Help with clorazepate taper

[[Buddie]]

That’s what I have for now.  I made an appointment with a psychiatrist but he couldn’t see me until the end of the month. 

[[Buddie]]

Thank you for your help with this.  So appreciated!

[[Buddie]]

Do you have any confidence you’ll be able to procure a prescription from the new doctor?  I’m not sure if you want to rapid taper or try to maintain until your visit.

[[Buddie]]

I have some confidence yes.  Not 100%.  I’m terrified to rapid taper.  I want to slow taper off.  I don’t know any other people who have taken this medication at the low dosage and what their experience has been.  Doc seems to think it is no big deal. 

[[Buddie]]

Hello, [...].

I agree with [...] that it sounds like you have become physically dependent on the clorazepate.  I also agree with you that a rapid taper would not be in your best interest, despite the fact that you are indeed taking a very low dose (according to the FDA drug label for clorazepate linked below, the usual daily dose is 30mg for the symptomatic relief of anxiety).

As a first step, it seems you need to find out sooner rather than later whether the psychiatrist with whom you have an appointment would be willing to prescribe for and support a symptom-based, gradual taper from clorazepate.

Would you feel comfortable calling the psychiatrist’s office tomorrow (Monday) to ask?

If the psychiatrist is unwilling to prescribe for and support a gradual taper, then the next step would be to find another prescriber.  The prescriber does not have to be a psychiatrist or even an MD or DO.  For example, some members have discovered that Nurse Practitioners are open to the idea of helping their patients with a gradual taper.


Link:
DailyMed - CLORAZEPATE DIPOTASSIUM tablet
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fb5c9e98-02b2-4c36-b436-25b58fe3c7d5

[[Buddie]]

Yes I can call in the morning and see.  Thanks for your help. 

[[Buddie]]

You are most welcome.  Let us know what you find out. If needed, we can give you suggestions on how to find another prescriber.

You might want to write down and rehearse what you want to say before you call the psychiatrist’s office.  You don’t want to come across as a desperate/demanding ‘drug-seeker’ but rather as a rational/reasonable individual who (1) has recently learned about benzodiazepine dependence, (2) is experiencing symptoms that suggest dependency, (3) has learned that a gradual, symptom-based taper is the preferred approach to discontinuing benzodiazepines, and (4) is looking for a healthcare professional who will be willing to help you.