Klonopin..

Hello...

I have been on Klonopin for six years.  I started taking 2mg a night, then weaned down to 1mg( which took a year), I have finally weaned to .5mg.  Here is my issue.  Though I have gotten this far, I can't sleep on .5mg alone. I drink 2-3 glasses of red wine, before bed. I am (TTC) with my husband, and I know that I can not be on this medication while pregnant.  I am aware of the birth defects it can cause.  I am not pregnant yet, but I want to be off this medication.  Any advice on what I can do? I really dont like that I have to drink wine in order to sleep.  If I don't, I will not sleep. it's only .5mg and I know I was on a higher dosage.  This last part is harder than ever.

Ana

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

In my opinion, since you have asked me for one, you should keep on cutting down on your dose, regardless of your sleeping pattern. There is nothing wrong with having one or two sleepless nights. If you do not make a big deal out of it and don't get all stressed out over it, you will eventually sleep. But most importantly, you will also accomplish your goal of being off of benzos!  
I want to address your issue of wanting to conceive. Not only are benzos a complete contraindication in pregnancy, but you should also know that your drinking pattern is quite worrisome as well. Instead of drinking alcohol, you should be taking prenatal vitamins and folic acid to prepare your body for pregnancy. One you are pregnant, you should make sure that you eat healthy foods, minimize your intake of any medications unless absolutely medically necessary and keep physically fit. Make sure to quit smoking as well, if you smoke as it is very detrimental to the fetal growth and development.  
Again, I want to assure you that  insomnia is a very common condition and most people have poor night's sleep here and there. Don't obsess over it, even as you taper the Klonopin. Keep your days active mentally and physically. Wake up early and try to keep it to the same time all week long.
Create a bed time routine: wind dowm you day quietly, I often recommend simple herb teas that they sell in Whole foods and elsewhere "Sleepytime" and such. Believe it or not, a relaxing cup of tea can be very helpful. Try not to watch TV, instead read a book in bed, take a warm shower before turning in. Good night.
Continue to have a wonderful life.Again, make sure that you have a good, healthy sleep ritual, and sleep will come eventually. Good luck.

[jade8225]

I am sure you know of benzo's so well.. There is no such thing as two nights of no sleep... There are numerous amounts of nights with no sleep... You can be up a for months with not a normal regime of sleep. I know the wine isn't good. I am trying my best.. Thank you so much for your advice. This battle will be a long one. My husband knows I want to be off and is so supportive..

Ana