klonipin taper

Dear Doctor,
I have been taking, for the past year, clonazepam.
(Klonipin (klonopin))  I have taken .5 mg. daily.  .25 a.m. and
.25 before bedtime.  I was prescribed this for panic/
anxiety.  I no longer feel the need to take this, and
want to quit, but am so afraid of seizures, having read
so much about seizures and stopping of benzos.  My
doctor feels the dosage is so low there's no need for
tapering it down.  But  I'd like another opinion.  If I
should taper, would someone be able to tell me how to go
about it?  Or do you also feel the dose has been so low
there is no need to taper? I have never had a seizure
disorder and don't want to ask for trouble.
  Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Carol

[barbara to pain and lortab]

I have been on Klonopin for many months now. I am currently taking 1 1/4 mg every four hours. Just two weeks ago was taking 1 3/4 mg every four hours. My Doc is cutting me down 1/2 mg every 4-5 days so long as I don't have a seizure. I do have a seizure disorder associated with alcohol withdrawal and maybe something else so she also is placing me on 2000 mg of Depakote an anti-seizure medication.

I have had no problems. You are on a small dose and may notice some extra stress feeling since you are used to the effects of the Klonopin, but I doubt you are in danger of a seizure.

If you are afraid, then cut down the morning dose first, and then a few days later if no stress problems, cut out the night dose. That should do it!

[Carol55]

Hello Barbara,
Thank you so much for your reply.  Guess my doctor
is on the ball.  He feels I'm worrying too much of having
a seizure.  I'll do as you say, and think I'll knock off
the morning dose.  After some time, cut out the evening
dose too.  I do have to admit, it was very helpful for
my anxiety issues.
Good luck to you and thanx again.
Carol

[pottersclay]

I am very sensitive to medications/supplements and was on Klonipin (klonopin) for 8 years.  I tried to wean off several times and then started having panic attacks so stayed on it.  When I finally decided to go off of it for good, I weaned off it for about 2 months.  I cut it down a 1/4 mg each day for several weeks, and then repeated that until I was off of it. This was the only way I could do it.  

I am now back to taking 1/2 Klonipin (klonopin) each night after being off for a couple of years.  I have such insomnia that it is all that works for me and I have tried all the natural approaches.  Hoping this helps