Klonopin

[whippet]

I would like to know how to safely taper off klonopin (Rivotril).I SHOULD be taking 1mg 3 times a day, but for the last several years i've tripled my dose to 3/1mg 3 times a day.

I was prescribed klonopin 7 yrs ago at the same time as anitdepressants. I've weaned myself off the antideprssants a few months ago. Why was i prescribed klonopin? Was it to optimize the antidepressants? Anyways, i'm feeling much better and all i need is this last step to be completely drug free.

*Note to others who post here*

Why is it that i get this weird feeling that some people seem to think that their posts r less important or enlightning than others? What the heck...? In my humble opinion, and after reading posts here for more than a month...seems to me that every single post, long or short, serious or funny, enlightening or down in the dumps, whatever drug is affecting our lives...ALL THESE POSTS HAVE THEIR PLACE HERE.

Isn't this forum a place for us all to get off any stuff?

Being human...means mistakes...downers...humble acceptance and so many times here...victories...maybe small ones...but victories all the same...but ALL of the time...all of the posts r so very true.So...what ever the name attached to a post...i read every single word..and..however long or short it may be...in some way...it encourages me to get clean.

I'm a working mom with 3 boys ages from 3 to 16. One of my boys has a chronic medical problem. I'm a single parent and after alcohol and pills galore in the familly history, i truly want to get off this stuff. Take care everyone.

[1st24]

I don't know if you've read my comments on the thread above, but I completely relate to how you're feeling.  I, too, am considered so together, I'm the one who takes care of everyone/everything.  But now, I'm coming apart, because the magic pills have lost their magic, and I know that I have to end this madness, and let everyone know what's going on with me.  Then, and only then will I be able to stop this charade of being "superwoman".  At age 57, my body can't take this abuse.  Both of taking the pills, and the withdrawals.  I did get off all opiates a couple of moths ago, with the help of tramadol.  I guess the tramadol didn't make me feel good enough to get mentally addicted, because I stopped those easily.  It's the norco I can't stop.  Every day I mean to, but I don't have the will, especially when I have pain as soon as I awaken.  I wake up every night in terror, knowing I can't function without them, but every day I take them again, feel guilt again, and fear, etc.,etc.,etc.  This is really getting old, and I want the real me back.  I know at one time, I had natural energy, was in really good shape physically and mentally.  Now I'm not either.  So, you see, eslad, I am right where you are, and another - Southernbelle.  Read her posts.  Maybe we can all help each other.  Get the "Recipe" that's posted in one the the threads.  It does help.

[whippet]

Well hellbent, i am frightened about my benzo abuse. Your post just confirmed that its about time i did something about it.

I like the feeling that this klonopin gives me. I've had a chat with Thomas a few posts back, about my love for the feeling of opiates. (I was in the hospital for a few days and had demerol as many times as i could ask for it.) 2 years ago i also has back surgery and discovered the wonderful feeling of morphine.

The last time i posted, i was just about to find myself a prescription for opiates...just to get that good feeling i had in the hospital, but after reading Thomas's post, i thought about it real hard and stopped myself from getting them.

Somedays, i can skip a complete dose of klonopin and i don't feel the need for it somedays. So that is why starting january, i'm going to see a therapist to find out why i need to dull some of my days. But most of the time, i do take the drug to give me a boost. (Well, if you can call it a boost...whatever.) And after reading your post and bodymechanics post, i'm getting scared that this up and down intake of klonopin is dangerous.

I really was in full blown depression 7 years ago when i started klonopin. I feel much better today depression wise and if i can just find out why i need to *fix* some parts of my days with these drugs, maybe i could be totally clean soon.

Gonna visit the link you posted about this drug.

Merci for you help! Whippet:)

[whippet]

Thanks for the info. I've allready posted about my intention to stop klonipin and Thomas was also nice to have told me to be carefull about tapering.

Problem is my doc lectured me the other day about staying ON my meds. Even if i tried to explain to him that i felt better and don't want to continue meds for depression, doc said that if i wanted help from one of his therapists, i HAD to stay on them. Ok..i didn't admitt to him that i had tripled my klonopin doses for the last few years...geez....

So heres how i see it. If i want to taper off this klonopin...can't do it with this doc i am seeing. Gotta keap up this charade about pretending to be on meds so that i can get to see the therapist for free and work on my inner self. (can't afford to pay for therapist...gotta small budget with kids and all).

Guess i have 2 choices left. Go see another doc to taper off the drug or taper off on my own.

I'd rather do it on my own. Seeing docs is not my joy in life. And just thinking of trying to explain all this stuff to a new doc just gets me real down and scared the hell outa me. Don't think i'll find one who understands...know what i mean?

So i'll start tapering real slow. Give myself a 6 month period to do so and see how it goes. If any one has any ideas, suggestions, wise words about tapering off klonopin...well...i'd welcome them!

Thanks bodymechanic for the tapering advice and sharonver...i here ya and surely someone here in forum will help you through the tough times...i'm sure!!! Merci! (genetic genes half french...lolll) Whippet:)

[eslad]

I'm sorry to hijack this thread, but I've been trying to make a post here for a really long time.  It never lets me, so I tried this and its working, so I'm going for it.

I am desperate to talk/email with others like me: hydro addict got clean after 8 months of constant use on 10/1.  Started on tramadol right after ~ doc said it was not addictive, YEAH RIGHT @SSHOLE! ~ now I'm detoxing myself off of that.  

I'm so sad and scared and I dont know where to turn.  The sponsor from the NA group I had been attending made me feel like the tramadol mess was my fault for "not taking responsibility for my own recovery" even though I asked the doc if tramadol was addictive and he said no (before you ask ~ this doc knew ALL about my hydro addiction).  

I'm the mother to 2 sons, 7

[hellbent]

So, you are taking 9mgs a day of Klono? That's a sizeable habit, and a comfortable taper from that amount can take a long time, a year or more.

Please don't get frightened by what I say. Everyone is different and this is just my experience. I was taking 10-15 mgs Klono for a few months, valium before that. I went cold turkey and had a very, very hard time with it. Didn't sleep at all for a long time, didn't eat, and had a host of other horrible symptoms.

Benzo withdrawal is very serious business. If you are taking 9mgs a day, that's equivalent to over 100mgs of valium I think. It's certainly more than should ever be prescribed for anxiety. I've only heard of epileptic patients being prescibed a dosage that high.

So, a long slow taper is the way to go. What is your psycological connection to the pills? Are you addicted to the effect they produce? If not, tapering will be much easier.

I came across the following site when I was in withdrawals and it helped immensely...

http://www.benzo.org.uk

[sharonver]

I agree with you everyone's addiction is as important as the next.  They are all different and unique, as well as everyones withdrawal symptoms. Some people are stronger than others. In my addiction my physical withdrawal has always been worse than my mental. I am trying to slowly detox from Methadone, I'm down to 6mg. after being on 65mg for more than 15 years. So far I am coping but I am worried what will happen when it gets to nothing!I am trying vitamins, lots of water, exercise and yoga. It has helped.  I am hoping and praying that it will continue to help when it gets to 0 mg!! Hang in there everyone! We are all there for you...