Clonazepam and Zopiclone reducing

[basten]

Has anyone been on these 2 drugs and managed to wean off? If so how long and what were your withdrawal experiences. I know I wont sleep for days and I know withdrawals can cause seizures or panic attacks etc. . I would say it's best to reduce Clonazepam first. I take 7.5 Zopiclone and 0.5 mg Clonazepam. I know I'd have to do it with psychs advice but she might be a bit brutal. Anyone ??

[karlou5455]

I wish I had an answer. I have tried weaning from Klonopin and it's tough. I take 3 a night and still don't sleep, but must go off, also. Weaning is best, and slowly, so as not to experience detrimental side effects. I wish you well. karlou

[basten in reply to karlou5455]

Thankyou for replying. Yes I think the sedative effect wears off as you get used to it. I know the withdrawals can be horrendous. I still wake up in the night and am usually wide awake at 4.30 a.m. but just lie there. My psychiatrist blames my doctors for keeping me on them far too long. Years ago I stopped Klonalin (clonazepam UK) and I didnt have any reaction except I didnt sleep for a whole week and it sent me nuts. I used to take 1 clonazepam and 1 zooiclone and at first would sleep till 6.30 a.m sadly not anymore . I never knew they were both so addictive as nobody told me . I missed one night of Zopickobe was awake all night and next day had massive panics and felt as though my head was going to burst open...felt so ill. It's a nightmare. I wish you luck too

[karlou5455 in reply to basten]

I am sorry for your symptoms. So hard to tolerate. I go crazy without sleep, yet I have gone off the meds before and still don't sleep. I am afraid, because when I worked, I am afraid of making mistakes with my patients when I am so overtired. I am furloughed from my job now so I should be weaning, although I only get 4 hours of sleep with Benadryl and Clonazepam and am awake at 2 am. Thank you for listening. My heart goes out to you, as I understand. Take good care of yourself.

[basten in reply to karlou5455]

Thankyou. I envy people who have to out their alarms on to wake up in the morning . I dont think I've the guts and courage to detox unless under hospital supervision. And I certainly cant afford private like all the rich people. I know sleep would return but as you say I too cant stand not sleeping and I suffer a lot of pain and my tablets knocked me out thank goodness but the last 3 nights they haven't. I am sorry you've been furloughed . Please take care and best wishes. It's good to talk

[purple621]

Hi Basten, I was taken Klonopin for about 20 years for my anxiety and panic attacks and I just recently got off of it. Its going on a year now. I didn't realize how dependent I became on it. I mean as soon as I woke up I would take one just to start my day. When I decided to stop taking my medications I didnt wean myself off. I did experience brain zaps, headaches, and moodiness. But that all subsided within a week thankfully. But I do agree with you and karlou5455 about not stopping abruptly and to wean off. I realize medications are helpful but if we truly want to become better and able to function, it starts by changing the mindset.

Also by finding techniques or tools to help when certain triggers arise. I have found that meditation can be helpful but maybe not for some people. I also find that having gratitude each day helps me with my postive mindset. Even volunteering to help others in need helps get you out of your own struggling mind and its rewarding to know you can make someones else's day just by simply saying "Hello".

Kindnesss, Compassion, Gratitude, and Humility are needed to help heal the mind and it can also fill the hole in one's heart.

But again, I want to state, I do not condone anyone else from stopping any medication abruptly without a doctor knowing. Im just speaking from my own personal experience.

I wish you luck on your journey of wellness.

Much peace to you and everyone on here. Everyone be safe.

Take Care

[basten in reply to purple621]

That was a very kind reply. I am only on 0.5 clonazepam but it is also the withdrawals off of Zopiclone I dread as I missed one night and despite clobazepam I didnt sleep and felt so panicked and off my head the next day. I've been on both for over 2 yrs now. Did you experience acute insomnia? Yes a psychiatrist told me I should not stop either abruptly or I can get panic attacks bad or even seizures. I also just cant stand not sleeping due to the relief I get from chronic pain when I sleep.

Yes I will try meditation again anyway as I'm in a constant state of worry over all this . I dont want to take anything anymore. Best wishes to you. I'm so glad you did it after sooo long. Well done you