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I Need To Know The Best Way To Quit Clonazepam
Question: I need to know the best way to quit clonazepam given my current, specific situation.
I was prescribed klonopin in November of 2019 with the instructions to take 1mg per day or on an as-needed basis. I began taking them sporadically on an as-needed basis ~1mg every 1 and 1/2 weeks or so. In January of 2020 I discontinued using them for a period of ~2 and 1/2 weeks with no adverse affects. I began using them again at the beginning of February at an increased rate/dosage, although never exceeding the recommended dose. From February to the current date, I have been taking 1mg approximately twice a week, with a space of two days or longer in between doses. I was not told of the potential damage that could occur from taking clonazepam for longer than a 4 week period. I have three main questions: 1. What is the best method to discontinue use at this time given the above information? (i.e. taper, supervised medical detox, etc.) 2. What type (if any) of withdrawal symptoms should I expect to experience given the above information? And 3. what are the long term implications of the extended period of time I was taking these drugs (having been on them on a sporadic but regular basis for more or less 4 months, can I expect to experience permanent cognitive damage? If any damage has occurred, is it reversible? And what can I do to mitigate any damage that might occur as a result of withdrawal?) As a side note, my last dose (1mg) was two days ago and I am not experiencing any recognizable withdrawal symptoms. I am very anxious and have a slight headache but being that this level of anxiety is close to my baseline I believe that what I am experiencing is psychosomatic as a result of my nervousness surrounding the situation. I know this is a lot to parse so thank you in advance!
I was prescribed klonopin in November of 2019 with the instructions to take 1mg per day or on an as-needed basis. I began taking them sporadically on an as-needed basis ~1mg every 1 and 1/2 weeks or so. In January of 2020 I discontinued using them for a period of ~2 and 1/2 weeks with no adverse affects. I began using them again at the beginning of February at an increased rate/dosage, although never exceeding the recommended dose. From February to the current date, I have been taking 1mg approximately twice a week, with a space of two days or longer in between doses. I was not told of the potential damage that could occur from taking clonazepam for longer than a 4 week period. I have three main questions: 1. What is the best method to discontinue use at this time given the above information? (i.e. taper, supervised medical detox, etc.) 2. What type (if any) of withdrawal symptoms should I expect to experience given the above information? And 3. what are the long term implications of the extended period of time I was taking these drugs (having been on them on a sporadic but regular basis for more or less 4 months, can I expect to experience permanent cognitive damage? If any damage has occurred, is it reversible? And what can I do to mitigate any damage that might occur as a result of withdrawal?) As a side note, my last dose (1mg) was two days ago and I am not experiencing any recognizable withdrawal symptoms. I am very anxious and have a slight headache but being that this level of anxiety is close to my baseline I believe that what I am experiencing is psychosomatic as a result of my nervousness surrounding the situation. I know this is a lot to parse so thank you in advance!
Brief Answer:
You can stop it straight away
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all, I like to inform you that you are neither addicted nor dependent on the clonazepam and can stop it abruptly. In case that appears difficult for you take only 0.75 mg on need basis for next two weeks folowed by 0.5mg for another two weeks followed by 0.25 mg for another two weeks (on need basis). I mean to say that either abrupt withdrawal or tapering is what that is needed for you.
2. In my opinion you are expected to get rebound anxiety in most situations although the possibility is low as you have not experienced despite two days of abstinence from clonazepam.
3. The long term implications include addiction and dependence and needing higher dose over a period of time. The other complications include cognitive, falls and fractures, poor motor response among others.
You can expect no permanent damage as most of the side effects are complete reversible within few days of abstinence.
Slow tapering is the answer to mitigate any problem.
In addition I feel there is need to treat anxiety with use of either psychotherapy or medications.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards
You can stop it straight away
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all, I like to inform you that you are neither addicted nor dependent on the clonazepam and can stop it abruptly. In case that appears difficult for you take only 0.75 mg on need basis for next two weeks folowed by 0.5mg for another two weeks followed by 0.25 mg for another two weeks (on need basis). I mean to say that either abrupt withdrawal or tapering is what that is needed for you.
2. In my opinion you are expected to get rebound anxiety in most situations although the possibility is low as you have not experienced despite two days of abstinence from clonazepam.
3. The long term implications include addiction and dependence and needing higher dose over a period of time. The other complications include cognitive, falls and fractures, poor motor response among others.
You can expect no permanent damage as most of the side effects are complete reversible within few days of abstinence.
Slow tapering is the answer to mitigate any problem.
In addition I feel there is need to treat anxiety with use of either psychotherapy or medications.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you for your detailed response, I really appreciate it.
I just wanted to clarify something quickly - in your post you mentioned the possibility of long-term complications and later mentioned that side effects are reversible.
I want to make sure I understand you correctly. Your answer indicates that despite the fact I have been taking these drugs for longer than recommended, I do not have to worry about those aforementioned long-term consequences if I am to quit or taper immediately?
I just wanted to clarify something quickly - in your post you mentioned the possibility of long-term complications and later mentioned that side effects are reversible.
I want to make sure I understand you correctly. Your answer indicates that despite the fact I have been taking these drugs for longer than recommended, I do not have to worry about those aforementioned long-term consequences if I am to quit or taper immediately?
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
I like to make it clear that long term side effects are rare to very rare after brief use of clonazepam on irregular basis and please be assured that same is applicable in your case.
I hope this clarifies furtehr.
Thanks and regards.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
I like to make it clear that long term side effects are rare to very rare after brief use of clonazepam on irregular basis and please be assured that same is applicable in your case.
I hope this clarifies furtehr.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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