Proper Tapering of Kolonopin

[Laurallei]

I am currently taking .375 Kolonopin  (.25 wafer and 1/2 of a .25 wafer) at night for the past month and a half directed by my doctor for teeth clenching and to assist with sleeping. I am also taking 10mg of Lexapro.  I would like to know the proper taper program for this amount.  I realize that it is a small amount but want to be safe.

Thank You,
Laura

[Paxiled]

Being informed ahead of time is the best protection, so it's good you asked.  Greenlydia's advice was dead-on -- you're the only you, and you will react differently than others.  Here's the one thing I would add -- be aware that if withdrawal goes badly, the psychiatrist should put you back on the lowest dose you were on previously at which you had no problems, then resume tapering more slowly.  Make sure you stay in control and don't listen if the psychiatrist blames what you know to be withdrawal symptoms on some strange sudden new illness or relapse.  I've been permanently damaged by a psychiatrist who did not know how to taper me off Paxil properly, and I didn't know anything about withdrawal.  So good for you for staying informed, and good for Greenlydia giving you such good advice.  If only I had been talking to her before I lost my life.

[Laurallei]

Thank you for your positive words.  I do want to stay in the drivers seat so I will go ahead with the taper my doctor has prescribed.

Laura

[RubyWitch]

You asked what the "proper" taper was for the amount you were on.
All I can say is try the taper your doctor put you on and see how you feel. If you are having a lot of anxiety or "odd" sensations, then it's possible it is too fast for YOU...........which goes back to my belief that there is no such thing as a one size fits all taper. He may be reading the "accepted taper" protocol from his PDR which IS a one size fits all recipe. YOU may need to stay/hold at a particular level for a few weeks, even longer, until your body/mind adjusts to the new lower dose. That is why taper programs MUST be in the control of the person actually DOING the taper!
I just want YOU to stay in the drivers seat, Laura.
Please let us know how it goes, OK?
Peace  
Greenlydia

[Laurallei]

Hi Greenlydia,

I understand that this is not a medical forum.  I just wanted some other opinions since he told me to cut it down by .125 for the first three night then by half for the next three nights and then another half for the last three nights.  Seems kind of fast but maybe it's not.

Thank You,
Laura

[RubyWitch]

If you want to be safe, then go back and talk to your doctor about a taper program set up strictly for YOU. I do not believe in a "one size fits all" taper. We are all different and what may work quite well for me, might be a total disaster for you. We are not doctors, pharmacists nor medication managers on this forum and therefore have no business telling you how you should taper safely off any medication. You trusted your doctor to put you on this, trust him to take you off.
Peace
Greenlydia