Taking Benzos for Hyperacusis Until Better Treatments Are Available

[Sam Marksmen]

Hey @Sam Marksmen, how's your taper going?

I'm not tapering as I'm too afraid it will make my tinnitus worse. There might be a new version of Trobalt by Biohaven. Kinda waiting to see what happens with that.

I'm worried as staying on Klonopin could worsen the tinnitus as well.

It's a horrible conundrum I'm in. Just staying at 1.25 mg. When I started taking it, the doctor said I could come off it cold turkey so I didn't think it would be bad, until I researched it. The withdrawal process takes years and it's hell.

Then there's PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome). I just can't take that after the tinnitus, I'd jump off a cliff.

 

[Nick47]

I'm not tapering as I'm too afraid it will make my tinnitus worse. There might be a new version of Trobalt by Biohaven. Kinda waiting to see what happens with that.

I'm worried as staying on Klonopin could worsen the tinnitus as well.

It's a horrible conundrum I'm in. Just staying at 1.25 mg. When I started taking it, the doctor said I could come off it cold turkey so I didn't think it would be bad, until I researched it. The withdrawal process takes years and it's hell.

Then there's PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome). I just can't take that after the tinnitus, I'd jump off a cliff.

@Sam Marksmen, yes, a difficult conundrum. Did the Klonopin help in the beginning or is it still helping? It helps me but I don't use it regularly. It can cause me to feel depressed though.

 

[Lane]

The withdrawal process takes years and it's hell.

Hi @Sam Marksmen -- Perhaps to put your mind at ease (if only a little bit), people vary considerably in how well they taper off of a benzo. Some do take years and find it extremely difficult, but others are able to do it much quicker, and without significant withdrawal symptoms. I think having extra support during a withdrawal process, such as mHBOT, microcurrent therapy, etc. could make a big difference in one's experience.

Becoming familiar with various supplements that will help calm the brain and neurological system would also be important. Various other modalities such as Epsom salts baths, castor oil packs, etc. could prove invaluable. I think the trick is to hope for the best, but more importantly, do whatever we can to help make that the outcome. -- Best!

 

[Diego LR]

@Sam Marksmen, yes, a difficult conundrum. Did the Klonopin help in the beginning or is it still helping? It helps me but I don't use it regularly. It can cause me to feel depressed though.

How often do you take Klonopin (Clonazepam)?

I am only taking 0.5 mg every other day because I have strong difficulties to sleep at all. I am thinking of swapping it for Quetiapine.

 

[SmallRonnie]

I'm not tapering as I'm too afraid it will make my tinnitus worse. There might be a new version of Trobalt by Biohaven. Kinda waiting to see what happens with that.

I'm worried as staying on Klonopin could worsen the tinnitus as well.

It's a horrible conundrum I'm in. Just staying at 1.25 mg. When I started taking it, the doctor said I could come off it cold turkey so I didn't think it would be bad, until I researched it. The withdrawal process takes years and it's hell.

Then there's PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome). I just can't take that after the tinnitus, I'd jump off a cliff.

Were you using the Ashton method when calculating withdrawal time?

As @Lane said, you don't strictly need to make the withdrawal process very long but it might just be a bit more uncomfortable.

Some people use milder similar drugs/supplements to help withdrawing from benzos such as Kratom or Phenibut. Or you can even just swap to using milder benzos first and then step down like that.

Be careful if you do use Phenibut or Kratom though as they can be equally as addictive as benzos and have their own withdrawals too.

 

[Nick47]

How often do you take Klonopin (Clonazepam)?

Once a week, although when I don't use it, I take 2 mg Diazepam as needed (most days in between), usually in the afternoon and usually just once.

 

[Ken77]

Benzos can make your tinnitus worse if taking for a long period of time? How long? Is this true? What's the reason for this? The problem is getting off them would make the tinnitus far worse.

I am not a doctor but my tinnitus appeared one month after I took my last dose of benzos so I see it as a possible cause in my case. There are also a lot of anecdotal reports from other people online who say they got tinnitus during benzo withdrawal (usually temporary but sometimes permanent). It is best to talk to your doctor about this though.