Clonazepam Taper

[fltricia]

My celexa has started to kick in and I'm only feeling a little bit of anxiety now (when something bothers me).  I was really anxious for the last 8 weeks.   I've been on Clonazepam for 6 weeks (first at .50 a night for 4 weeks, and then .25 for the last two weeks).   I'm ready to taper off of this or do I need to taper off of it?  The only reason I'm taking it now is that I'm reading about withdrawals and seizures.   I don't see my doc for another month and I don't want to keep taking it for 4 more weeks just to avoid withdrawals.  I cut down to 3/4'ths of the .25 the last two nights and just had some issues falling asleep, but was able to after a few hours.

[lynn57]

The falling asleep issue is a big deal.  Sleep deprived individuals have a higher incidence of depression and anxiety.  If you taper slowly enough, each drop should only cause sleep problems for about three days.  If you are having issues after that, your doctor can help.

[fltricia]

I was able to taper off a week ago.  I didn't notice any side effects, except maybe a little dizzy and trouble falling asleep.  Now I'll only take them when I'm having really bad anxiety.

[cj29]

Wait until you see your doctor; don't try to taper on your own.  Also, Clonazepam is usually a benzo that is prescribed for periods longer than the other benzos.  It also takes a little longer for it to 'kick in' than others like Xanax, Ativan, etc, so your doctor may want to keep you on it longer.  Three months on Clonazepam is not that long anyway...keep us posted!