Forewarned, forearmed, to be prepared is half the victory. ~ Miguel de Cervantes
For many people, the prospect of facing benzodiazepine withdrawal is terrifying. For others, the actual process of withdrawal itself may be one of the most difficult things they will ever have to endure. This is due in no small part to the mismanagement of taper programs and the mistreatment of those injured by these medications. This happens, more often than not, as a result of the ignorance and false narratives that surround benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Getting educated and making a plan can help you to avoid the pitfalls that might get in the way of a successful taper. For years I’ve worked to educate benzo victims, their loved ones and even their medical providers about this class of drugs and what it takes to successfully and safely withdraw. I can tell you that those who approach benzodiazepine withdrawal prepared have more success, not only in withdrawing but also in reclaiming their lives. Here are three tips to help you plan for the best possible outcome should you choose to taper off a benzodiazepine or sleep aids.
1. Take Charge of Your Taper
The world’s leading authority on benzodiazepine withdrawal, Professor C. Heather Ashton DM FRCP, has this to say when it comes to designing a taper program:
“The rate of tapering should never be rigid but should be flexible and controlled by the patient, not the doctor, according to the patient’s individual needs which are different in every case.The decision to withdraw is also the patient’s decision and should not be forced by the doctor.”
Reading the Ashton Manual is the most important step you can take toward preparing yourself for successful withdrawal. You can read the Ashton manual here and watch my video series on it here.
There are countless factors at play in any given person’s withdrawal. Each experience is unique; this is to be both expected and respected. If you have been on a low dose of benzodiazepine for a relatively short period of time, you may choose to taper fairly rapidly, perhaps over a period of a few months. If you have health complications or need to hold down a full-time job, you may choose to micro taper daily over a year or two, to avoid being overwhelmed by symptoms. Whatever you choose, there is no right or wrong. Learn the basics, develop a plan and approach your doctor with your decision.
Given that most doctors are unfamiliar with both the Ashton Manual and the research surrounding benzodiazepines, you may need to educate your physician about all this. You can print out a copy of the manual for her or send her links to some of the relevant research . It is also a good idea to take a printed copy of your taper plan to your first visit on the subject of withdrawal. It’s not uncommon for medical professionals to be uncomfortable with the idea that what they have learned might be outdated or completely wrong. Be encouraging, polite and confident in your conversation. Let your doctor know that you’ve got this, it’s under control and his part will be that of a supporting role in your withdrawal and recovery.
A word of warning: If you do happen to develop some of the more severe symptoms that can accompany the discontinuation of benzodiazepines, your doctor may want to add in other medications to treat these symptoms. Even the most bizarre and frightening symptoms are very normal during this process. They are only temporary, lessening, and eventually disappearing, as you recover from the injury the medication has created. You may have to decide whether or not to use other drugs to manage these symptoms. Make sure you have an understanding of the risks and benefits of adding in such medications before you start your taper. This way you can make an informed choice and not be pressured into doing anything you might regret.
2. Build a Support Network
This is where it can be crucial to have your support system in place. Online support groups are filled with helpful information and the personal anecdotes of those who have implemented diverse tapering strategies. These support communities are also a wonderful place to find a mentor, something recommended in the Ashton Manual.
While the majority of people in online support groups will already understand what you’re going through, those you regularly encounter in person may not. One important factor in taking control of your taper, is taking charge of your personal narrative. Unfortunately, the words “withdrawal” and “recovery” or the names “xanax” and “valium” have a stigma attached. Using these words, no matter how carefully you may explain things, may lead to friends and loved ones assuming you are dealing with addiction. If you’re not abusing or using your benzodiazepine for recreation, then this is the last thing you want the people in your life to think.
This isn’t just about reputation. The assumption that you have an addiction can lead family and friends to advise you to rapidly withdraw, check into a detox facility or attend 12 step meetings, all if which are inappropriate when dealing with benzodiazepine dependence. There may also be the assumption your are to blame for any hardship you experience. This unfortunately can lead to a lack of empathy at a time in your life when you may be in great need of compassion from others. You’re not required to give anyone any information you’re not comfortable sharing. General statements such as “I was injured by a medication my doctor prescribed” and “I have an iatrogenic illness which I am hopeful will improve with time” are both true and easier for people to sympathize with. I preferred to use the term “benzodiazepine associated illness/injury”, which was far more true to my experience than the term “withdrawal”.
3. Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best
Remember, not everyone one will experience withdrawal in the same way. People ages 18-80, some of whom have been on benzodiazepines more than 20 years, have been able to successfully taper, some with surprisingly quick recoveries! In my experience, those who do become extremely ill for many months can still alleviate much of that severity by planning for a period of convalescence, along with taking proper care of their minds and bodies.
Studies have shown that benzodiazepines directly impact insulin. Many severe symptoms people experience during withdrawal are directly related to blood sugar imbalances. For such, implementing a diet that is high in healthy fats and protein while eliminating processed sugars and other high impact carbohydrates, makes a huge difference.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re very sensitive to benzodiazepine reductions, you’re probably not going to be able to tolerate substances such as caffeine, msg or other stimulating chemicals during withdrawal and recovery. Learning how to cook healthy, natural meals will benefit you greatly throughout your taper and long after.
If you haven’t already learned techniques for managing anxiety and panic attacks, how to do mindfulness, meditation etc. it’s best to learn these beforehand. You’ll be glad you did. Getting in the habit of regular light exercise can also really help to work out some of the adrenaline surges you might experience as your body adjusts to having less and less medication in your system.
At the end of the day, you won’t be able to control every aspect of your healing. Unfortunately, some people will be unwell for much longer than expected. Here are some other questions to consider as you plan for possible future events:
- Can your doctor help you request accommodations for your level of disability at work?
- Can you arrange for child care?
- Do you know what it would take to apply for disability?
- Is there someone who can help you manage necessary tasks that might become too difficult to do on your own such as running errands, paying bills, or even driving you to appointments?
These are worst case scenarios. While they’re not easy to think about now, they will be much more difficult to address if you become too ill to even drive to the store for groceries. Preparedness helps remove a lot of the fear from these situations. It will also help you achieve an acceptance of your limitations which will aid in the overall process of healing, both physically and emotionally.
In fact, the biggest piece of advice I can give anyone throughout all of this is “accept, accept, accept”. Accept that things turn out differently than expected. Accept your decision to both start this medication and to stop it. Accept help from others. Accept healing when it comes and setbacks when they inevitably happen. Accept the symptoms you experience as your body’s wisdom in healing you bit by bit. This is all part of the process and it all leads to you getting better. One day, you will look back and be so grateful that you have you back. You’ll realize how much you missed the old you. You’ll wonder how you ever managed to live life so emotionally stunted as you were on the benzodiazepine. You’ll take pleasure in the vibrant hues and beautiful subtleties of the world around you. Accept that life will never be the same, and that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
I would love to read about Lexapro tapering, and how long do symptoms last,,,,,,any help?
Thank you! This is so helpful. I successfully completed a benzodiazepine taper. I actually found the antidepressant tapers more difficult (which is saying something!). Lavender pills were very helpful to me to manage symptoms.
Hi Auden, what benzo did you come off of and what did you need the lilac pills for? I’m so interested in starting this myself! How long before you were completely successful??
Did you find a mentor for tapering? I am ready to do a Klonopin to Valium crossover and think I need help….. can’t find a schedule that fits my dose
Thanks!
My doctor has been tapering me off of Klonopin with no plans to replace it except giving me something like Xanax to take “if needed”. It hasn’t went well at all and I tell my doctor this but he keeps lowering the dosage. This just makes my anxiety worse.
Hello Auden. I’m looking for a mentor for support while I come off of benzodiazepines. have you ever mentored someone coming off of them or would you be interested? Does anyone know how to find a mentor?
Hello! We have some resources we can send your way – Feel free to email us at office@kellybroganmd.com.
I am looking for a mentor to help me through a Librium taper. I have had small doses compounded, and want to start. My doctor is an idiot, so I am willing to pay s sponsor (someone to help me). Thank u. Christine Mulreed
I skipped 100mg last night and seemed ok today took one noon.will skip tonight again.want to do this together .Barb
I take 2 100mg klonopin a day
Angela want to do it together
Thank you for the article. I am trying to taper off the smallest does of klonopin. It is so hard. I have Hashimotos Thyroiditis and it has been very debilitating for years.
Wow. I also have Hashimotos and I am trying to get off of Xanax. I wonder if there is a connection…
I am on the last .125 mg of Xanax. I used to take .25 2-3 times a day. March 2017, I decided 33 years was too long to be on it. What has it done to my brain? Nobody seems to know. Actually, a psych doctor told me I might always need it, as I had a “sensitive nervous system.” I had just completed a program to learn about and get over anxiety attacks but felt nauseated some after a move etc. The past 2+ years I have learned my husband of 47.5 years is a Narcissist. I realize the Xanax was a way to not feel quite as much. To cushion the anxiety. He is determined xanax is the reason I’m changing and doesn’t like it. But I have learned other ways to deal with N, and that’s what he doesn’t like. I was determined to deal with the tapering, but am taking more time to get off the last little bit. And I’m not opposed to taking another .125 mg now and then as I work through these issues. I’ve taken this course and do notice the good fats do help w blood sugar. I didn’t notice the correlation before and a bit of nervous feeling might be the need for some Xanax. Last night I felt that as I hadn’t had a snack and ate half an avocado and felt fine.
H JEN
Wow. Reading through your post and I am very similar .ive been on Xanax then Klonopin for 35 years for ptsd . No one told me to stop and I had panic attacks forever and needed sleep . My husband is non empathetic Narcissist as well. No help , just checked out . Wouldn’t help if he could but can’t . On my own . Have never gone above 1 mg in all these years . 3 x taper . Working on everything coming together . At .75 ACCORD BRAND . Weird weird switched from Mylan brand in August . Feel over sedatedat night, but can’t stay asleep . Wake up narcotized. Tapering very slowly . I want this to really happen . Did not sleep but 0-2 hours for two years in first taper 5=years ago . Drs did not want me back on it when I finally was off 3 months but said I had to sleep or would have a stroke . So here I am again .. determined . Have been meditating since then . Has made my brain more responsive to heal .
How are you doing now . There are lots of new ideas to share . I’m planning on lots of breakthroughs this time with supplemental help .
Take care
Lana
Lana,
Can you explain more about the pill brands you where on and the difference between them? I am on the accord brand. Never thought there might be differences? Curious and appreciate your insight.
Thank you!
Ann
I’ve been on psych meds including benzodiazepines for 27 yrs . Everything started after the death of a child and depression and anxiety ensued..If I would of known how much these prescription meds would affect my life, I’d have never took them to begin with..
4 years ago I admitted myself to hospital because of a clinical depression and anxiety..While in the hospital a psychiatrist thought it was a good idea to take me off 3 mg of clonazapam cold turkey..He put me on gabapentin and seroquel telling me that would cover the withdrawal..I went through 8 days of hell, no sleep panic attacks, every second felt like torture with no end in sight..I signed myself out, then had to reinstate the clonazepam .I ended up on 4 different meds instead of the 2 I was on originally ,Effexor and clonazepam.. I decided from that point never to trust a psychiatrist or physician again with my care..I enrolled myself in group therapy , Did ptsd therapy ,CBT, and other therapies over the past few years. .I am now weaning off all these poisons over a few years..I found the Aston manual and Dr Peter Breggins and online supports..When I left the hospital I was on 300 mg of seroquel (never had a manic episode in my life, not schizophrenic) 900 mg of gabapentin ..3 mg of clonazapam (which is klonipin) and 150 Effexor..I was in much worst shape then when I went in .I spent 3.5 years on these meds because the family physician wasn’t educated in the effects and dangers of psych drugs..I weaned off Effexor, still on 25mg of Seroquel .75 clonazapam 200 mg of gabapentin. ..It feels like such a long ways still left to go..All of these so called not addictive drugs , all have horrible withdrawal..Ive attempted 3 times to wean off The seroquel, but the anxiety and no sleep have forced me to reinstate..So I was reading that the Effexor should be weaned first, and I did that…( not easy after on for 27 yrs) I’m hoping now I can get off the seroquel which actually shrinks the brain and kills brain cells..and I’ve gained 50 pounds and am now pre diabetic.. Then can wean off clonazapam and gabapentin …Here is a list of some of the supplements that have helped so far.. magnesium, vitamin D3, B-100, omega 3 fish oils, kava kava, valerian root….I’ve never talked about any of this before. Im posting this hoping it can help someone else..It isn’t a easy road, but maybe we can all help one another by speaking out..Doctors need more education on prescribing and need to upgrade their knowledge and actually do their own research ..I’m sure most are well intentioned but that just isn’t good enough, when dealing with people’s lives especially when they are in the most vulnerable of states…
I’ve been on psych meds including benzodiazepines for 27 yrs . Everything started after the death of a child and depression and anxiety ensued..If I would of known how much these prescription meds would affect my life, I’d have never took them to begin with..
4 years ago I admitted myself to hospital because of a clinical depression and anxiety..While in the hospital a psychiatrist thought it was a good idea to take me off 3 mg of clonazapam cold turkey..He put me on gabapentin and seroquel telling me that would cover the withdrawal..I went through 8 days of hell, no sleep panic attacks, every second felt like torture with no end in sight..I signed myself out, then had to reinstate the clonazepam .I ended up on 4 different meds instead of the 2 I was on originally ,Effexor and clonazepam.. I decided from that point never to trust a psychiatrist or physician again with my care..I enrolled myself in group therapy , Did ptsd therapy ,CBT, and other therapies over the past few years. .I am now weaning off all these poisons over a few years..I found the Aston manual and Dr Peter Breggins and online supports..When I left the hospital I was on 300 mg of seroquel (never had a manic episode in my life, not schizophrenic) 900 mg of gabapentin ..3 mg of clonazepam (which is klonopin) and 150 Effexor..I was in much worst shape then when I went in .I spent 3.5 years on these meds because the family physician wasn’t educated in the effects and dangers of psych drugs..I weaned off Effexor, still on 25mg of Seroquel .75 clonazapam 200 mg of gabapentin. ..It feels like such a long ways still left to go..All of these so called not addictive drugs , all have horrible withdrawal..Ive attempted 3 times to wean off The seroquel, but the anxiety and no sleep have forced me to reinstate..So I was reading that the Effexor should be weaned first, and I did that…( not easy after on for 27 yrs) I’m hoping now I can get off the seroquel which actually shrinks the brain and kills brain cells..and I’ve gained 50 pounds and am now pre diabetic.. Then can wean off clonazapam and gabapentin …Here is a list of some of the supplements that have helped so far.. magnesium, vitamin D3, B-100, omega 3 fish oils, kava kava, valerian root….I’ve never talked about any of this before. Im posting this hoping it can help someone else..It isn’t a easy road, but maybe we can all help one another by speaking out..Doctors need more education on prescribing and need to upgrade their knowledge and actually do their own research ..I’m sure most are well intentioned but that just isn’t good enough, when dealing with people’s lives especially when they are in the most vulnerable of states…
I have tapered off benzos, and yes it was tough… but nothing compared to coming off Seroquel. Please consider writing an article like this for anti-psychotics.
I tapered off benzos last year and it was definitely not easy. Now I am also coming off Seroquel, I am completely off right now, however I am having so much trouble sleeping. I am averaging 2-3 hours of sleep a night for over a month now—soooo difficult.
Some people find some of the sleeping apps, or meditation apps with sleeping components, to be very helpful with insomina. The Calm app has both sleeping meditations and Sleep Stories, but there are other effective apps out there, too. These stories work 9/10 times to help me get back to sleep. Maybe they can help you get a little more sleep.
Just wanted to say that your success of tapering off Xanax first and now trying to taper off of Seroquel now gives me hope. I’ve been taking Seroquel 50mg for sleep for 18 years and Xanax at one time 2mg a day, reduced to 1mg 5 years ago 1mg at bed and past 6-8 months 0.5mg. I want to microtaper off the Xanax first and then from the Seroquel. Your post is inspirational and gives me hope.
Attempting to detox from Lorazepam was futile. After much research, I have been using the Ashton method. I plan on doing this as slowly as I need to. Thank goodness I have a doctor who is willing to allow this. In the past, I was sent to a so called expert who put me on Klonopin and detox’d me so quickly that I had a seizure. I was a detox failure and went right back on benzo’s. This was several years ago. Lorazepam stopped working for me so, it was time to ditch it. I had already successfully got off of Lexapro which didn’t do anything other than put fifty Lbs on me and gave me all sorts of symptoms. It is important to find a doctor who is willing to work with you because, some are old school ignorant and will either tell you to stay on them forever or will detox you way too quickly. I am so glad for this article. It confirms what many of us already knew. It also serves to educate providers. Thanks much!
Thanks Kelly, for creating such a comprehensive and supportive action plan for achieving Benzodiazepine withdrawal.
i can say that in my own process of coming off all the psych meds i had been taking for 17 years, re-achieving a natural balance after the Klonopin (called Clonazepam in Canada) was the most arduous and gruelling.
For two years i was sleeping only one or two hours a night. In my case my process was initiated through what you might call a spiritually informing event while i was on all the pharmaceuticals, whereby i unequivocally knew at a soul level that i would soon die unless i chose a different life path, than one following the mental health system. So i wasn’t dealing with anxiety brought on by fear and doubt anymore, because my determination was clear and intense.
However, my sleep regulating system was still whacked and i became completely focussed on never taking any sleep aid again even though my Naturopath suggested botanical remedies. And i also realized that private clinics running sleep studies for profit under Canada’s publicly funded health care, were really only out to find ways to sell you on sleep apnea machines.
i had this spiritually informing event nine years ago after which i started the sudden med withdrawal, and have now been doing well after i subsequently went through a healing process.
In your approach to drug taper and elimination, i especially value the patient-centred focus, as well as your deep understanding and inclusion of the spiritual dimension.
i would also like to comment that for those in countries with public health care, like Canada, how easy it is to fall into a bottomless pit with a continual drip-feed of pharmaceuticals at public expense, and a system which is only able to offer support, if you remain in this pit.
Three things about your post I can identify with, I’ve been on some kind of antidepressant and/or anti-anxiety and/or antipsychotic medication daily for 24 years. I’m actually currently only on a small dose of the benzodiazipine med Xanax for going on 11 years, was up to 1mg twice a day until 5 years ago decreased it to 1mg at bedtime and a year ago decreased it to 0.5mg at bedtime and I’m currently on 50-100mg of Seroquel at bedtime. I take both for sleep however I do not feel they are working anymore as I’ve been dealing with insomnia for the past 6 months and it’s been really severe the past week. I feel these meds are harming me, more than they are helping me. I’m very inspired by your post that after 17 years you’ve decided to taper off the Klonopin. I took Klonopin for 8 years before switching to Xanax almost 11 years ago. I can tell that my brain chemistry has been damaged by the use of these medications however my brain chemistry has been messed up long before this, for me it all started in highschool 34 years ago and I’ve had difficulty falling asleep ever since and past few years I’m having a difficult time staying asleep even on these medications. Anyway I was wondering how are you doing now with tapering off the Klonopin?
Thank you Kelly so much for addressing this. I have been trying to get off my Klonopin for some time. I’m having a hard time dropping below a certain amount. It is a small amount. It is half of what is prescribed for me. Your article is so helpful. I love the work that you are doing. Many Blessings! Judy
Hi Judy, checking in with you to see how you are doing with your slow taper off of the Klonopin and how many years have you been taking it for? I too am taking a much smaller dose of the benzodiazipine Xanax then is prescribed to me as well. Was wondering if you had success completely getting off it?
Hi Melissa and Judy,
Have either of you successfully tapered off? I am on .25mg of Klonopin and am looking for hope to taper this small dose. Any insight appreciated about completely getting off.
I am on .25 klonopin ” as needed” sometimes I would take .5 but not usually. I am looking to come off too. I have done it in the past, but for some reason it is much harder this time. Have you started yet?
How long does withdraw last?
Hi Kane. I can tell you I was on 1 mg Ativan at night for 6 months. The taper I did was 3 weeks, and I am now 1 week off Ativan. I generally feel no worse than when I was on ativan, maybe fatigued. My sleep is still very poor, but that’s why I took the 1 mg before bed. Had a realization that I was sleeping no better with the Ativan, so whats the point! I tapered 2 weeks at .5, then 1 week at .25. Wishing you well
Did you do an assisted taper or did you just taper on your own?
I am currently taking 2mg lorazepam twice daily. I have no choice but to go 1 mg twice daily. I am actually scared that it’s too much of a taper to do on my own . But as of now I dont have a choice . Has anyone cut their dose automatically in half ? And I am not quite sure what side effects I am gonna go through. I been on this drug for 7 years. Trust me if I knew it was so addictive and if I could go back I would slap the doctor that did not tell me the side effects and addiction risk. I started on .5 mg and over the years I am now up to 2 mg.
I wish your advice had been available when I tapered benzos several years back. It was very difficult and I was so alone. I am tapering from Lamictal, the last nightmare rx I was put on back in 2003. Do you have advice for coming off that one? I am now at 4.8 mg and tapering 13% at a time. Very slow cuz I am very fearful of a backlash reaction from my nervous system which can have a mind of it’s own. Would CBD oil be useful in speeding up the taper for instance?
I hope to be able to share your wise words doc with anyone who has problems and is looking to get it back to reality
My biggest problem going off klonopin is that I take it for sleep and can’t sleep without it. I have tappered it way down to very little and then use supplements like theanine, magnesium, and CBD oil. Is it better to use the supplements? I struggle with C-PTSD, which has caused me to have insomnia for the past 30 years.
Excellent information and recommendations. Thank you, Jocelyn!
Do you have recommendations for getting off Seroquel, Lithium and Lexapro and in what order?
I got off Ativan (with agony) by myself, and have halved Lexapro in 1month.
Thank you so much. You are a lifegiver.
LindaJennings
Dr. Brogan discusses tapering in her book, A Mind of Your Own. You can also email our office at office@kellybroganmd.om and we can send you some tapering resources.
This is a fantastic find. I decided in February 2019 to start taking my life back. Dr had me on 20 mg Lexapro, Wellbutrin, 1 mg Xanax 3-4 times a day, Zolpedim (spelling?) for sleep and 1000 mgs of Depakote. Also 10/325 hydrocodone. Hmmm, did I get them all? Oh and levothyroxine for low thyroid. I believe that happened due to the drugs. I never ever took pills other than an occasional Advil before.My body was shutting down. Sleeping too much, agoraphobia, debilitating panic/anxiety attacks, loss of bladder control, headaches, joint and muscle pain, anger, manic. What a hot mess. I’m now clean from the lexapro and Wellbutrin. 48 hours clean from the hydrocodone, down to 0.5 mg of Xanax. Still on the depakote till my body heals from the shock of removing the poisons. Synthetic drugs suck. Too high of a price to pay. I am now going to start going to group and individual counseling which I found myself here locally which is run by people who have been through withdrawal hell as I call it. Much of this is my own willpower and desire to live. I don’t see my husband more than half the year due to his job and it’s harder being alone as I get older but drugs are NOT the answer. I do not eat fast food, processed food or sugar anymore. We have switched to grass fed beef for essential protein and I take 2000 of omega 3 fish oil twice a day along with fruit and veggies. The withdrawal pain is there, I cry, I get manic but I refuse to quit. I will beat this and be drug free and make some new friends and hopefully be there to support someone one day when I’m healthy. Pay it forward. We can all beat this. It takes time and adjusting. Finding a support group is the best. Before I started getting off the drugs I read hours and hours, site after site, days, weeks. The best information I’ve found is from other folks such as yourselves. I thank you all.
Dr. Brogan, thank you for writing this very important article, with all the sage advice. Just today, a colleague of mine told me about the “headache” that her elderly mother is now forced to deal with after her psychiatrist began to fumble the ball here with getting her mother off lorazepam.
Kind regards,
David Shannahoff-Khalsa
Thank you so….. much for the article on coming off benzodiazepines – I am trying to come off an anti-depressant that I have been taking for the last 10 years – & have tried before – hopefully, I will as you say accept some of the days that you are more quiet & not feeling yourself!
I’m Jennifer and with the knowledge and guidance of Kelly Brogan’s online program, I too successfully tapered off of clonazapam, Abilify, and Viibryd last year. I had been on these types of psychotropic drugs as prescribed by doctors for over 25 years. As noted in earlier comments, I knew these substances were no longer serving me and indeed felt they were poisoning me at this point. By putting my mindset in order, eating very clean (including eating lots of good fats and protein and ceasing sugar, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, gluten, etc.) and arming myself with Kelly’s protocol, I approached my doc who was game to support me in this endeavor. I believe it took about nine months for me, but we took it slow and steady. There were some adjustments needed along the way to facilitate symptoms and situations… indeed, the process is very personal and individual.
While I still experience depression and anxiety (and some insomnia), these symptoms are much less extreme now and I’m managing them through EMDR with a wonderful psychologist, stress-management mindfulness, clean eating and acceptance. I found that the most important factors for me during this time was self-love and gentle kindness. Continued blessings and thanks to Kelly for her program and to all my cohorts in the on-line community. I feel I’m experiencing my second chance at life!
Hello Jennifer Snyder,
Hope you are well. Am happy for you that thanks to God and your strong will you got rid of these “medicines”. My case is a bit similar to yours in terms of time. I take risperidona and clonazepam since 1998 (20 years already), and flunitrazepam since 2014. Will you please tell me how I succeeded in getting rid of thes Psych- Drugs. I cut with an ultra thin knife a little piece of risperidone during 3 days and I began having headaches and ugly sensations in my head and I couldn’t stand it. By the way do you have an idea or set of ideas to suggest me on how to taper slowly. Thanks beforehand. Thanks indeed. Blessings. Dardo.
Hi:
I am trying to wean off of sertraline and Klonopin. I am about to start emdr due to some trauma I experienced., Can you tell me if it is possible to successfully do emdr during medication withdrawal? Thank you..
Dr. Brogan, Thank you for all the wonderful, helpful information you have provided thus far re: tapering off different medications. Living in the U.S. and with our current ‘opiate epidemic’, I was curious if you were looking into this at all? Especially how to taper off opiates, and the ever so difficult ‘replacement management meds such as Suboxone or Buprenorphine”. I find this to be one of the most import topics that, unfortunately Physician’s and Patients, are extremely unaware of the damage of long term use of these medications cause and the extreme (worse than heroin and Vicodin or opiate pills) debilitating process of tapering and getting off these medications. If you have any insight or resources to direct me toward, I’d greatly appreciate it. I have your book and will try to apply the protocols for this as well. Thanks again.
Does this advice also apply to tapering off anti-psychotics (ie: neuroleptics) ? If not, how does the tapering differ?
I have been on Valium for 12 years. I am titrating and am now on 4mg daily. It has been very difficult because of chronic pain and other health issues. I also have Hashimotos and lichen sclerosis. It has been very difficult but became so much worse when I got the shingles shot shingrix. I had a terrible reaction to the shot that has been going on for 6 weeks. My doctor said to continue my titration but I’m not sure if it is a good idea. The reaction to the shot has been unbearable at times and doesn’t seem to be letting up. I’m very worried.
Thank you very much
This is for Colleen. I was forced to taper off oxycodone by my pain doctor because I was and still do take clonazepam. He wanted and expected me to get off my clonazepam in thirty days or he would not give me anymore oxy after that visit. I tried to explain that I had tried to taper off a few months earlier from 2mgs a day. I got down to 1mg and after about a week I started having really bad anxiety attacks. He didn’t believe me. When I saw my psych doctor he told me to go back up to 1.5mgs and I did. That worked so I stayed at that dose and was getting ready to start tapering again when my pain doctor suddenly told me I had to get off one or the other. I was taking four 10mgs oxy a day and had to taper with just a thirty day supply. He offered me no help at all with my taper. I begged him to at least give me two months to get off it but he wouldn’t. I was only able to get down to half my dose when I ran out. Which was 5mgs four times a day. On my last day I only had two left. I took my last oxy around 2:00 and of course that night it all started. I had asked my psych doctor to put me back up to 2mgs of clonazepam because I read that it would help with the withdrawals as far as sleeping and other things. Big mistake! I should have just tried the 1.5mgs first. I took the 2mgs that night and it did a total reverse. I had so much anxiety and couldn’t sleep. I was lucky in one way as far as how bad the withdrawals were from the oxy. I didn’t have very many of the withdrawal symptoms that they talk about. No sweats or feelings of getting sick. Just the anxiety and not being able to sleep for a couple of weeks. Plus a little diarrhea and RLS. It took four weeks for the oxy to completely leave my body. That whole month, every week would get a little better as far as sleeping. Now after a couple of months I can sometimes stay asleep most of the night. I do still wake up off and on most nights. The oxy and clonazepam worked together. Now I’m having trouble with the clonazepam. When I was taking both I slept good and could function. I’m trying to taper the clonazepam again but for some reason it’s harder to go down than before. I’m glad I’m off the oxy but I wish I could have gotten off the clonazepam first because I know it’s going to take a long time to do it now. Probably a year or more. The oxy was a piece of cake compared to clonazepam. My point is just do a slow taper off your opiates and you will be fine. You don’t need suboxone. It’s just another thing you’re going to have to taper off eventually. Best of luck to you. Dawn
Thank you all for your stories, unfortunately, none of you are facing Ativan withdrawal with Bilateral Meniere’s Disease, the only reason I’ve been on the Benzo. Please Pray.
Hi Barbara, does the Ativan help with the dizziness? I went to the ER a few times with bad vertigo and it was chalked up to anxiety and put on Ativan. I was later diagnosed with post concussion syndrome and am afraid tapering off the Ativan will bring back the vertigo. I haven’t even been able to start concussion therapy bc of the withdrawals.
I started taking Alpraolam .05mg in July 2018. I am trying to taper off this medicine. I am at .125mg every 6 hours and will start another taper in another week. The side effect that I have is dizziness and it’s driving me crazy. Is this what I have to put up with until I”m not taking it anymore?
I have been in this evil mill of bondage to big pharma for over 25 years. I have gotten off of 3 of the 5 psych. meds I was initially prescribed. It was horrendously hellish. The Paxil and Klonopin at the same time was a feat only done by a lot of prayer and support from church members, I think i would of died otherwise. I am currently still on Seroquel 250mg at night and Ativan 2mg. Im going to try to taper again off of the Ativan. It seems Im having more trouble this time me around I guess because Im still not fully recovered from the Paxil and Klonopin Discontinuation three years ago already. Mabye this suffering serves a greater spiritual purpose. God willing when I get off these psych. meds I will be able to help others and fight against this demonic beast of pharmacopeia. I pray for all these people on this blog. Jesus give us your strength.
What a nightmare….My husband died 3 months ago and about 2 months ago I was having issues sleeping so my Dr. prescribed temazapan 30MG…At first they worked but slowly they stopped working so I get no better sleep taking the pill than not …I dont want to take them any longer so my Dr. is slowly tapering me off..I never would have started them had I known about this….Not only am I grieving my husband but also doing it with little sleep.
My heart hurts for you! How are you doing?
Thank you so much for this website and postings as I have been on 1mg of Lorazeoam for 9 years. Although it may seem like a small dose I have a very over active system and want so much to wean off but am scared. I will say reading these messages gives me hope as I want my one self back.😁
I am trying to wing off clonazepam 2mg I have been on 15 years. I went from 2mg to 1mg. 9 days ago and now my pain med don’t seem to be working. I am now very nervous and my skin burns is this to fast going from 2mg to 1mg? Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Terese, We can share some resources that can help – Feel free to reach out to us at office@kellybroganmd.com
Hi Theresa, yes this is way way too fast. You need to be tapering no more than 10% of your dose every two to three weeks to allow your body and brain to heal as you taper. If you check out benzobuddies.com you can see they have good taper schedules but currently you are risking severe withdrawal symptoms by tapering that quickly
I have been on Klonopin 1 mg for 15 years. My doctor wants me to come off of it in 15 days. I think that is too quick. Do you have any tapering advice. I would appreciate it.
Hi Lisa, We have some resources on tapering we can send you if you email office@kellybroganmd.com.
I been taking clonazepam for two months can’t sleep due to tinnitus sometimes I just take one quarter at night and during the day one 8th of of pill is that good and how long will it take me to get off of it
I just found these comments and they help me feel not so alone. I’m doing a clonazepam taper after using it for sleep for 17 years. It stopped working 3 months ago. My psychiatrist told me to stop taking clonazepam and take Lunesta instead. That only gave me 4 hours of sleep. Then he said to try Mirtazapine; that only worked for 4 hours of sleep and I felt underwater all day. I know he was wrong to have me cold turkey off clonazepam. So I went back on clonazepam at bedtime and have tapered down to .25 but my insomnia is bad and I can’t even get 4 hours. How do people do a final taper and get totally off clonazepam and do they ever sleep again? Melatonin helps a tiny bit but wears off too quickly.
Do you have recommendations for getting off risperidone 3mg, clonazepam 2mg, flunitrazepam 2mg and in what order?. I take the three drugs once a day at night? Can I take together a pill of risperidone plus an exact quantity of drops of risperidone to achieve a specific and exact dose? Is there a significant difference of speed of absortion between risperidone pills and risperidone drops? Thank you so much. You are a lifegiver. Michelle
You can email us at office@kellybroganmd.com for some resources related to medication tapering.
Have been on klonopin for 18 years. 76 years young, and determined to get of klonopin for insomnia. Any suggestions for a remedy that might help me get some sleep, while tapering. I take 1mg. Every night. Do not sleep that well, however without klonopin I get no sleep, and feel anxious. Therefore tough to stop, however I am determined. Last but not least , dr. Brogans book, has become my bible . She is amazing! God bless..
I am going through hell. Restless and agitated and feeling like I’m losing my mind. Was tapered off klonopin 6 weeks ago and am crawling out of my skin. Also on Prozac and Trazodone and Inderal for anxiety but it is not helping. I did attempt suicide after I was tapered off of klonopin in seven days. Can anybody can relate?
Hey Susan, I know what you are going through. Since my recent traumatic breakup of 6 years, with distant family and no friends, (basically completely alone to deal with this horror) while suffering from chronic anxiety disorders and nonstop panic. I did not know what to do other that drug myself on 1mg of lorazepam twice a day to ease my suffering. It’s been only one month since I started using the lorazepam, but the side effects are messing me up just as much as its helping me, so I am trying my best to wean myself off. My doctor tried switching me from lorazepam to klonopin and after 2 days my symptoms went through the roof, like way worse even though i thought i could not get any worse. But one thing I know, regardless of how much suffering I am currently going through, is that this pain and suffering doesn’t last forever. Everything you are going through is a symptom, and symptoms go away with time. So it may seem impossible to you at the moment as it does for me. But just get through every day, just live. Eventually you will feel better bit by bit and once the symptoms go away, you will be very grateful and glad that you stuck it through. Regardless of what you may be telling yourself at the moment. Hang in there! It gets better, and there are better ways to deal with anxiety. You can beat anxiety and cope with it and life can be very pleasurable. I promise you that. But you have to get through this rough patch. You can do it. Stay strong and take it one day at a time.
I sure can relate, I had a psychiatrist take me off 3 mg cold turkey in hospital while I went in there for help with severe depression and anxiety.. He put me on a high dosage of Gabapentin and Seroquel telling me that I should get off clonazapam and this would cover that withdrawal…That was a falsehood, I didn’t sleep for six days straight and after 8 days, my family came and got me..I had to reinstate and was in bad shape for years and have had suicidal ideation many times..Now I’m stuck with weaning off even more meds…I’ve gotten down on all three, Gabapentin, Seroquel, Clonazepam but still have a ways to go..It’s been very difficult, go slow with tapering is the best advice I can give.. Never more then 10 percent and for some 5% May be necessary…It takes awhile for the central nervous system to even out..I give it at least a month or more before next taper..You have to see how it goes, its individual.. Feel free to contact me, we all need each other..take care, Charlaine
My dr
Is tapering me off
Klonapin
0.5
Half pill in the morning
And 0.5
At night
Anybody else
Going thru the same thing
I am on .5mg Clonazepam in the morning and .5mg Clonazepam in the evening. I am about to start talking to my psychiatrist about a plan to get off. I believe that 25mg Seroquel at night helps with sleep. I have been on Clonazepam for 10yrs.
I have been on .5mg of K 1x/day for ten years. Occasionally, I’ve tried to taper off and got down to .125mg but couldn’t make the final step and ended up back a .5mg/day. I am doing it again now with the cooperation of of my pdoc. First I was put on Valium, and stopped K at the the same time. After a month on V, I am tapering off at the rate of 2.5 of V mg every two weeks until I get down to 2.5 level. The she’s going to put me on a liquid version so I can do the last 2.5 very slowly. So this will be a three or four month process. I’ve had some unpleasant symptoms as the K has left my system, replaced by V. Muscle cramping at night, extreme fatigue during the day, depression. I am determined to complete this process. If I am completely and totally miserable after six months, I’ll probably go back on a low dose of K. This process isn’t for wimps.
hi all you beautiful strong souls. you all touch my heart. i am 62. was on vicodin 80mg 1x daily for 6 years. quit c/t 2018. now attention has turned to tapering clonazepam 2mg at night. 2 full knee replacements followed by stage 4 throat cancer in last 4 years. all done alone. 40 hours chemo and 35 radiation at same time. i say this because i think we can do this. we are so much stronger than we might think. also i too am scared and if a few of you could keep me in your thoughts from time to time i know i would feel less alone. thank you all for your sharing. Ned
I took klonopin for 8 years from 19-27. went off 1mg a day cold turkey and suffered pretty bad withdrawal symptoms. I started losing touch with reality and having depressive and negative thoughts. Paranoia and anxiety increased and i was left wondering if id be the same around month 6 off. 1 year off i started feeling better. Now im 1.6 moths off and the rebound anxiety is lessening. I do feel alot of the paranoid and delusional in my case feelings and thoughts are a direct withdrwal syomptom. Like for example i was having extreme disconfort when id sit still and couldnt relax and feltl like i was having heart attack but in reality it was axniety and now that i exercise i no longe have those thoughts. brutal drugs a majority of doctors prescribing know little about and the withdrawal is another story… anyways THERE IS HOPE!
Hi,
I have been on benzos for over three years daily. At first it was Ativan but i don’t remember I think it was 1 mg, then I said I want to get off it, so my (horrible, not gonna get into that) put me on klonopin .t mg once daily immediately, and I have been having horrible symptoms like my legs feel like jello, I have trouble walking and I need a cane! I am 33. I also get double vision: I have been to the hospital many times and actually ended up in the cardiac hsin. They were SO MAD and put me on 2x of .5mg lince a day and i had no symptoms, but my doctor put me back on 1x day. What do I do?
My Primary care Doctor wants to wean me off Xanax, I am on .5mg 3x day, what is the best way to do this without severe withdrawl symptoms?