Weaning off of Klonopin

[Immesc02]

I have been taking .5mg of Klonopin for 3 years.  My Psycatrist wants me to start taking it only as needed, but I'm not sure how to wean myself off of them so I don't need it every day.  What's you're reccomendation?

[Paxiled]

This is something your psychiatrist should know -- if he or she doesn't, get a different one.  Also, if you still have the problem it may not be time to go off the klonopin, and as said above, klonopin isn't usually dosed as needed.  The question is, did you fix your problem in therapy or has it gone away?  Now, some psychiatrists do use klonopin on an as-needed basis, so it's not that unusual, it's just that usually they tell you to take it regularly.  Just pointing out that I think you need to get more info from your shrink -- he or she works for you, not the other way around.

[Chrissy1972]

You would need to wean off the Klonopin. I was on it for many years myself. My Dr had me cut down gradually, the slower the better. What he had me do was taper off that dose in quarters. Give yourself  at least 2-3 weeks of taking .125mg less. If you are comfy after that reduce another .125mg until you are now at half a pill. Once steady you can take it down to the last quarter. Now I dont know why he wants you to use this drug as needed as Klonopin takes quite some time to work. If you are using it for panic, by time this med kicks in (usually 45-60mins) your attack will most likely be over with. You might want to ask this question. Ativan/Xanax are much better options for benzos used on a as need basis.

Good luck & again take it slow!

~Chrissy

[amylove21]

You probably should slowly wean yourself off of it. Take just a little less each day until you only need it sometimes. That's what I think you should do, but maybe you should ask your phychiatrist how you should handle this so you won't go through a bunch of negative side affects.