive tried to fight this problem without medication and have had no success so what medications would you recommend?
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Stephen Treloar
15 Oct 2017
My recommendation would be to take the weakest benzodiazepine available, such as Valium (diazepam) on an as required basis (emphasis here on the as required). Anxiety attacks are horrible but most people can live with them for the 20 to 30 minutes it takes to take effect. Some anxiety at times is normal and healthy but I don't believe its elimination is.
As always ask your doctor (just armed with some more information). :-)
