CLONOPIN HELP! I can’t figure out taper dosage. Where is everyone?

[[Buddie]]

[...],

Yes, the scale [...] mentioned is still over $1000 in the US. I’ll stick to the Gemini or the other more affordable ones. Just trying to afford basic living is insane all over the world. Ironically, benzos are cheap or free with insurance. Pathetic how our HC is in the US.

Ohh, I thought you were referring to my link as I couldn’t see [...] had provided a link. Mine (Smart weigh) are about $34 US and I think the GEM20 are about $14. I tend to weigh my doses multiple times, because every now and then I catch the scale shift in its resting weight, but they are perfectly fine for dosing. You simply pay attention and take care whilst weighing. 

[[Buddie]]

[...],

It seems you’re stuck at a very low dose. What a bummer, but such patience! I’m wondering if my anxiety will come back in a big way once I get down to such a low dose. I might consider Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at that point. Insurance covers it and I’m treatment resistant to all antidepressants. Such fun!

[[Buddie]]

Thanks [...]. The threads can get confusing if one doesn’t enter a name. Apologies. I think I ordered the scale you suggested. I like the carrying case and I will be calibrating and re-checking a lot.

[[Buddie]]

Thanks [...]. The threads can get confusing if one doesn’t enter a name. Apologies. I think I ordered the scale you suggested. I like the carrying case and I will be calibrating and re-checking a lot.

 

[[Buddie]]

Honestly, isn't a liquid taper a lot easier and cheaper?  All you need is a schedule, some jars, a plastic syringe.  Here's an instruction video I found very helpful....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=whpciMUXHfY

[...]

[[Buddie]]

Honestly, isn't a liquid taper a lot easier and cheaper?  All you need is a schedule, some jars, a plastic syringe.  Here's an instruction video I found very helpful....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=whpciMUXHfY

[...]

It’s certainly an option, [...]!

I tried it, however it didn’t work out so well for me, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work for [...].

It certainly may be worth a try, although, I think it would be wise for [...] to first read - Titration: Limits and Limitations, under ‘titration’ on the Planning Your Withdrawal (taper) Board.

Thanks for the suggestion, [...] 

[[Buddie]]

Thanks, Clear and Morning. I have read the titration and other pages. I think I’m good with the method I’ve chosen for now. ❤️

[[Buddie]]

[...],

Well, that sucks. I’m guessing the scale was off. Not good. I’ll be needing a new Mac soon, so I’m going to go with the lesser priced scale for now with fingers crossed. I just placed the order. Yes, the tablets I have are crap. They don’t cut down very well. I just spoke to my prescriber about my tapering and she said “You don’t need a scale. Just do 1/4 cuts a week” because, of course she did. Are they all so misinformed? Maybe. I’m not at all anti-med, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into. We are on our own in this. Best of luck to you. I need to look at your sig to see if you’re off everything.

BTW, love Eugene Levy! The Best!

Eugene Levy is so funny. Completely agree.

Yeah, your prescriber doesn't know a thing. Some people can cut like that and are fine, but obviously we are not in that group, and we're not as rare as they seem to believe.

I am not stuck, as I haven't stopped tapering, but things have definitely gotten harder and I've tried moving at different paces, just in case the cuts had caught up with me. I'm down to .129 mg K today.

I also tried two liquid formulations and couldn't do it. That's definitely an easy option, if you can tolerate liquid.

[[Buddie]]

I’m glad you don’t feel stuck. It seems the beginnings and endings are hardest. I wish more clinicians would get on the de-prescribing train. I find it odd that most have no experience with difficult patient withdrawals. I hesitate to mention these boards or anything not from a highly reputable site. I guess those who get off benzos easily and their prescribers are unaware of those of us who struggle. That a therapist would not wish to be supportive boggles my mind. Mine suggested I find someone else if I didn’t trust her. (Well, good luck with that these days. Backpedaling commenced.)

If I taper 10% every two weeks I won’t be at 0.129 until… 2025. Jeeze. Not thrilled about that. I can only wish for a Schitt’s Creek Reunion Special and no crazy symptoms. Best of it with that last bit of devil candy.

[[Buddie]]

If I taper 10% every two weeks I won’t be at 0.129 until… 2025. Jeeze. Not thrilled about that.

It took me 21 months to taper 1mg. The first 9 months I tapered at an average of 7.5% per 2 weeks and the last year I tapered at 5%/14 days. I hope this gives you a bit more hope.