Klonopin to Valium—how to transition

(I might need to update my signature.)

 

I was on 1 mg Klonopin at night for insomnia for 8-9 years.

Due to ignorance of benzo withdrawal, I recently tried to rapidly taper.

Needed to updose from .25 to .5 daily due to withdrawal.

Experienced withdrawal symptoms, but I think I’ve stabilized on .5 mg daily.

So I managed to get from 1 mg daily to .5 mg daily - YAY! 

 

To get off of .5 mg daily, I want to slow taper. Based on Ashton, I could switch over to 10 mg Diazepam/Valium and then taper to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, then 1 mg, then jump.

 

I will have to find out if my doctor will endorse/allow the switch to Val.

 

1. Can I switch DIRECTLY from K to Val? (With no cross-taper?)

(I’ve never taken Valium before.)

2. If my body accepts that switch, the taper seems simple and easy to follow. Keep dropping from 10 to 9 to 8 to 7 mg, etc.

Does that seem reasonable?

 

I’m worried about trying to buy a scale and shave/file the pills daily.

 

Valium with 1 mg reductions every few weeks seems much more straightforward.

 

I’d love feedback on this plan. Thank you!

We generally don't recommend crossovers unless you experience interdose withdrawal. Many people really struggle to adapt to a different benzo and to take the risk simply for ease of tapering method is not worth it in my opinion. There are many different ways to direct taper Klonopin that has worked for many. Also keep in mind that for many people Ashton's Valium reductions are too big and they still end up shaving or liquid tapering their Valium to get smaller doses.

Thank you for the feedback!