Hello all. What a supportive environment. I am so grateful to you all.
I'll outline this in the most reader-friendly way I can and I'm hoping for some good input.
I was on Klonopin (Clonazepam) for 13 years. My dosage usually stayed within the range of .5mg to 1.0mg every evening and an occasional 2mg if I had had severe insomnia and anxiety (they usually go hand in hand for me). Long story short, I've had insomnia, anxiety and depression ON the Clonazepam off and on for 8 years. The MAIN problem was horrible insomnia, but I call it 'sleep deprivation,' because I wouldn't sleep a wink, and sometimes, this went on for days (I once went TEN days without sleep, literally). Recently, I'd sleep one night on Ambien, then be awake all night the next. I got addicted to Ambien and let me tell you, this is a horrible drug - much worse than any benzo. Also, my blood work, thyroid, etc. is all normal so the sleep difficulties are definitely drug-related and anxiety-induced.
Backtrack to 3 or so years ago and an amazing Psychiatrist who encouraged me to take Zoloft. I've only been able to tolerate 25mg of Zoloft and he understood this (my sensitivity to meds and their side effects is overwhelming). He even used a liquid form of Zoloft to "up it" a few mgs. He was supportive and caring and never "pushed" drugs on me. Sadly, my beloved Doctor whom was going to help me taper off of Clonazepam, passed away in 2006. I miss him everyday and wonder what he'd say about this new plan.
So now to the present: A new Doctor. An Internist. I actually found his name on one of these boards. He has substituted my Clonazepam for Diazepam and I was OFF OF CLONAZEPAM in THREE DAYS! But here's the deal, I felt fantastic the first few weeks on 10mg Diazepam 2x a day, and 25 mg of Zoloft 1x, but in the past 2 days I have reverted back to the insomnia / anxiety / sleepless / frightened occurrences. Also, I've been "playing" with the levels of Zoloft as the good Doctor directed. I found 50mg too much for me. I was anxious and feeling super-strange. I went back down to 37.5, still no good but slightly more tolerable. My brain must be so confused with all the lowering and increasing of this SSRI.
So here's what I'm on now, all input is appreciated.
25mg Zoloft (He had a plan for me to go up an interval each week, but the side effects were too strong so I'm staying with this for now but will be seeing him Monday).
10mg Diazepam (morning)
10mg Diazepam (evening) AND at anytime in between I can take and additional 5 mg of Diazepam if needed (which I had to do last night, and it didn't help).
Also, for sleep, he has prescribed Temazepam. I have been too scared to take it, and WAS sleeping the best I've slept in years just on the above schedule but the past two nights are SO reminiscent of the "Clonazepam days" and the fearful sleep-deprivation.
My question is: when should I start to taper off the Diazepam? Has it stopped working already? (It's been a total of 21 days). Also, has anyone found it helpful to take an anti-depressant on a higher level when coming off of a Benzo? My Dr. says it's like a "safety net" of sorts. To top it off, I'm starting a new job an April 6. Great timing, huh?
Scared, sleepless, restless and looking for anyone who's been in a similar situation as mine.
Thanks so much. And please hang in there!
