Ryan

[fd11]

Hey Ryan,

I know you came off the Klonopin, but are you on any other benzo and if so do you like that one better and what is it.  I think I need something with a long half life (it that is the correct term). I need to get off this stuff.

Thanks
Dominick

[RCA7591]

Yes. I'm on Valium.

In my opinion, and based on the results that I've had with Valium, I consider it to be superior to Klonopin.

0.375 mg of Klonopin = 7.5 mg of Valium.

Valium is available in 2, 5, and 10 mg tablets. The closest dose equivalent would be 8 mg, however I would recommend that you take 10 mg.

If you want to take the Valium route, I would inquire about taking the 5 mg tablets twice daily. Valium reaches steady-state in one month. After one month, you could then begin to taper off. The first cut is 2 mg. Each subsequent cut is 1 mg, every four weeks.

So, for the initial month, you would ask for 5 mg, twice daily (60 tablets).

After one month has elapsed (or when you feel stable), you could then ask for the 2 mg tablets. You would take two, 2 mg tablets in the morning, and two, 2 mg tablets at night for a total of 8 mg. You would require a supply of (120), 2 mg tablets. Once you are stabilized on 8 mg, the remainder of the taper would be as follows:

Weeks 1-4: Remove 1 mg from the morning dose (take one, 2 mg tablet, and cut the other in half)

Weeks 4-8: Remove 1 mg from the night dose (take one, 2 mg tablet, and cut the other in half)

Weeks 8-12: Take a single morning dose of 2 mg (one tablet). Continue taking the night dose of 1 and 1/2 tablets.

Weeks 12-16: Take one, 2 mg tablet in the morning, and one, 2 mg tablet at night.

Weeks 16-20: Take 1/2 of a 2 mg tablet in the morning. Continue to take the full 2 mg tablet at night.

Weeks 20-24: Take 1/2 of a 2 mg tablet in the morning, and 1/2 of a 2 mg tablet at night.

Weeks 24-28: Discontinue the morning dose

Week 32: Discontinue the night dose. The Valium is now withdrawn.

You can discuss this method with the doctor. It is far easier to withdraw from Valium dosed twice daily, than it is to withdraw from a single daily dose of Klonopin. The half-life of Valium's active metabolite (Desmethyldiazepam) is 200 hours. This provides for a very gradual reduction in the plasma level.

Best of luck to you.

Ryan

[fd11]

Than you for the schedule and your insight.  Are you yourself going to wean off of valium and what are the difference that you have noticed.  Sorry for all the questions, but I am scared to go to another drug, but on the other hand I want off.

[RCA7591]

Hi Dominick,

I'd like to wish you good luck with your appointment today. I sincerely hope that everything turns out well for you.

It would be difficult for me to categorize the differences between Klonopin and Valium from a personal level, as I'm not taking the Valium for an anxiety disorder. Once my underlying issue is resolved, I will be tapering off of the Valium.

I will say this, however. Whatever tension or anxiety I do have secondary to my underlying disorder has responsed much better to the Valium.

In your case, Valium will prove be of tremendous benefit in withdrawing from the Klonopin. This, of course, can be attributed to the long half-life of Desmethyldiazepam, and the gradual reduction of the plasma level.

Ryan

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

ryan, so let me ask are you now finding that klonpin is not as good as you thought it was and do you know think valium is a better drug for anxiety. which would you do? barbara

[fd11]

Thanks Ryan,

I went up in my dose the last two nights and I am starting to feel the blurred vision and off balance feeling again.  So I am guessing that this is a side effect from the Klonopin.

Thanks again for all your help.