Clonazepam weaning

[lannyh]

I've been on .50 mg of clonazepam twice a day since 2005. Are there any suggestions on how to wean off this medication? I am concerned about the long term effects of this drug.

[CL3V3R-G1RL]

This would be something to talk to your doctor about how to wean you off safely. Let them know of your concerns about taking this medication long term. Have you been on it long?

[lannyh in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

I've been on it since 2005.

[CL3V3R-G1RL in reply to lannyh]

I think I started on it around the same time. I've been on it, off of it and most recently back on it again. I can't quite remember how I got off it the first time. I think I tapered along with my Lexapro until I was off of it. Then it just became an 'as needed' thing. Then I had a relapse of anxiety in 2021 and back on it 2x a day same dose .5mg.

But anyways tapering should always be done with a doctor just in case there are side effects.

[blackcat64013]

Hi Lannyh,

Thank you for your post. I admire anyone who wants to attempt giving up their medication.

The technical term for weaning yourself off any medication is TAPER - this means reducing doses very, very slowly probably over a number of months, until you reach being completely free. DO NOT EVER ATTEMPT COLD TURKEY 🦃!

The starting point always is a conversation with your prescriber to discuss to the 'pros and cons' for you, of attempting a taper. Medical supervision is required because you need to work out if the side effects (you might experience) are a result of lowering doses or the original condition coming back.

Wishing you all the best from Australia 🦘