Tolerance and Dependency

[Leana064]

I have currently been on Klonopin for the past year, 0.5 grams twice a day.  I recognize the tolerance build-up and now the dependency.  I was placed on the drug because of anxiety and panic attacks.  The attacks now come nearly nightly and during the day.  I don't fear them as I did in the beginning because I recognize that they will soon pass.  My question is how do I wean myself from the Klonopin?  I feel I need it but at the same time it almost seems that the drug is causing the very symptoms from which I'm trying to rid myself.  I find that I get the jitters as the drug wears off.  I often feel like I'm in a fog during the day because I don't rest well at night. I experience tight muscles in the chest, arms, back, neck and head.  My lab work and EKG's come back normal.   Exercise and a healthy diet have been very beneficial but they haven't cured me.  I'm also on birth control pills to help regulate the hormones since my gyn thinks that some of my anxiety is hormonal.  I'm 44 years old.

[lynn57]

The symptoms you are experiencing sounds more like you need to add something to the Klonopin or up the dose. Your anxiety and panic attacks are not being controlled.  Perhaps you have built up a tolerance, but that is unlikely.  You say that you are getting the jitters as the drug wears off.  Klonopin has a long half life.  It remains at steady state if taken regularly for two weeks or longer. It doesn't really ever wear off.  It may not be controlling your anxiety but it's probably not causing your other symptoms.  Talk with your doctor and see what he says.  Good luck and feel better.

[RubyWitch]

The ONLY way to wean off the Klonopin is with the help of your doctor. None of us here are qualified to tell you how to do this. But PLEASE do not just stop! You MUST wean off any benzo.
If you are having anxiety/panic attacks on an almost daily basis, it sounds like you do still need to be on something.......and you need to discuss this with your doctor as well. I strongly urge you to look into some therapy as medication alone will not "cure" your anxiety issues. Medication and therapy is the best combination to reach a recovery.
Peace
Greenlydia