Dependent on Kpin after just 2.5 months

I'm currently on 0.5 mg of Klonopin once every day right before bed. I've taken it for about 2.5 months. I have dysautonomia (an autonomic nervous system disorder) and my symptoms got pretty bad a couple months ago. Klonopin was the only way I could sleep, so I've taken it every night since.

I tried to taper off about 5 - 6 days ago by going down to 3/4th of a pill. A few days later I had the most horrific panic attack, headache, and palpitations I've ever had, so I immediately went back up to my original dose.

I've joined benzo buddies because I want to get off this, but I'm not sure how. Even cutting a small amount of such a low dose gave me unbearable symptoms.

Hello somethingoranother,

Welcome to Benzo Buddies! It is possible to become physically dependent on benzos in 2.5 months, it happened to me and many others. 

Klonopin is a very potent benzo so by cutting your pill down to 3/4th this is actually a very significant reduction. The symptoms you describe are really common for withdrawal, scary but common. Do you feel better back on the original dose?

I'm not familiar with disautonomia and it's effect on the nervous system, but I do know benzos make significant changes to the central nervous system. You may need to go much slower to avoid strong withdrawal symptoms.  It is doable though and we'll try to provide you with good information and support.

Generally a reduction of no more than 5-10% every 10-14 days is suggested. I'll give you a link to the Planning your Withdrawal Board for more information. 

Some people find it works to make very small daily reductions and others will crossover to valium which has a longer half life.  Do some reading and you'll find the plan that works best for you.  We're here for you so please let us know how we can help.

Planning Your Withdrawal (Taper Plans)

pianogirl 

Hi, thank you so much for accepting me into the community.

Dysautonomia is an autonomic nervous system issue. This all started after I got a major infection traveling 1 year ago. Since then, I had issues with orthostatic intolerance, low blood pressure, severe anxiety, brain fog, and a whole bunch of other stuff. I wasn't able to walk due to being too out of breath and my heart rate jumping too high for a few weeks. I was finally put on a steroid to expand blood volume, and had gotten a bit better since.

I was originally put on Xanax, Ambien, and Lexapro about a year ago to help deal with symptoms while the steroid helped me get a bit better. The Xanax and Ambien were at low doses, and only taken a few times a week for maybe 4 weeks. I stopped both pretty much instantly and didn't have any reaction. I was advised to cold turkey off the Lexapro as well a few months later - since I was "only on it for 3 months" and suffered terrible nausea, dizziness, and emotional disturbances for about 2 weeks as a result. I also had brain zaps for about 3 - 4 months after.

Anyway, a couple months ago, I pushed exercise way too hard, and my dysautonomia symptoms came back in full force - with severe anxiety and insomnia being intolerable. So I went on Klonopin to deal with it. 2.5 months later, it seems I am completely dependent.

Unfortunately, I feel the dysautonomia is probably making my withdrawal symptoms much worse. And I haven't been able to see my dysautonomia specialist for 2 months since the pandemic started (I was in the middle of testing).

I'll head on over to the link you've provided and try to get some help - as the psychological reaction to my first taper attempt was unbearable after 5 days.

I am feeling a bit better now after I went back to my normal dose (last night) but feel very hungover and beat up. Slept about 10 hours, and the ordeal was pretty traumatic. Hopefully I'll get some more energy over the next few days.

Your situation definitely is complicated because of the disorder but you will be able to taper off, just done more slowly.

One thing I'll mention, since you did take benzos and z drugs before, it is possible that you are experiencing what is called 'kindling'. That is where subsequent withdrawals can be more challenging.