My story

[1astrabob]

I have looked at so many different forums and this is my first post ever.  My name is Bobby and I'm a 35yrs old.  I was diagnosed with panic disorder in 1998.  This is when I started on Paxil and Klonopin.  Long story short, I've been taking 10mg (cutting the 20 in half)  of Paxil for about 5 years now.  I stopped taking the Klonopin 4 days ago.  I have been taking .5mg a day on and off over the 10years, but in recent months was pretty consistent with taking it once everyday.  I cut down to .25 day for a month, then .125 for 2 weeks, then took .125 every other day for one week, then .125 every two days for one week.  Now I have been off for 4 days.  I compiled every piece of taper information I could and came up with my own.  I still see the doctor and let him know what I was doing and he said I was overdoing it.  Well on day four, my withdrawal symptoms are confusion, lightheaded, dizzy at times, feeling of panic attack, heart racing a bit (but not constant).  I did fine the first few days, but today seems to be a bit more difficult, but not overwhelming.  As funny as this may sound, I actually feel a bit better after typing this out and actually letting someone know what I'm going through.  Not many people understand and that has been my toughest battle.  Well I appreciate being able to post this...and wish everyone well in their journey.  Hopefully my post doesn't sound like babble.

[1astrabob]

I got a short dizzy spell and boom go scared and it spiralled from there.  The 1/4 of a pill believe it or not have completely taken away any w/d symtom, edgeness...all of it.  I'm not giving up...was frustrated earlier, now I'm just confused (no w/d effect, just simply confused with the situation)

Thanks

[Jerzeegal]

Bob you didn't fail. Please don't view this as a failure. Trying to cope with anxiety and get off meds is a challenge but we all do what we have to do get through it. Was the panic attack triggered by anything in particular?

Jerz

[1astrabob]

I CRACKED AND FAILED.  I had a panic attack and couldn't talk myself out of it...so I took 1/4 (.125)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Panic is gone......now I just feel depressed.  This sucks.

[1astrabob]

DAY 6.  Woke up this morning with slight short-lived confusion, but feel pretty good.  Continuing with the breathing exercises for relaxation and I have been in contact with my doctor via email and telephone, which gives me sort of a security blanket.  I explained what was happening and he said right now with the way I'm thinking and the nervousness of getting off my mind is super sensitive to whats going on with my body.

[1astrabob]

Today was Day 5.  Other than some small bouts of dizziness and feeling fatigued, not too bad.  My one new symptom today which I think could be completely unrelated to withdrawal is I have been urinating ALOT, with slight pain in the right groin area.  There was one moment today with the dizziness, where I thought to myself I'm just going to take one and feel completely normal, but I decided to try a breathing exercise that was on YouTube.  It helped a little bit.  Interestingly enough, my wife asked why I want to stop taking them if they make me feel better?  There are still moments when I ask myself that same question...I did tell my wife the answer and told her the 10mg of Paxil is next.  

[1astrabob]

It's 1007 Pacific time and the end of day 4 off klonopin!   Hoping I can sleep through the night and start fresh for day 5.

[1astrabob]

I believe it is definitely possible, because I have definitely been scared to stop.  I'm trying everything I know to battle when it gets bad.  Thanks for the reply.

Bobby

[Jerzeegal]

I'm glad you felt better as you were sharing your story. It sounds like you did a good job tapering although you may still be experiencing some withdrawal symptoms they shouldn't be long lasting... could it also be possible that your symptoms could be due to being a bit anxious about coming off the klonopin?

At any rate there is a lot of support here so keep posting.

Jerz