Klonopin Tolerance Withdrawal

[sgately11]

Hey All,

I have had Panic Disorder since I was a child. I remember my first attacks of panic and DP / DR when I was 5. Its been fun. I was on Klonopin .5 mg from about 13 to 21, I switched to Paxil, and then because of weight gain stopped everything. I found myself back on Klonopin on and off. I am now on K at .25 milligram spaced twice at day at .125 dosage.

Here is my question. At first it worked well, when I went off of it cold turkey in February I had an episode of Tachycardia after lifting weights at the gym, and being a health Panic sufferer had to go back on because I thought everything was wrong with my heart, and obsessively worried for the next 10 months. Now I am not sure if I have Tolerance withdrawal, but I seem to be anxious everyday, all day, and have very little ability to cope with new stresses without getting panicky.Almost like my nerves are frayed. This feeling hits me in waves, had DP/DR with it, and makes me concentrate on my heart as it feels like its working to hard, or not strong anymore. I also get out of breath by talking sometimes, with a huge feeling of anxiousness like I want to jump out of my skin. I have gone off K a few times and I expect withdrawals from that, but I have never experienced withdrawals while on it, anyone have any idea? by the way I have had almost every test known to man about my heart and all normal.

I am debating going back on Paxil for 6 months to get off of Klonpin and then take myself off of paxil. Before you ask I have tried CBT, Suntheanine, Magnesium, Xanas for emergencies which I hate, and almost everything else. I feel like I am suffering all day every day, which is not a cool feeling.

Confused. Paxil *****, Klonpin *****, constant Panic *****.

Thanks for writing.

[bapetnut]

Yes At first I was on 0.5 of the Clonazepam now this year am on 1mg 3 times a day and ONLY try and take it when I need it, but when I went cold turkey OMG never again.. Really felt crazy and panic and crazy and slow breathing and lots more.. NOT WORTH IT..next time I will try and wean off of it since I am getting better with baby steps and Counseling. Meditation tapes and self help books have really helped me big time!!  Never had any withdrawals while on the meds only getting off them cold turkey. I feel better OFF ALL antidepressants. Have been on Cymbalta, Prozac, Trazodone then Zoloft last month..IM DONE they all make me feel "spaced" out and out of touch as they say with reality. I feel better not on them and try and do other things for my depression such as reading, walking my dog, writing on here and facebook, it helps to get your feelings out.. Good luck and hang in there, feel free to write anytime!!
Bettyann

[sgately11]

Did you ever find yourself building a tolerance and having withdrawals while on the medication?

[bapetnut]

I hear what you are saying and BELIEVE ME this is normal. I stopped my Clonazepam and Zoloft 25mg last week and for 4 days was having severe nightmares killing people or people killing me. Was so scared could not leave the house. Had a hard time breathing, could not sleep at all for 48 hrs and felt "crazy" and was ready to go to the mental hospital..NEVER NEVER NEVER STOP any medication cold turkey as the withdrawls are horrible..Always seek your Dr and wean off a medication if you want off of it. I hate antidepressants for me caz they space me out and my mind does not feel "normal" but for others they help. So I quit the Zoloft and am thinking better and am back on my anxiety meds Clonazepam 1mg 3 times  a day. Now I am sleeping again, can get out and drive, etc..I also am in Counseling to learn to deal with my anxiety and Depression to get off all pills..I have found Meditation that I downloaded for free from the Internet really helps me to sleep at bedtime or during the day when I am feeling overwhelmed..When it hits I try to take deep breaths and concentrate on something positive like I am relaxed at the ocean, whatever brings you peace..IT WORKS TRY IT. Hang in there it will get better, change the mind and things will change!!