Cold turkey withdrawal of clonazapam

[CatwithGod]

I went cold turkey a week ago to day on clonazapam. I was on it for 6 years at one a day .5 to 2mg and back to .5. I know I should have went cold turkey! However it is done! Not going back!!! So I have two questions...1. How long will the hell continue ? I have most of the withdrawals....shakes, pounding heart, dizzy, weak, etc....2. When should I stop worrying about seizures? I have had none...Thank the Lord!
As for my doc. Like a lot of you she does not seem to think there is a problem...And I am going to suck this up if it kills me! By the way read it can kill is that true and should I worry about that as well as seizures and deal with the withdrawals....HELP PLEASE???

[tramuser99]

I took 50mg of Valium (5-10mg pills a night) for 8 months and went cold turkey because I left the country and didn't think about bringing them.  I had no idea they were that addictive and the seriousness of the withdrawal/seizure risk.  The withdrawals for me didn't kick in for a week (i guess valium has a long half-life) and I just so happened to start a new job the day they kicked in.  It was a crappy 3 weeks with hardly any sleep at all but I was on a super high dose on a long acting benzo.  I would think you would start feeling better shortly since its been a week. The doc gave me trazadone for sleep but I didn't tell him about the benzo withdrawal so there might be something else out there to help.  I personally think the worst is behind you and congrats on the 7 days!

[VICourageous]

I am so glad you got some help.
I too was taking a Klon at night for yrs. I did go c/t from that one and my prescribed methadone and illegal adderral almost 3 yrs ago. I NEVER had a more intense & long, dragged out w/d off of the other opiates. I was told by the Pharmacist that it was alot to do with the Benzo. Although, I was on 3 meds that pulled my nervous system up and down and all around, it still takes time for our body/brain to come around. Most meds do unbalance our neuro-chemisty in our brain. You can go to a lower type of benzo and do a nice slow taper.

They did prescribe me a few Klons after I had a Heart Procedure. This was after I had all this clean time off of them, I took a few and stopped. One I was afraid of w/ds and I was having some Brain-Zaps. Like Sand was rolling around in my head and I could hear it.
I have been on this site since 2012 and I really feel for the ones that are coming off of a Benzo.  I do wish I knew more about these too before I went c/t off of them. I learned all about this when I got on here.
My Friend Meg does know alot about these meds too.
I wish you the best.

[meegWpaw]

i was going to suggest that you reinstate.  glad you did.  I believe it is only in the recent past that the dangers of benzos have come to the fore ... there has been a ton of research on it.  like i said, i ct'd and it was hellish.  i had withdrawals for several months to a year later ... hope it all goes well for you.

[CatwithGod]

While, last night was beyond hell....words can not describe the hell! After trying to call my doctor..no luck, I called the ER no luck! So I called the worlds greatest doc my OB funny wish he was my prime...he called me aback with in 5 mintues...so great! Anyway...he told me to take 1 mg and see my doctor in the morning...which I did...because I was ready to go to a mental ward! Went to the doc today...and he has me on a one month plan! IT BETTER WORK! I just don't know if I could go through that again! He said that clonazpam can kill you, no joke! ...my Blood pressure crazy, so here is my Question, which I did not ask the man that I hope is saving my life, WHY IN THE H... DID YOU HAVE ME ON IT FOR 6 YEARS AND WHY DID YOU PUT ME ON IT TO BEGIN WITH? WILL NEVER TRUST MEDS AGAIN WILL DO MY OWN RESEARCH!!!! Let me know how the winging thing worked out for you guys! Did you have withdrawals?
Thanks for your hand holding,
God bless

[meegWpaw]

tbh as i recall it took several months to a year, although the symptoms lessened in number and intensity as time went on.

good luck, you can pm me if you wish.  :)

[my_mayberry]

When did you go cold turkey?

It is different for everyone. If this were recent, I would say please consult your doctor sooner rather than later (although in either case, your doctor should be in the loop on this).

When I was addicted to Xanax, I read a lot of material on benzo's. I never developed a psychological addiction to the drug, but I certainly had developed physical dependency and I can relate to how horrible the withdrawal is. Even at the very low end of my taper, my body rejected the notion of not having the drug.

In some of the material I read during that time, I also read stories of those for whom the symptoms of withdrawal lasted several weeks. I remember in one book I read, the author stated his withdrawal lasted more than a month.

It is all unique to you and your body. Typically, it often doesn't last that long. One thing is resoundingly true, though--when there is the option to have a doctor on your side during this endeavor, embrace that option.

Best of luck,
MM

[CatwithGod]

Thanks Meehan!

If I don't feel better by next week I will....I feel I got myself in this mess I can get myself out....how long did yours last? I mean am I looking at 1 month or six? I know everyone is different....just need to know where the top of the hill is, when should I expect the worst?

[meegWpaw]

hi cat.  i'm not a doctor and i would still call your doctor back and make an appointment to tell her what you are going through.  six years is a long time to be on Clonopin.  and you're right you shouldn't have ct/d!!!!  its dangerous.  im not sure if i remember correctly b/c its been a while but i think when i ct'd off benzos (I didn't know you weren't supposed to) I almost had a seizure really close to the time i ct'd, like maybe one day later?  if i'm remembering right.  after the first week i don't think i was worried about it but that is just me.  you might be different and I would seek medical care and advice.  as for the rest of the withdrawal symptoms ... you know, benzo detox is a monster and those horrible symptoms lasted quite a long time for me.  sorry to tell you that.  hang in there!

Meegan