Suggest Ways To Wean Off Klonopin

Posted on Tue, 24 Feb 2015

Question: Hi there, I have been trying to get help finding a proper schedule for getting off of Klonopin, but my withdrawls have been awful. I am currently on three mg per day and want to get off of it. I would like some type of detailed taper schedule. I don't care how long it takes to get off it. I just want off. Can you please help me?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Below is the schedule as per my opinion

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us.

It is good that you want to stop klonopin.

As you feel too much withdrawal I recommend following tapering schedule.

Reduce 0.5 mg every two week up to 2 mg.Means 2.5 mg for 2 weeks.Then 2 mg for 2 weeks.
After that reduce 0.25mg every week up to 1 mg. To reach 1 mg it will take 4 weeks.
After reaching 1 mg you can reduce 0.25 mg every two weeks .
And after 8 weeks you can stop with no or least tolerable withdrawal. And that withdrawal will stop on its own.

Tapering schedule varies clinician to clinician as well as patient to patient.This is my opinion considering your situation.You should inform/discuss regarding this tapering to your treating doctor. If any significant withdrawal symptom occurs by chance which needs doctor's intervention, your treating doctor can help you immediately.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E