Paul Says:
I have been on kolonopin 1 mg daily for 14 months now I am depressed and very anxious most of the time I want to get off this drug but from what i have read It should be cut down slowly and over a long peroid of time. has anyone gone through a simlar situation that may have some advise
I've been on this since 1989 and had one dr take me off cold turkery.. Please I ended up in ER .Had to be given A shot of it and was placed back on it .I have panic attacks.. If your coming off only under dr's care...You don't won't this kind of withdrawal..
2
Verwon Says:
[Moderator]
Wednesday, 7/30/2008 11:44:21 AM
Yes, please speak to your doctor for advice on the best way to stop this medication and prevent the worst of the withdrawal effects.
I have been taking kolonopin 2mg. for over 10 years after I went through a violent assault and then PTSD due to that.
I've wanted to go off of it for a long time. The problem is that your body gets used to it to the point where it is almost not doing what it's supposed to, but if you begin to taper off of it (and YES - I'm a psychiatric social worker and know from clients and first hand experience that you MUST taper off of any sort of medication like this VERY slowly - it can be dangerous!) your body will start to feel it quickly and dramatically.
I still haven't figured out how to go off of it. Psychiatrists usually say very slowly and tapering it but even tapering the slightest bit is almost too hard for me.
But if you want to try it (you should let your doctor konw for sure) then try tapering it down by halves for several days and then quarters for several days and so forth. It will be uncomfortable but if you can get through it you might be able to get off of it.
If you are depressed it would be helpful for you to see a psychiatrist (not just a general doctor) for a medication that addresses both depression and anxiety and I always adamentally recommend the combination of medication and talk therapy.
Again, don't do anything without a professional's advice, knowledge, and assistance. It can be dangerous. Hope this helps!
I took myself off this med cold turkey and did not know what the side effects would be, I thought I was going to die. I went through it alone and loss so much weight but had no one to care for me so I did it on my own. It took about two weeks to fully come back to what I felt was normal again, but I did it. My doc did not tell me it was addictive, what a wake up call. I feel great now. Best to you.
Paul, Please listen to me and others here.I don't begin to know how Shell came off this cold turkey ...I beg of you NOT TO DO THAT... It can cause heart problems as well as other very REAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS as well. Please seek help from A Good Doctor.. Good Luck Friend And God Bless, Andi
Andi is absolutley right, please seek medical attention before going off this drug, I did not know what was wrong with me at the time. I did not know what it was because I stopped the medication, as I said I was told it was not addictive. They were wrong. I should have gone to the hospital, I was so sick but did not realize till I was better what I was going through. Again, seek medical attention before going off this med. Best to all.
Anyone taking any type of benzo (Klonopin,Ativan, the list goes on...) for any length of time AS TO BE WEENED OFF UNDER A DOCTORS CARE!!!! This is nothing to just stop on your own!!!!
I have been on 1.5 milligrams since Januray of this year. Now down to 1 mg and tapering will take me 16 more weeks. I cut by 1/8th per week and have had no problems at this taper. I did have problems cutting down any larger quantities than that. But this seems to be working well. I also take zoloft and seroquel to help with sleep and depresssion and side effects of withdrawal. Very low doses Im on but so far this seems to be a success!
I'd love to stay in touch with you. I am starting a taper from 1mg of Klonopin. Also trying to cut pill by 1/4, and plan to do that every 14 days. I'd love to be in touch with someone on the same path. Thanks! TS
I was on Klonopin .5mg for 6 months. I was diagnosed with panic/anxiety disorder. The emergency room physician just threw a prescription for Klonopin at me and said I was free to leave. I had never had a panic attack before and knew nothing about xanax and klonopin. My family physician took me off of it gradually. I experienced withdrawal symptoms even with a gradual tapering off. It was a nightmare on it,a nightmare coming off of it and still after being off for 2 months I feel bad. My balance is off,my judgement/reasoning is bad, my vision weakened while on klonopin,I gained weight,my short term memory is awful,still have abnormal eye movements. Its like my nervous system is still sending my brain a message saying it misses the Klonopin. I wish I had known all of this before taking it. Someone who was healthy,riding a bicycle 25-30 miles a day and to be derailed like this. I don't know if I'll feel the same again(before Klonopin). I haven't had an attack in 7 months. But with all the side effects,it makes the panic/anxiety seem minor. I'm currently taking no drugs. Please help.
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