How long can I expect to feel withdrawal effects from clonazepam?

[pwolfe22]

I had been on clonazepam for about 5 years up until a week ago! I started out at .5mg AM & PM and gradual increase until 3 mg (1mg AM and 2mg PM) for about the last 3 years. In October 2010, the gradual decrease started down to .5mg from February 17, 2011 to April 17, 2011. Now, since LAST WEEK, Monday, April 18, I was totally taken off the clonazepam and prescribed divalproax. It has been 7 days today and I am REALLY in a battle within my own body. I do not know how much longer I can continue to fight these INCREDIBLE symptoms (increased heart-rate, intense craving, increased anxiety & fear... LOTS OF FEAR! I have experienced a utter lack of concentration, loss for words when speaking, ringing in ears, diarrhea,  upset stomach, increased trouble sleeping, nightmares, anger, hopelessness and extreme irritability.
Is there any SAFE alternatives or ANYTHING that will help ease these feelings? How long will they last? Am I through the hard part yet? I have never experienced anything like this before and it truly scares me!!!

[pwolfe22]

Today is two weeks since I had the clonazepam (after 10 days without) at .25mg a day. I feel pretty good!! The doctor, which I was able to return to my former doctor (Praise God!), said to return in two weeks, she would then have me stop taking it all together. Well, since she said that, I figured, starting today, I would drop it to .125 for this last two weeks just to let my body adjust a bit more. I think this time when it is gone for good, I will not have the same reaction. Also, I have not taken that new med for over a week and nothing else has been prescribed! I see some mighty bright days ahead!!

[pwolfe22]

I have a lot of history with these sudden changes in medications. As I am sure there are many of people who have had to go through having to settle "with what you can get" when it comes to healthcare for those who are on Medicare/Medicaid or have PPO's or HMO's. These types of plans, especially those given at a county level, are usually the ones with the least options; especially for mental health care. Myself, it is a long, story that has unfolded over the past 5-6 years. At this moment, I am comfortable with the decision I made earlier. I have called my former doctor, who is no longer covered by my insurance, and have set an appointment in which I will have to pay cash for. My husband and I had discussed this as an alternative if we were not pleased with the visit to this new doctor, that took me off the clonazepam and put me on the divelpraox, and their ( the medical practice's) therapist I saw this week.  
I would not ever wish what I went through these past few weeks on any one!! Today I learned that this new clinic had not even sent for my previous records. I signed a release in March!! I came home today, very frustrated  but thinking properly, and called my former doctor that began the tapering from 3mg down to .5mg of clonazepam AND I was at 400mg of Seroquel down to 50mg! I am even thinking that can be dropped more too.
I would not have been able to go through this with out the Lord. I know that for sure. I have just prayed and sought good advice before I made rash decisions. I turned to music & warm baths and laughter to help me through those roughest times. Laughter is proven good medicine!!
Oh yes!! Try it!! Grab a book, watch your goofy animal play, make fun of the neighbor's yard ornaments, remember a very funny moment... what ever you can do to make yourself laugh! I always tell people.. "Laugh at me, it will make ya feel better." Then they laugh anyways, which makes me laugh, and then we all feel good!! Hahaha!!! Are you laughing... LOL Hahaha hehehheeeehehaaahaha.!!!
NOW THAT YOU ARE Laughing!!! Feel the tightening of you abdomen muscles, your facial muscles.. notice how when you get a real good belly laugh your whole upper body shakes... you are sending a lot of little happy signals to your body when you laugh!!
I will leave you with that for tonight and wrap up here... LOL....
Let's just say, as of now, I am at peace with my decision. Now that I have appointments scheduled with both my previous doctor and therapist, I feel like a huge burden has been lifted, ya know. They were doing a great job, I trusted them, and I felt safe in their care. One cannot ask for much more for a doctor! It feels like the end of a very long emotional roller-coaster that I do not have to worry about riding again right now... or maybe never again!!
AT LEAST... Now I KNOW what to look for, I know the signs and can help others too along the way. I thank you all for your feedback too; it was an answer to prayer!!! Just really knowing and hearing from others who have EXPERIENCED what you are going through, truly is a very GOOD THING to have!!!
God Bless!!

[bpchris]

Uhh, no. Benzo withdrawals don't dissipate after one week, especially with a drop of .5mgs of Klonopin.

IMO, this is a true withdrawal issue because of the huge drop in dosage.

[hmf099]

There are non bezos that help a LOT like clonodine, it's a blood pressure med that also eases a couple different kinds of withdrawal, but other meds can come with their own set of problems. After a week you should be out of any withdrawal danger, so now it's just dealing with the discomfort.  If you go to the addiction forum, there is info on the Thomas Recipe, a list of things that help ease the physical symptoms. Chatting on here has always helped me with my episodes of panic and fear.

[pwolfe22]

other things I have changed are my caffeine intake, the times I take the .25mg clonazepam and the time I take the Seroquel, which has been dropped from 400mg a day to 50mg at night!!!! Per my previous doctor. See, I had a change in health insurance the beginning of March 2011 and had to change doctors! That is how this all began. I have nerve damage from my lower back down my right leg and I am in pain constantly. I do not take any pain reliever because they seem to effect my attitude too. I have resorted to applying heat, being as active as I am able, even it is just a short walk around the yard with the dogs, i have maintained my natural vitamins... Omega 3 fish oil, multi-vitamin, zinc, and magnesium.. all good for the nervous system and brain functions... I listen to music and sing to calm myself.. a warm, bubble bath does wonders for relief of pain and anxiety... I had added stress from not physically being able to keep up with my dishes, so my husband got me a dishwasher two weeks ago. WHAT A BLESSING!! I pray and read my Bible, because there is no peace like God!! He will SUFFICE!! He always does!! I have made sure to get breakfast and a lunch ion me at the proper times, (I have never been good about that) and I enjoy cooking, so I bought a tall bar stool that I can set on to relieve my back pain and lift my leg onto.. when my leg goes numb when standing, I need to bend my knee and that seems to "thaw" it out.  Now, I have been able to comfortably cook and bake. I have a great journey yet in front of me, but I thank God for bringing me this website and other people who know what I am going through. It makes one feel and know they are not alone with all these issues. I look forward to sharing more as time permits. Thank you!

[bpchris]

One more thing; talk to your doc about hydroxyzine; it's an anti-histamine that has helped me out with my taper. It's sedating so I try to only take it at night but it takes the edge off of the anxiety if it gets rough. I think it has made my taper easier because it helps me sleep; the insomnia caused by withdrawals is what I detest most. It is heavily prescribed in drug/alcohol rehabilitation settings because it's a good anti-anxiety medication but it's not addictive.