Questions about Klonopin

[ashley777]

I am 18 years old and currently on 0.5 mg of Klonopin usually twice daily. I started taking it when I was 13, I was prescribed it to help with my anxiety as well as curb the stimulant I was taking for my ADHD, Vyvanse. Anyway I didn't realize how bad taking Klonopin was for an extended amount of time until I started researching it the other day. I was starting to notice my short term memory getting fuzzy and not wanting to do anything all day recently. Anyway I was wondering before I go into the doctor what a good alternative to taking Klonopin would be. I still have high anxiety that I get randomly throughout the day for no reason that makes me not want to be around people. I also have slight depression. Also, how bad is coming off Klonopin? I'm only on around 1 mg a day, will I have withdrawals?

[Scdg17]

I was also on Klonopin for years. I spoke to my doctor about getting off it and we set up a tapering off plan. I didn't have any withdrawals, well...not noticeable ones like when I tapered of Paxil.
As a replacement for my anxiety, I went to therapy to understand where exactly my anxiety was coming from and set ups little emergency kit for myself whenever I went. Water, Bach Flower rescue remedy (natural stress reliever), bubble gum, and 1 emergency Xanax. Also I take B12 and 5htp sometimes which acts on my nervous system and serotonin receptors.
That's what I've been doing for several months for my anxiety and it seems to be working out great.
Good luck!

[Weyoun]

Talk to your Dr. and tell him or her that you feel the medication is no longer helping you. They will help you taper off. I personally have never tried to go off Klonopin but a friend of mine who did was given Librium in decreasing amounts until he was completely done with withdrawal. It took about 6 months. Good luck!

[JaneB]

I was on the same amount of klonopin until recently and found that it made me way too tired and zombie-like. I did notice some withdrawal symptoms as I went off them, primarily dizziness and my thoughts being fuzzy.
I second the scdg17's recommendations upthread. Once you're used to taking benzos to help your anxiety, it's hard to switch to not taking anything. So it's good to have an "alternative" plan. I have been taking a natural supplement called Tranquilene since going off the klonopin, it has trytophan (5-htp), B vitamins, and a bunch of other herbal ingredients and vitamins/minerals, all supposed to help with anxiety. It's been working really well for me, and it doesn't sedate me like the klonopin did.

I'm also a big fan of chamomile and other herbal calming teas, and green tea too. Actually just the process of making and drinking tea is calming in itself for me, so it's a nice distraction when my anxiety gets triggered. I'm trying to come up with lots of little things like that to "replace" the meds.