Clonazepam Withdrawal

[Jiri]

Are you doing a dry taper or a liquid taper?
Have you noticed any worsening of T and H?
Not sure I'm glad my to be able to consult with a clinical pharmacist.

I'm doing a direct taper and this time one drug at a time.

I think the drugs I was (and in some instances still am) taking could be the cause of my H. Not too sure about my T. I was told they are not ototoxic, but the key word here is 'neurotoxic' and no one can 100% guarantee whether the combo of your medication is or isn't neurotoxic - especially, if there are psychiatric drugs in the coctail that affect your central and, in some instances, peripheral nervous system. We're all unique, hence why medical supervision is needed.

I've said it before but I'll say it again. If you are really that worried, or simply don't have confidence in your psychiatrist consult your medication with a Pharm.D. The choice is yours.

 

[glynis]

@TracyJS ,
I have no support regarding your medication as don't know about it.As far as I can see you are doing a slower taper .
You have done well coming down of it and it deserves a pat on the back and getting a friend or family member pop in or phone you through your last dose and eating and drinking and sleeping and a cozy blanket to snuggle up to might be nice if need one and a reward planned after as you will have deserved it.
Good luck and have a check up with your own doctor to keep him in the loop if needed.
Love glynis x

 

[TracyJS]

I'm doing a direct taper and this time one drug at a time.

I think the drugs I was (and in some instances still am) taking could be the cause of my H. Not too sure about my T. I was told they are not ototoxic, but the key word here is 'neurotoxic' and no one can 100% guarantee whether the combo of your medication is or isn't neurotoxic - especially, if there are psychiatric drugs in the coctail that affect your central and, in some instances, peripheral nervous system. We're all unique, hence why medical supervision is needed.

I've said it before but I'll say it again. If you are really that worried, or simply don't have confidence in your psychiatrist consult your medication with a Pharm.D. The choice is yours.

I contacted my local hospital and they said without being a patient there or a recent patient they can't meet with me or give me medical advice. They directed me back to the pharmacy that dispensed the medication.

 

[TracyJS]

@glynis
Thank you, Glynis for your kind words. I actually had to pay for my psychiatrist out of pocket, so I am not able to
continue to be his patient. He advised a much quicker taper.

 

[Jiri]

I contacted my local hospital and they said without being a patient there or a recent patient they can't meet with me or give me medical advice. They directed me back to the pharmacy that dispensed the medication.

Typical U.S.A. retarded healthcare system. Ok. Go back to your pharmacy that dispensed your meds and demand they'll help you out with this. There will be someone knowledgeable enough to provide you with info you now need.

 

[fishbone]

If you don't mind, I'd like to ask which benzo you were on. I took a total of only 17 mg's of clonazepam, in .5 mg doses, over a relatively short time during the last couple of months of 2017. I did not believe that needed to taper, as I had only used the drug 32 times. My big mistake was when I went cold turkey in December, which I'm still suffering from today, five months later. My very difficult withdrawal was probably exacerbated due to my having taken Xanax a few times a week from 2004-2009.

I was on ativan. Going cold turkey is horrible, I wish that your withdrawls become less and you make a recovery. My struggles with benzos, makes my intrusive tinnitus look like cake walk...

 

[Michael Leigh]

demand they'll help you out with this

When one is in distress and in need of help. The last thing they should do is start throwing their weight around and demanding things. It is the quickest way to rub people up the wrong way. @TracyJS A softly softly approach is much better, then people will want to help you. Be polite with your request and I promise you, you'll get much better results. No-one likes a person that is demanding and arrogant.

All the best
Michael

 

[Jiri]

When one is in distress and in need of help. The last thing they should do is start throwing their weight around and demanding things. It is the quickest way to rub people up the wrong way.

Sorry, I will not be dragged into a heated exchange with you. You're twisting things around here a little. It is my impression that @TracyJS is a clever lady who understands very well that by me using the word "demand" I didn't mean her to actually go kick the door in and start shouting at people to start explaining to her "Now!" That's awful.

Of course, she can use "a softly, soflty approach" but if she then gets denied, she can also ask in a more authoritative way, because it is her right to have that piece of information. That is not arrogant. Btw, no one likes push-overs either.

With best regards,
Jiri

 

[Michael Leigh]

Sorry, I will not be dragged into a heated exchange with you. You're twisting things around here a little. It is my impression that @TracyJS is a clever lady who understands very well that by me using the word "demand" I didn't mean her to actually go kick the door in and start shouting at people to start explaining to her "Now!" That's awful.

Of course, she can use "a softly, soflty approach" but if she then gets denied, she can also ask in a more authoritative way, because it is her right to have that piece of information. That is not arrogant. Btw, no one likes push-overs either.

With best regards,
Jiri

Please be honest enough to say you were wrong. You have a bad attitude and have revealed your true colours and you won't get far in life, if you don't change your policy and your style.

Manners and respect makes a man and a woman and helps to carry us through life.
All the best
Michael

 

[Jiri]

You have a bad attitude and have revealed your true colour and you won't get far in life, if you don't change or policy and your style.

I did you nor anybody else on this site no wrong. Also, you know super little about me to be making such strong, aggressive statements. Stop attacking.

Bye

 

[Michael Leigh]

I did you nor anybody else on this site no wrong. Also, you know super little about me to be making such strong, aggressive statements. Stop attacking.

Bye

With respect, your comments told me and everyone on this thread the type of person you are.
I wish you well.
Michael

 

[Jiri]

your comments told me and everyone on this thread the type of person you are

Ok, so by me trying to honestly help someone else in need (perhaps, because I was in her shoes so many times before) I revealed my true colours and bad attitude that won't get me far in life. Really?

One more time, you know very little about me so, please, stop jumping into conclusions.

Good night

 

[Luman]

I was on ativan. Going cold turkey is horrible, I wish that your withdrawls become less and you make a recovery. My struggles with benzos, makes my intrusive tinnitus look like cake walk...

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Most therapists and MD's do not believe what many people go through with stopping benzos, they think it's all in our heads.

I've read accounts by people who were on this type of drug for 5, 10, even 20 or m0re years, and recovered, and the consensus from those who are knowledgeable, is that full recovery from this category of drugs is possible for virtually anybody, regardless of dosage, frequency of use, length of use, etc. It helps me greatly, to be aware of this, when coping with the remaining symptoms, which could very well last for some time to come.

 

[Jiri]

Seems like it.
But how on earth could you tolerate going straight at that dose? You must have felt pretty funny in your head, I would think? Since it have a pretty long half life as well, I guess you took it through out the day, not bc you needed to, but bc you was told to?
Either way, there are no experts when it comes to these drugs. Every health professional seems pretty clueless if you ask me. When withdrawal hits us, we are left alone and only have others in the same situation to hold on to. Experts? No such thing!!
I´m in my 6th year of withdrawal, but was on that shit for 20 years. (15-50 mg Oxazepam 2-3 times a week) Plus alcohol and Mirtazapine fucked it all up along the way!

Agreed. Was just trying to be a good patient and listen to the advice of my doctor so yes, I did what I was told to do. All I wanted to know was if its ototoxic. "It's not" was the answer. Never took so many drugs before in my life. When I had those seizures from abrupt withdrawal my doc didn't really seem to care. You're on your own. Just like you said.

Wait, what? For 20 years?? 6 years w/d O_O Omg. Stay strong.

 

[fishbone]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Most therapists and MD's do not believe what many people go through with stopping benzos, they think it's all in our heads.

I've read accounts by people who were on this type of drug for 5, 10, even 20 or m0re years, and recovered, and the consensus from those who are knowledgeable, is that full recovery from this category of drugs is possible for virtually anybody, regardless of dosage, frequency of use, length of use, etc. It helps me greatly, to be aware of this, when coping with the remaining symptoms, which could very well last for some time to come.

You see, I never argue with a Dr and tell him/her that they are wrong. I simply show them(show them a site/posts of people on the med(s)) 10-100 people expressing the hell and misery they are in.

Show them proof, educate them. If they still say that it is invalid then find a new dr. I think a lot of Drs are not aware of what they give out to patients(not 100% anyways). They might think at the core that the med/drug heals/helps something, but they don't think about the horrible side effects and withdrawals that med/drug can bring on. You/Us as the patient(s) have every right to know what goes in our bodies and how we are going to feel once taking the drug/med.

I had a possible sinus infection and was given a certain antibiotic. With a few hours a new tone was starting out in my ears. I instantly stopped the med, called dr in morning and got on an antibiotic that was somewhat tinnitus friendly....We have a voice, you have a voice..voice your concerns to your Dr, always...

 

[Starthrower]

Sorry, I will not be dragged into a heated exchange with you. You're twisting things around here a little. It is my impression that @TracyJS is a clever lady who understands very well that by me using the word "demand" I didn't mean her to actually go kick the door in and start shouting at people to start explaining to her "Now!" That's awful.

Of course, she can use "a softly, soflty approach" but if she then gets denied, she can also ask in a more authoritative way, because it is her right to have that piece of information. That is not arrogant. Btw, no one likes push-overs either.

With best regards,

Jiri

@Jiri You explained your thoughts very wisely and you are correct. The demanding simply means standing up and protect yourself which was not meant to be anything else. Often people are treated without regard and if you are persistent and nice and strong it can make a big difference between running away in misery or making your life improve.

Please be honest enough to say you were wrong. You have a bad attitude and have revealed your true colours and you won't get far in life, if you don't change your policy and your style.

Manners and respect makes a man and a woman and helps to carry us through life.
All the best
Michael

With respect, your comments told me and everyone on this thread the type of person you are.
I wish you well.
Michael

You need to seriously look in a mirror. Jiri"s explanation was done with respect. No man should ever speak to a woman or another person the way you do. You are the demanding person here.

And guess what? You cannot demand respect.

 

[Jiri]

@Starthrower Thank you for standing up for me. I was genuinely trying to give my best advice, since a lot of Tracy's questions were directed to me. I'm not going to lie, I got upset later on that she has to pay out of her pocket to see a psychiatrist, and is presently on these type of drugs without med. supervision. Where I come from this is unthinkable.

I even apologized to Tracy after in a p.m., if my comments came across as rude to her. I meant well. On that note, it'd be kind of nice from Tracy to say simple "thanks" or smth here. I paid close attention to her w/d management. I cert. didn't expect Mr. Leigh 'to come at me' the way he did. I hope we can now draw a line under this and just move on.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I cert. didn't expect Mr. Leigh 'to come at me' the way he did. I hope we can now draw a line under this and just move on.

I am prepared to draw a line under it @Jiri and would like to say, you have redeemed yourself quite admirably. I know Tracy's situation quite well and correspond with her regularly. Regarding the person that stood up for you. Please believe me you don't need it. It is someone that has been on my ignore list for some time along with others.

I wish you well.
Michael

 

[Starthrower]

Thank you for standing up for me.

No problem @Jiri. Your contributions and experience certainly help other people and I hope Tracy is doing okay. That is all that matters. It important to be able to stand up and not let people put you down especially when someone new is seeking help.

Regarding the person that stood up for you. Please believe me you don't need it. It is someone that has been on my ignore list for some time along with others.

I have way too much dignity...oh never mind. Fuck off. You are an arrogant asshole.

 

[Jazzer]

I have way too much dignity...oh never mind. Fuck off. You are an arrogant asshole.

"Oh - come on Starthrower - don't beat around the bush!
Do say what is on your mind....please!"

 

[Nanny chocolate]

Dave you are very naughty!
@Jazzer

 

[Jazzer]

Dave you are very naughty!
@Jazzer

I know Nanny - that's why people find me so irrisistable xx

 

[glynis]

I have been keeping a eye on this thread and hoping it would burn out by now.
I am putting my foot down now and the thread is under moderation.
Please respond to Tracy and no more personal remarks to eachother.
Love glynis x

 

[TracyJS]

I just want to say that I appreciate everyone's responses when offering help, guidance, or support.
@Jiri -thank you for trying to answer my questions regarding the medication and offering suggestions such as contacting a clinical pharmacist. I appreciate it very much.

@Starthrower and @Michael Leigh —as always thank you so much for your kindness and support.

Tracy

 

[Nanny chocolate]

I'm afraid Sylvie will have to put you on the naughty step! Lol x
@Jazzer

 

[Jazzer]

I'm afraid Sylvie will have to put you on the naughty step! Lol x
@Jazzer

Nanny - she says she knows me better than I know myself!
Now - that is proper scarey !!!

 

[Jazzer]

I would just like to say that @Starthrower is on my list of top contributors.
She has heart, intelligence and guts xxx

(....and throw in that she's a woman.
.....er.....I like women....xx)

 

[dayma]

Honestly if you are trying to get off certain medications I would not use a forum/internet for a plan. You will see generic plans.

My advice would be to seek a therapist or gp that will work with you and MONITOR you. It's also critical that you have family or loved ones around you during this time to monitor you as sometimes a 3rd party can tell changes better than you can.

Just my 2 cents ... I hope it goes well for you!

 

[glynis]

@Michael Leigh ,you were out of line here im afraid to say and @Starthrower sticking up for the injured party.


@Michael Leigh you should not asume everyone else has seen the true colours as it's your view .
@Starthrower ,no problem with you regarding this,just leave out the swearing.
Love glynis x

 

[Spiral]

@TracyJS

I didn't read the whole entire thread so some of these could have been addressed.

Benzo withdrawl is no joke. You definitely don't want to taper off too quickly as you might even get seizures if you aren't careful. One thing that you should expect is for the T to get worse, maybe even the H. The unfortunate side effect is that it will make things much worse until it gets better. The thing to pay attention to the most are the dark thoughts - if you feel like you are going to do something like harm yourself of others you definitely need to take a step back and get professional help.

Otherwise, you will be getting the trademark sweaty palms, nervousness and anxiety. Perhaps even panic attacks. These things are all normal so you might want to brush up on your meditation game or even some cognitive behavioral therapy to control some of those thoughts when they happen.

One thing that has been recommended to me was something called "Mindfulness", or being present in the moment and don't think too much about what is going on inside. Think about what you hear next to you, what you feel, what you see in front of you and name them out loud.

Eventually, benzodiazepines should only be used as a tool for when you need it the most. I've been off for 3 weeks now and it was one of the hardest things imaginable.

Resources:
Self withdrawl on benzodiazapines. My dosage high as yours but I have experienced it firsthand. Hopefully you find it usefull.