Clonazepam dependancy + withdrawel
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hello, I am new to the group. I feel isolated with my problem and need a support network to help with what I am going through.
I have severe chronic anxiety and was purchasing clonazepam (Klonopin) illegally as my GP will never prescribe me benzodiazepines again, ever. I became tolerant over time and would often take 2mg four times a day which is severe benzodiazepine dependency. I think the equivalent to diazepam would be 40mg per clonazepam tablet. That is an astounding 160mg comparison per day.
I detoxed cold turkey 1 year ago and I went into hell. I won't list the symptoms and horror I went through.
I told my GP and he referred me to the mental health team. I am seeing a psychiatrist Monday.
Do you thing I will be admitted to a mental hospital for detox. I recently turned 50 years old and have heart failure (dilated cardiomyopathy, ventricular tachycardia + other cardiac issues)
I am wondering if the psychiatrist will admit me for tapering due to cardiac issues or prescribe me diazepam tapering and send me home.
I have 3 tablets remaining and I am still anxious as they stopped working. I know 100% that in about a week I will enter withdrawal hell again. Some of you may say, wait and see what the psychiatrist says on Monday but I am keen to discuss this and be involved in a support group. I keep thinking how she is going to approach this as my consumption is very high and very longterm. I have a tough time ahead and will enter into hell but as the saying goes "If you're going through hell keep going"
I was probably lucky to survive the abrupt cold turkey last year due to the risk of fatal seizures which is the same in alcohol detox.
Wally
1 like, 5 replies
ann55375 Guest
Posted
please keep posting. it is helpful to,know there are others out there suffering benzo,problems. i have not found psych very good at handling thrm. i hope younhave success, youve done it once so can do it again
Guest ann55375
Posted
I believe so too Anne. There is lots of information on benzodiazepine detox on American sites but there doesn't seen to be a treatment protocol in the NHS. If I was looking for alcohol detox it would be no problem.
I'm concerned what the psychiatrist is going to do because in a few days I will be entering hell as I am almost out of clonazepam. Yes I did do it once but I was at risk of a fatal seizure.
RC009 Guest
Posted
SLOW detox with valium is the only way...Trytophan can help with sleep, or Hydroxyzine
Guest RC009
Posted
Correct RC. Switching to equivalent dose diazepam and then tapering is the correct way. I hope the psychiatrist I am seeing this morning uses this treatment. Some doctors don't understand it and just don't prescribe any Diazepam and say deal with it.
Trytophan may help with sleeping. Hydroxyzine does nothing for me. Promethazine (Phenergan) is another sedative antihistamine but with the levels of Clonazepam I have been using I think I need something stronger. Due to my heart problems I may be admitted to hospital. Some doctors do a quick taper which would require an anticonvulsant. Seizures and Tachycardia are a risk with Benzo withdrawal.
I'm anxious to see what she will be like. Some of them can be very insensitive and bitchy.
Good morning to you.
Wally
ann55375 RC009
Posted
cannot get valium down further than 10, maybe one or two days manage 8 or 9. dr hasnt given me anything to help, is there anything. crippling insomnia is the worst, then waking so depressed every morning. no energy. cant get to gym, in late sixties feel life over. saw someone was taking DOXEPIN and said it helped. any advice?