How long does it take to tapper off clonazepam??

[clavedausen]

I have been on clonazepam for about 20 years. I started out at .5 mg .After a few year the dosage was increased to 2 mg daily, .5 morning,.5 afternoon and 1 mg at night. I decided I wanted of this and have been tapering off slowly by .25 mg every 4 wks. I did pretty well until I got down to .25 mg the first week,  on this dosage I cannot sleep. The dr. have tried hydroxyzine, .100 mg at night. , it seemed to help with sleep but caused severe dry mouth which can cause rapid tooth decay, I have also tried prazosin 2 mg. i am now down to .25 mg , week one i cannot sleep, caved in twice and took .5mg. I can see why people commit suicide on withdrawing on this drug. I am not going to give up. How long will
I suffer insomnia withdrawing from this drug??

[Jinx_777]

when getting off benzos i could NOT take benedryl or anything otc for sleep or it would just have the opposite effect on me.  i would become fully awake and hyper and agitated.  it just took a full 6 days of NO sleep for me and then i started sleeping a few hours and eventually was able to sleep a full night.

[leiawho]

I have been taking clonazapam for 10 years intermittently at night to sleep.  I take .5-1 mg. I also have found that benedryl or dramamine help me to sleep as much as the clonazapam.  These might help you to withdraw.  Good luck!

[clavedausen]

I am male, I am very active, I have had blood work done, I was put on clonazepam for anxiety disorder.. i do use a humidifier at night, I eat good . I have experienced other side effects, upset stomach, no appetite,hot sweats at night, Restlessness.

[clavedausen]

Thanks Everyone. I am doing a lot better today I have taken only .25 mg today and think I will be fine. Tonight will see if I sleep better. Seen Dr. today. insomnia is pretty normal withdrawing from this drug, but knew that.The Dr wants me to try Remeron??,slept a little last night.Thanks again.. I also ordered neuro Endure Mini. It really is supposed to help. What I have read about this supplement is.. Clonazepam restricts uptake of glucose and this is suppose to help, It has  a blend of  L-Acetyl Carnitine, N Acetyl cysteine and L -Glutamine. will post when it arrives and try it has anyone else taken this??

[michigan07]

I have taken clonezapam for nearly as long as you and have gradually reduced my dosage over time and by time I mean years and months. It will take time and a long time if you want to avoid side effects

[nursegirl6572]

After 20 years of taking Klonopin regularly, you have to be reasonable with your expectations.  Readjusting to NOT having the Klonopin on board is most certainly going to take time.  There's really NOT much you can do to speed up the process, or make it better.  You've done well tapering down to a low dose.  I would really not recommend adding other medications to help you sleep, etc.  

Try to get some exercise, eat well, and drink plenty of fluids.  In addition to that, being patient and kind to yourself is a must.

Good luck, keeo us posted!