Posted by SLS on July 8, 2005, at 23:25:01
In reply to Re: Klonopin discontinuation? » SLS, posted by fires on July 8, 2005, at 21:04:07
> > > Do you mean that very small doses can alleviate the symptoms from a much larger dose reduction? Seems counterintuitive to me, but I may try it if needed.
> >
> >
> > I am not explaining myself very well - sorry.
> >
> > Perhaps you can start by limiting your doses to 0.5mg, and take them only when you feel the withdrawal symptoms appear. You might be dosing 3-5 times a day to begin with. You can experiment with dosages (splitting pills if necessary) and find that amount that will allow you to go 6-8 hours without symptoms. You should find that this dosage amount can be reduced over time. Alternatively, you will find that the same dose will allow you to go beyond 8 hours without symptoms. However, to optimize the taper to discontinue the drug as soon as possible, you are better off reducing the dosage and maintaining the 6-8 hour period.
> >
> > This flexible-dosing method has worked for quite a few people, including me, but there are no guarantees. This method also reduces suffering. It is important not to allow the withdrawal symptoms persist once they reappear. Take your next dose once you recognize the symptoms. Try not to wait beyond an hour before dosing again.
> >
> > I have used this method to discontinue SSRIs, Effexor, Cymbalta, Klonopin, and Ativan. With it, I can discontinue 300mg of Effexor within two weeks.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
> I forgot to mention that I take 1mg of Klonopin 3 times a day. Therefore I'm already going to have an easier time discontinuing it -- right? (Compared to someone taking 3 mg all at one time each day) I reduced my AM dose to 0.5 mg. Then, from what I think I understand about your technique, my next .5 mg reduction should come out of my noon dose -- then the next reduction out of my bedtime dose. Then repeat the above? Maybe reducing by only .25 mg each dose, but reducing the dose sooner (every 3 days vs. 4 days)?
>
> Or, am I still not grasping your concept?:-)
You will actually take 0.5mg ONLY when you feel the withdrawal symptoms appear. That might be a good place to start. Don't worry about reducing the dosage for now. Just count how many times you need to dose yourself per day. Hopefully, it will be 5 or less. However, it is important to wait until the withdrawal symptoms begin to reappear before taking each dose. These might include dizziness, anxiety or nervousness, tremulousness, teeth-clenching, heart palpitations, sweating, and dry mouth.
The next step might be to use 0.25mg doses or something in between 0.5 and 0.25. You will initially need to take it more often, but you should find that the periods between dosing grows longer and longer until you are back to dosing 3-4 times a day. Try to avoid allowing the withdrawal symptoms from persisting for more than an hour before taking your next dose. This might be important in minimizing the withdrawal syndrome once you discontinue the drug entirely.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:524472
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050708/msgs/525272.html