Help! Tapering off Clonopin and Buspare?

[link9us]

Hey guys I am going to try and not get too involved into my medical issues and reasons for taking this anti-anxiety medication. This topic is mainly for help with tapering off these drugs, particularly the Benzodiazepine (Clonazapam) I really need some 2nd opinions help in this matter, after doing lots of research I found that this drug is not an easy one to taper off and this is my first time ever tapering off of a drug. So I am not used to it.
I take this anti-anxiety medication because of a serous neurological condition that I have that is somewhat like seizures but at this point it’s still undiagnosed and I really think the medication at this point is just not helping me much and causing more side effects that I want to deal with. I have lived with this disability for around 10 years or so. I have been on Clonazepam for about 2 years. Based on the research I have done online and medical documents that I have read, all of it does not coincide with what my doctor told me. In fact he’s just a practioner so sometimes I often think that some of his information is not as accurate.

I am going to try making this very easy and descriptive so you can understand. The current medication Dosage I am prescribed is
Clonozapam - .5 mg 4/times Daily
Buspare – 10 mg 4/times Daily

I take each of these medications exactly together and 4 hrs apart throughout the day. I start from 10:30 every morning when I wake up. Then end at 10:30 at night. So 10:30, 2:30, 6:30, 10:30. I have been maintain that schedule for quite a long time. Now numerous people have told me like doctors at hospitals that you not supposed to take this medication 4 hrs apart, you should at least allow 6 hrs because of it lasting 12 hrs in your system. However I felt very dependent on the medication and each time I felt I had to increase my dosage to get the full affect. So gradually my doctor increased my dosages. I believe I started with a single .5 mg once in a day and then all way to the current dosage I am at now. I also requested instead taking it 6 hrs apart to take it 4 hrs apart instead. The doctor said it was ok and would not cause any issues or problems to me. So that is what I did and I been on it like that ever sence.

Anyways these are the instructions that my doc gave me for tapering off of these drugs:

Clonzapam

0.5 mg 1 tab 3 times daily – WK 1
0.5 mg 2 x Day Wk Two
0.5 mg 1 x Day Wk Three
½ Tab Wk Four as needed
Then STOP!

Buspare

10 mg 3 times a day – Wk1
10 mg 2 Times a day – Wk2
10 Mg 1 Times a day – Wk3
Then STOP



Now first of all I have read that it takes more than 3 or 4 week in cases to taper of this medication, based on all the research I did online, specifically people that have taken clonopan for 2 years or more, have said it took them like months before they were to completely Wean them self’s off of the medication before they were free of Withdrawal Symptoms. I got to be honest I am quite feared about this whole thing and just trying to get legitimate correct information and instructions on how to taper off this medication, If I change anything that he currently has for me, I will definitely consult with him but I really would love to get some 2nd opinions from you guys who have probably had this experience before.

The next thing is I am not exactly sure HOW to taper of this medication? For example im taking it 4 times daily as you know 4 hrs a part. Well at first I was thinking about just skipping doses, like I can take 10:30 dose, 2:30, skip 6:30, then take the last dosage when I called my pharmacy they said that is not the way you want to do it. They mentioned that you need to spread it apart throughout the day, so if im currently taking it 4 hrs a part, spread it out to 6 hrs or maybe 5 hrs apart because when I get to the point of taking 3 or 2 medication dosages. It’s going to be kind of confusing, because I’ll be taking it only during half of the day, and the other day I’ll be taking nothing. Other people mentioned online that instead of actually spreading your doses apart, cut off like a .25 mg from 1 tablet and keep taking the same doses during the same time frames. Every week, take another .25 mg off. In my case that would be like a 8 week tapering for 2mg.

So if you have any advice in this matter, any at all with how to taper off this medication and if I should taper off buspare and clonozapan simuntounsly? Or should I taper off one and then the other. I really get the feeling that 3 or 4 weeks is just not going to be enough to bring me from 2 mg all the day down to nothing in that allotted time. According to a lot of people, they taper off much slower than that and they usually for a 2mg a day dosage, it takes them like 16 weeks or so. So any information in regards to this would be greatly appreciate, cause I don’t think I am going to do it just yet until I get some more opinions from others that have actually went through all these experiences and the withdrawal symptoms.

I apologize if this was a bit long, but I had to explain my self thoroughly so you would understand the situation im in.


I look forward to your responses, thank you!

[Perses]

Dear Link,

The first thing that strikes me is that you are taking this drug as an anti-seizure drug not because of anxiety. This I want to be clear on. If you don't think it's helping you anymore, then are you going to substitute it with another drug? Have you thought through how you are going to deal with the disability related to seizures? It's also not clear to me what you mean by its still being "undiagnosed." Have you been to a neurologist? Whatever you read on the web, be sure that you pay attention to how it works as an anti-seizure drug first, rather than how it works for anxiety. It's important to establish a plan for how you are going to handle the seizure aspect because we wouldn't want your seizures to increase. It seems to me like you are dissatisfied with your GP. I'd go to a specialist. On the other hand, if your doctor has a schedule for tapering you off, then presumably you are doing this under his supervision.

I have been on clonazepam for 18 years at 1mg per day, for anti-anxiety. I stopped taking it for about 2 months, not knowing anything about its side-effects, because, frankly, I just didn't know much about the drug. I didn't have too much trouble coming off of it -- I knew that I would feel more anxious, and I did. But, it wasn't especially a stressful time for me. I had just finished my PhD and was taking the summer off, and thought, oh, let's just stop for a while. Again, not knowing that I would have problems, I didn't really, except, as I said, I felt more anxious. This would be expected. If the drug is meant to help calm your anxiety, and you go off of it, then, your anxiety should increase. I did go back on the drug when I started looking for a job, when the stress was too invasive. Also, I went off the drug knowing I could go back on it. I have not experienced any side effects being on the drug.

I guess you feel as if your doctor's plan might be too optimistic. I just don't know because I'm not on it for seizures. For me, I'd start by taking 3.75 daily for 2 weeks, then move to 3.5, then to 3 and so forth. It might just be that it has no effect on anxiety whatsoever because that's not why it was prescribed to you. Or, perhaps the anxiety or irritability will only feel very mild, as if you had more than 2 cups of coffee or something. Take honest stock of how you are feeling -- what you are feeling - and why you are feeling the way you are. It's like you are having a conversation with your brain. Worry about yourself, don't compare yourself with others. There may be setbacks or not.

Still, my big concern would be that you talk to the right doctor about the seizure aspect.

[GeneAllen]

Dear Link,

The first thing that strikes me is that you are taking this drug as an anti-seizure drug not because of anxiety. This I want to be clear on. If you don't think it's helping you anymore, then are you going to substitute it with another drug? Have you thought through how you are going to deal with the disability related to seizures? It's also not clear to me what you mean by its still being "undiagnosed." Have you been to a neurologist? Whatever you read on the web, be sure that you pay attention to how it works as an anti-seizure drug first, rather than how it works for anxiety. It's important to establish a plan for how you are going to handle the seizure aspect because we wouldn't want your seizures to increase. It seems to me like you are dissatisfied with your GP. I'd go to a specialist. On the other hand, if your doctor has a schedule for tapering you off, then presumably you are doing this under his supervision.

I have been on clonazepam for 18 years at 1mg per day, for anti-anxiety. I stopped taking it for about 2 months, not knowing anything about its side-effects, because, frankly, I just didn't know much about the drug. I didn't have too much trouble coming off of it -- I knew that I would feel more anxious, and I did. But, it wasn't especially a stressful time for me. I had just finished my PhD and was taking the summer off, and thought, oh, let's just stop for a while. Again, not knowing that I would have problems, I didn't really, except, as I said, I felt more anxious. This would be expected. If the drug is meant to help calm your anxiety, and you go off of it, then, your anxiety should increase. I did go back on the drug when I started looking for a job, when the stress was too invasive. Also, I went off the drug knowing I could go back on it. I have not experienced any side effects being on the drug.

I guess you feel as if your doctor's plan might be too optimistic. I just don't know because I'm not on it for seizures. For me, I'd start by taking 3.75 daily for 2 weeks, then move to 3.5, then to 3 and so forth. It might just be that it has no effect on anxiety whatsoever because that's not why it was prescribed to you. Or, perhaps the anxiety or irritability will only feel very mild, as if you had more than 2 cups of coffee or something. Take honest stock of how you are feeling -- what you are feeling - and why you are feeling the way you are. It's like you are having a conversation with your brain. Worry about yourself, don't compare yourself with others. There may be setbacks or not.

Still, my big concern would be that you talk to the right doctor about the seizure aspect.

My thoughts exactly, go slow, and I have did this too. Don't believe all you read. In truth you will know when and what to do, you're intelligent, and I assume from the post you know what to expect. Lots of times the horror stories are concerning people who have used their medication as a recreational drug. Most have lots of other habits that contribute to medicinal changes. Try as you may you never know the real stories people are putting out there or the studies since most addicts and recreationalist's have not become too accustomed to telling the truth unless of course it gets another RX filled. These people will find there way too and of course it'll be more difficult possibly.

Peace

[link9us]

This is high offensive to anyone that has gone though withdrawals from these sort of meds and had problems .

Yes there may be some people that have abused them but then there is more that simply did what their doctor told them.

Correct, i am in no way going to abuse my medication. In fact in regards to the "ashton manuel" which is like a 14 week tapering Vs a 3-4 week tapering which is what my doctor wants me to do. I am consulting him directly bout this now even as we speak and trying to get the ok and what he thinks bout it. I do not make a habit of doctoring my self in any possible way.

I would post my doctor information but since i can't post link, ill just post what he has as far as credentials.

DAN MCDONNELL, PMH-NP
_______________________

Education & Certifications:
Board Certified Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bradley University and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Rush University

He is a behavioral health service and a practitioner, but based on his credentials, i do not think he is qualified as a real psychiatric doctor. Anyways bottom line is am just trying to be safe as much as i can and getting accurate and legitimate information from resources like the benzo.org website because i truly think, based on the info i have read, a 3-4 week tapering of being on 2 mg/daily is just to short of a time span and i do not want to end up witnessing sever and prolonged withdrawal symptoms cause my doctor didn't give me a proper taper of the medication.

[link9us]

In regards to the "Ashton Manual". Why does it state that a Diazepam Equivalent in every graph. I am not taking Valium. Does this method indicate that its better to take Valium well tapering off of the benzodiazepine. Or are these charts just based on the assumption that some one has taking benzodiazepine's and Diazepam (Valium) and are trying to taper off both of them. I don't understand that part of her method.

If i was to follow one of these charts perfectly to the key for the 1.5 MG clonopin, would i just ignore the Valium tapering then right? I am taking buspare as a 2ndary drug but its not a benzodiazepine. So i don't think their are hardly any withdrawal symptoms associated with it.

[backdoc]

Diazepam( Valium) is just used as a standard for reference

[link9us]

Yeah i just finally called my doctor and he mentioned that would put limits on my calling. That is just uncalled for as far as I am concerned, limit my calling because i am just trying to be safe bout the whole situation about the tapering dosage? His nurse mentions its in appropriate to undermine and contradict what he has set for me. Of course i expected as much, looking up information online that they would not believe me and think im just overly anxious bout the whole situation.

The doctor is going to call me Monday anyways to talk to me bout it but as it seems, it looks like he's just getting agitated and irritated with me undermining what he thinks is ok for a tapering off dosage. I don't see any problems in the matter if i taper off slower. To limit my calling, that is basically giving me the middle finger and telling me that if you don't follow our instructions then get out of here, we don't want anything to do with helping you. Thats almost borderline Male practice. If i don't follow his exact regime, and i want to do it slower, he won't allow that. Limiting my calling is restricting access to me gathering information from my doctors if i need help.

[GeneAllen]

Just a link from another thread. I seen it helps come off or taper from Benzos, ie: clonazepam.

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2926008#hn-2926008-uses

Peace

[Perses]

Hi,

I'd like to reiterate two points I made earlier:

a) you need to see a doctor that understands the mechanics of various seizure medications. If I understand your first post, seizures are your problem. This is the illness that needs addressing.
b) While there may be horror stories about people having trouble coming off benzos, other people don't experience the same problems. By all means, read up on tapering off benzos, but you need to concentrate on how you are feeling. Don't let other people's reactions dictate how you react to decreased dosages. i.e. don't let the fear of benzos supersede your actual own experience with the drug.

Still, ABOVE ALL ELSE, YOU NEED TO TALK TO A DOCTOR THAT DEALS WITH SEIZURES.

[Enduronman]

I quit taking 3mg of xanax per day, for 7 years solid...in (1) day and lived (is sucked, but I survived)....Quit over thinking it and follow the Dr's advice and as Perses has mentioned, go see a Doc that deals with seizures (I've had seizures) rather than a mental health councelor....I see a Neuro.

Have a good day friend!

E-Man..

[alankay]

IMHO that dose should not be that hard to taper off of if done slowly and methodically. Don't anticipate the worst. I tapered off of ativan years ago and it was not as bad as some horror stories you hear from folks "just dropping" from high dose and long term benzo usage. Every case be different though....sure. Go slow and steady. Alankay

[GeneAllen]

I went to a neuro psych in Terre Haute Indiana. He talked me into clonopin and desepramine ( at that time) I was very reluctant, but he asked do you want the life you've never had? He said I assure you, this will never be the same, and you'll be amazed. Dr. Kim was his name and even though skeptical, he was so right! I worked a HIGH STRESS job as an officer and had lost 50 lbs in a month. I'll never forget my uniform hanging off of me like a corpse. The precursor was, I had just responded to a prison riot and was calm and cool during the incident the whole way thru. The thoughts of those 7 shotguns pointed at me and the chaotic brawl was stuck in my mind, from then on, but I never missed a day of work, and got well. The national guard was on their way as well, but things were under control within hours.
Peace