Getting off of .5 mg of Klonopin

[hitman60]

My doctor does not seem to be aware that one can just stop Klonopin. Eventually, I want to get off of this little pill and perhaps take Buspar. Here is my questions.

I did take 1mg nightly for about 2 years
I switched to .5 mg about 3 months ago and have been consistent with that.
I tried to stop once and had bad panic, tingling symptom, so I know I did not taper correctly.
Anyone tried to get off of just .5 mg and how did they taper. I take no other meds.

Thanks

[xanweaner]

Try to do a search on Ryan's site  - he may have posted some info. on this. Also, do a general search, too,  on the anxiety community. Some valuable info. might be found.
It's interesting that the tingling symptoms happen with Klonopin - I get this as I lower my dosages on Xanax - feels prickly - esp. in my hands...

I'm having a very difficult day here on my 13 th day of weaning...

[michelleanne]

I too would like to know how to ween from just .5mg Klonopin, as I can feel gradually the nervousness from Paxil going away (thank goodness)...but I am on my fourth week of Paxil so I would like to start weening from Klonopin soon.  I think I will go from .5 to .25 for a week or two, and then .125 for a week or two....hopefully someone knows more info on this!!!!

[xanweaner]

Try searching on RCA's site for info. on Klonopin withdrawal...you should find the answers that you're looking for.

[kcdem]

i took .05 of klonopin only once a day for 16 days. i called my psychiatrist and ask to go off of it. he said no problem...no taper needed. i threw the bottle in the trash.

I HAD A 4 DAY WITHDRAWAL THAT PUT ME IN THE HOSPITAL FOR 4 MORE DAYS. I ENDED UP FOR THE FIRST TIME THINKING OF SUICIDE. I CRIED TO MY 30 YEAR OLD BOSS, I HALLUCINATED, FOR THE FIRST TIME, HAD LUCID DREAMS, DID NOT KNOW IF I WAS AWAKE OR ASLEEP, HAD SEVERE SWEATS, CHILLS AND SO ON.

THIS ALL HAPPENED 2 MONTHS AGO.


have you stopped the prozac? you said no ther meds. i think your panic is the withdrawal from klonopin.


kcdem

[xanweaner]

What a horrifying story!! Are you still using that idiot psychiatrist??? I can't believe that he put you in such jeopardy...

You have had one very rough year....it has got to get better for you soon.....
Sending you all my very best...
-xan-

[kcdem]

hitman is going through it now. i hope he gets the message, it is hard to discern between the withdrawal and the panic. i do still see the same doc beleive it or not, but now i know how to communicate with him, and i know my limitations. he showed up at my aa meeting a week ago, the saga continues.

kcdem

[xanweaner]

It's RCA7591...I  sent you his contact info. on a note to you yesterday. Good luck in weaning off...

[RCA7591]

Hello,

Discontinuing 0.5 mg of Klonopin is far easier when the dosage is split into two equivalent doses of 0.25 mg each. This would be taken twice daily for one month before any form of taper schedule is devised.

When dosed once daily, Klonopin does not accumulate in the plasma. Thus, when you attempt to discontinue the drug, there is nothing to subtract from. It would be very similar to discontinuing Ativan or Xanax in that respect.

Now, when dosed twice daily, the Klonopin accumulates in the plasma. Over a span of two weeks, the drug accumulates to steady-state. After one month, it ultimately accumulates to 1.5 times that of steady-state (which simply means that you'd have the plasma equivalent of 0.25 mg in your system - a sort of reserve if you will).

The drug is to be dosed every 12 hours to allow for proper accumulation.

At the one month mark, the drug may then be tapered gradually (starting with the morning dose), by removing 0.125 mg increments every four weeks. The morning and night dosages should be alternated between, as this will allow for a very gradual reduction of the plasma level, thereby limiting any withdrawal effects.

I might also point out that during the first 3-14 days of splitting the Klonopin dosage, you *may* experience some withdrawal phenomena. This will dissipate once the drug accumulates to steady-state.

As with any drug discontinuation schedule, it should be performed only under the direct supervision of a physician.

Ryan