Klonopin can be addicting, but it is harder compared to other types of other benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax. Klonopin has a much longer half life (the time it takes for half of the medication to break down in your body) compared to Valium and many other types of benzos. In other words Valium and Xanax hit you much quicker, and leave your body much sooner, compared to Klonopin which typically has a slower onset and a much slower time to leave your body. Taking daily doses of Klonopin can really build up in your body, and you probably developed a very high tolerance over time, after overcoming the initial knock out drowsiness stage this drug takes you through. Anyway, I have a clinical psychology degree and know alot about these medications and yes you should slow down and stablize while weening off this type of drug. It will take you a bit longer to get all of this drug out of your body, so normally I would say the weening process would be quicker due to a longer half life. However, since you have been on the medication for so long, coming down off it slower would be the safest route. I was hooked on Xanax and it took me four weeks to come off that, but I never had any problems with Klonopin. Take your time and come down slow, but also remember that since this drug stays in your body longer, the withdrawal symptoms should not be as severe if you decide to cut your dose down further. The quicker a drug hits you the more difficult it is to come down off of, but drugs that hit you quick and last longer don't create as much dependence. I'm not saying Klonopin is not addicting, it definately can be, but it depends on the individual and his or her reaction to the drug's effects. You can do it. Take as much time as you need. Take care and keep us informed.
Klonopin can be addicting, but it is harder compared to other types of other benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax. Klonopin has a much longer half life (the time it takes for half of the medication to break down in your body) compared to Valium and many other types of benzos. In other words Valium and Xanax hit you much quicker, and leave your body much sooner, compared to Klonopin which typically has a slower onset and a much slower time to leave your body. Taking daily doses of Klonopin can really build up in your body, and you probably developed a very high tolerance over time, after overcoming the initial knock out drowsiness stage this drug takes you through. Anyway, I have a clinical psychology degree and know alot about these medications and yes you should slow down and stablize while weening off this type of drug. It will take you a bit longer to get all of this drug out of your body, so normally I would say the weening process would be quicker due to a longer half life. However, since you have been on the medication for so long, coming down off it slower would be the safest route. I was hooked on Xanax and it took me four weeks to come off that, but I never had any problems with Klonopin. Take your time and come down slow, but also remember that since this drug stays in your body longer, the withdrawal symptoms should not be as severe if you decide to cut your dose down further. The quicker a drug hits you the more difficult it is to come down off of, but drugs that hit you quick and last longer don't create as much dependence. I'm not saying Klonopin is not addicting, it definately can be, but it depends on the individual and his or her reaction to the drug's effects. You can do it. Take as much time as you need. Take care and keep us informed.
Thank you all for your comments. The information shared and the support given is life saving.
Greg.
Whatever you do, take it slow. Klonopin is very tough to get off, maybe just a little harder than other benzo's. At any rate I truly admire your courage for all you have done. Take it slow, don't hurt yourself. I agree with FLaddict, Klonopin is dangerous to come off, take all the time you need, you've done so much so far. If you begin to shake, even just slight tremors, seek medical attention right away, I've had a siezure coming off just 3mg of xanax a day, i took them for 5 years and it was a *****. You should consider inpatient medicated detox at your local hospital to assist you. Let us know how you are coming along and if you have any more ?'s, plz ask. As far as this one, I agree with FLaddict and maybe you should add some st. john's wort. ask your pharmacist about brands with proper dosing. Good luck and all the best!
Here it is greg.
L-glutamine-- up to 3,000mgs 3x per day at least an hour b4 meals
L-taurine-- up to 1,000mgs 3x per day an hour b4 meals
B complex vitamin 50-100mgs with each dose of L glutamine
multi mineral supplement
I hope you continue to taper down, getting off Klonipin is dangerous so be very careful
welcome
I went c/t off of klonopin once and it was the worst w/d's i have ever felt...I am over 30 days clean off of opiates and the w/d's are bad but nothing compared to klonopin....you are doing a great job by weaning and finding this forum..When i did it, i did not have any info nor did i look for any..I just thought i was having the worst panic attacks ever, and a few nervous breakdowns..
Good luck
R2R
Thank you so much!!
Greg.
Yes there are aminos to help with Klonipin withdrawals. I can post them for you if you like. I will have to dig out my book though so if you can wait a little I can do it.. It was good to start the glutamine and the multi vitamin already.
I will look em up and get back to you.