Posted by Neal on May 30, 2009, at 22:48:53
In reply to Re: Long time user of Klonopin, considering stopping., posted by Komet on May 30, 2009, at 17:55:30
> Neal, thanks,
>
> With regards to your first point - I agree. But if you read some of the boards (such as benzobuddies, etc.) you see nothing but horror stories that make me question my sanity for using these meds at all.I haven't gone there, but may check it out. The rule on the net (and on this board) is that those who have no problems with a med rarely post, those with problems post often.
>
> I've been at .5 for a bit and feel stable on it. A little discomfort for a couple of days at first and some lingering mild tinnitus - but nothing too bad.The reason for going slow is that you may not know all the things that med was doing for you. You just want to make sure that there's not going to be to much of a shock to your system, that's all. With other meds, you can be more cavalier - but not benzos.
>
> I'll stay here for a couple of weeks before tapering lower. Going down from .5 to .4, etc. seems like too much touble in pill cutting. Ideally, I'd like to go to .25 and then down to nothing. . .but could cut pill into 1/4 and go to .375, .25, .125 and then nothing. . .This seems like a long taper to me (4 months start to beginning and who knows how long to stabilize afterwards). . I would hate to streatch it out longer than this.It usually takes 3 days to a week to know how your body is going to react to a lowering of the med. But the best is to wait 2 weeks between each cut. You have to remember that just going from .5 to .4 is a 20% cut. Going from .4 to .3 is a 25% cut. Get me?
I once cut my benzo dose in half on the spur of the moment. After 2 days I felt fine. The third day was one of the unhappiest I have ever had. Maybe you're different, but frankly, I would feel unresponsible if I gave you any other advice. I've taken benzos for about 7 years, so I have some personal experience with that family of meds, but I'm not a Pdoc. I just don't want you to have some very uncomfortable days, if you're sure you want to go without.
BTW, if you DO get into trouble, your medicine is at hand, just raise your dose.
poster:Neal
thread:897371
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090524/msgs/898549.html