I really, really wish that several years ago, when I was having panic attacks and the doctor was handing out meds, that he had mentioned that they are
addictive. Several years and several failed attempts to quit later, I've finally done it, and I'll tell you how. Not that it was easy, but it
is doable. By the way, this method also applies to the Xanax I was also taking.
Exercise. No matter what, you have to find a way to do it. Personally, I hate it. However, I have eliminated all excuses. I get on a treadmill if it is too hot. I walk the dog when it is cool. I swim or dance when I am bored with walking. I learned how effective exercise was after I spent two days moving and then forgot to take the Klonopin for a couple of days. It will definitely burn off some of the stress and withdrawal symptoms. Cut down slooowly. The times I failed were the times when I just couldn't wait to get off the stuff, because darn it, I was doing so dang good! Sorta like when you're dieting and kick it up a notch, only to find yourself nose deep in a bagful of Doritos. Cutting back gradually, as in one-eighth of your dose every two weeks, is what works. Eat way less sugar. Sugar messes with your blood sugar, which in turn messes with your state of mind. If you can, cut it out completely. Taking cinnamon supplements may help stabilize blood sugar levels. Get outside. One of the side effects of cutting back on any benzodiazepine can be depression. Being in sunlight, or in fact, any natural light at all is better than being indoors. Natural sunlight has been proven to increase levels of seratonin in the brain, which in turn leads to more feelings of well-being. Cut out caffeine and other stimulants. Your nervous system is so sensitive when you are cutting back on benzos; you don't want to add to the jitters. Accept that you are going to feel wacky. I have never heard of a way to withdraw from benzos that is completely carefree. If I had, I would be a rich woman. I have had backaches, headaches, depression, chest pain caused by tension and insomnia. Oh, and grouchiness. My family wouldn't want me to leave that one out. These things may happen, but you can roll with it. You'll feel icky for a day or two, and then the symptoms will begin to taper off. Really. Unless you have violated tip number two. Initiate your cutbacks on the weekend. Whenever you feel like cutting back, choose which dose will be least missed. Then cut back on that one on a Friday. You'll be able to spend the weekend doing things you enjoy, rather than stressing about work. Of course, if weekends are more stressful for you, reverse this advice. Sleep and be active. My kids are old enough to let me sleep in on the weekends, at least if I threaten or bribe them. After I cut back on or eliminated a dose of Klonopin, I slept as much as possible. When I wasn't sleeping, I was cleaning the house or running errands. Anything but sitting in a chair "feeling the tension" is good. Take an antidepressant. Actually, I only recommend this if you absolutely can't do this any other way. Antidepressants can be awful to get off of as well, and I'm sure I'll be posting about that some other time. However, there is some evidence to suggest that fish oil, with omega 3's, can prevent the depression that can come with benzo withdrawal. I take them, but I don't know if they were helpful or not. I will swear that sunlight is as effective as Zoloft, though. If you take the fish oil, I highly recommend the no-fishburp kind!Comic from
benzo.org.uk. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine!
Disclaimer: Nothing on this site is intended to replace medical advice or attention.
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