Clonazepam Withdrawal

[pakrfan4]

I recently (2weeks) stopped cold turkey on the clonazepem meds that I was taking.  I am now and have been for the past 2 weeks experiencing a number of strange symptons.  Can these be attributed to the stoppage of my meds.

Difficulty sleeping (only getting 2-4 hours a night)
Coordination problems (typing is very difficult)
Muscle weakness (sometimes feels like my arms aren't even attached to my body)
Trouble concentrating (thought wander and I have trouble forming complete sentences)
Numbness in fingers and feet.
Strange tastes in my Mouth (yesterday a very metallic taste and tongue went numb while eating sunflower seeds)
Blurred Vision when I wake in the morning (eventually dissapates but persists for 30-60 minutes)
Irritability (no patience)
Social Disconnect (no desire to speak with or listen to others)

Any answers would be appreciated.

[AJWS6]

As shared by nursegirl, klonopin should never be stopped abruptly.  What I will share with you is, what your experiencing is common in klonopin (benzo) withdrawal, cold turkey or taper.    

Reduction in dose, lessens the intensity of withdrawls, and allows your system to stabilize (adjust), before making another reduction.  

Everyone is different how they react to taking and getting off medications, what one person experience may not be the same for another, it's best for everyone to follow precautionary guidelines.

It depends how long you have used Klonopin and what dose, in considering re-instating, some doctors may start a person on new medication, and start a reduction plan.  

But consult with your prescribing doctor, good luck.  
  

[amish1979]

Sure sounds like rebound anxiety due to the abrupt cut-off of clonazepam.  Those are all common anxiety symptoms.

Cold turkey is NEVER a good idea!

[nursegirl6572]

Meds like Klonopin should NEVER EVER EVER be stopped abruptly...you need to be slowly tapered off of them.  What was your dose, and how long were you taking them?

If you were taking them for any significant amount of time...you are basically in full blown withdrawls.  While the fact that 2 weeks have gone by is encouraging....however, there still could be dangerous physical effects.  There is actually a risk of seizure associated with the abrupt d/c of Klonopin, and other benzos.

My advice to you is to call your doctor and ask to be seen immediately.  You need to be checked out (blood pressure, etc)....as w/d's also can cause hypertension.  I'm not trying to frighten you....just trying to stress how important it is that you be seen by your doc ASAP....you may need to re-start on a lower dose to minimize the w/d's...and be properly tapered....that will all depend on your dose, and how long you were on it...and of course...the doc's findings.

In the future...never ever ever EVER stop ANY medication without first talking to your physician.  A LOT of medications require a taper to safely d/c them.

Good luck...let us know how you're doing.