Clonazepam Tritation - 0.125mg in 30ML over 30 days

[[Buddie]]

I am excited to say that I am on day 7 (tonight will be 8ml) of my 30ml Clonazepam Titration.  I had been on 0.125mg dose for just over a month and I think going into tolerance.

I am diluting 0.125mg in 30ml of water.

I am trying to work out whether to hold or continue cutting.  My mind tells me to keep going as I just want to get off Clonazepam however I am feeling a little average - nothing majorly but just BLAH.

During resting/first thing on waking, I am getting heart flutters.  They did start whilst I was on the 0.125mg dose for over a month - I think it was more tolerance.  They are slowly decreasing as I am continuing to reduce.  I have had these previously so accept they are withdrawals.

The most annoying thing I am having is my heart beating in my ears at night time.  Man, it is driving me crazy and I can hardly sleep. It has been worse the last two nights.  Then as I'm not sleeping 100%, I am feeling average during the day.

I am not sure whether I hold here for a few days hoping it goes away or continue cutting and accept it.

I would love any thoughts and/or suggestions.

Thanks for your help!

[[Buddie]]

You are making good progress [...] - way to go!  Are you functioning in your daily life fairly well?  That is one of the things you can use as a guide to how things are going for you.  I didn't shoot for symptom-free but did use function (maintaining my life's responsibilities/commitments) as a guide to how I was doing.  I do understand your desire to be finished with tapering but there is no harm or shame in holding a bit along the way, especially if it helps you achieve you goal in the long run. 

[[Buddie]]

So far, I have been able to continue working in my usual full-time hours.

Mind you, there has been some days where I just go home and shower/relax but otherwise I'm coping generally ok.

[[Buddie]]

[...], I don't see any overwhelming evidence that you need to hold at this point.  That said, sometimes reductions can catch up with you so since you are questioning if you need to hold, perhaps consider doing so for a few days just to be sure the reductions you've made won't be catching up with you and blindside you.  Keeping your job is important so that needs to be a consideration.   

[...] 

[[Buddie]]

I think I've hit a wall. I have been struggling the last few days.  I am currently taking 20ml of my 30ml mixture. 

I've been waking up at 4am each morning with a severe headache behind one of my eyes and I feel like I have a terrible flu. My tummy is also playing up a little.
Mentally I feel ok just physically taking a beating.  I'm not sure if this is withdrawal or perhaps I have a caught something going around - a few people at work have been unwell.

I am really unsure whether I ask my psychiatrist tomorrow if I can be admitted as an inpatient to do this last tapering off.  I just hate the feeling of being unwell and perhaps might cope better as an in-patient?

[[Buddie]]

I'm so sorry you are feeling unwell Youngster.  Would you consider holding where you are for a few days or even a couple of weeks to see if things settle down?  From what I've read here, inpatient withdrawl is abrupt and most members relate that their inpatient experience was less than desireable.  I would hate to see you choose that path and then regret it.

[[Buddie]]

Yes definitely. I'm going to hold here for at least a few days and let things settle.
I'll then start again....what a wild ride!

[[Buddie]]

I think I've hit a wall. I have been struggling the last few days.  I am currently taking 20ml of my 30ml mixture. 

I've been waking up at 4am each morning with a severe headache behind one of my eyes and I feel like I have a terrible flu. My tummy is also playing up a little.
Mentally I feel ok just physically taking a beating.  I'm not sure if this is withdrawal or perhaps I have a caught something going around - a few people at work have been unwell.

I am really unsure whether I ask my psychiatrist tomorrow if I can be admitted as an inpatient to do this last tapering off.  I just hate the feeling of being unwell and perhaps might cope better as an in-patient?

Hi Youngster

I am also in Australia. You say you're mentally okay. If you don't need a hospital to keep you safe I would suggest you seriously consider seeing this through at home.

Going inpatient has long-term consequences. If you apply for income protection or disability cover and you have been admitted then your insurance will add an insane list of exclusions to your cover which might effect other illnesses in future. Often we don't realise the far reaching impact of this.

By all means if you need admission for your safety there's no need to think twice.

[[Buddie]]

Yes definitely. I'm going to hold here for at least a few days and let things settle.
I'll then start again....what a wild ride!

Youngster, I'm glad you are going to wait a bit.  When I got to the end of my rope with tapering and withdrawl symptoms, I came here and read posts and wrote posts.  That helped me over those terrible humps.  Coming here to BB and distraction were my allies and I wasn't picky about what distraction I used - cooking, puzzles, Netflix, walking, cleaning (!), etc.  So, keep posting and let us know how you are doing.   

[[Buddie]]

I think I've hit a wall. I have been struggling the last few days.  I am currently taking 20ml of my 30ml mixture. 

I've been waking up at 4am each morning with a severe headache behind one of my eyes and I feel like I have a terrible flu. My tummy is also playing up a little.
Mentally I feel ok just physically taking a beating.  I'm not sure if this is withdrawal or perhaps I have a caught something going around - a few people at work have been unwell.

I am really unsure whether I ask my psychiatrist tomorrow if I can be admitted as an inpatient to do this last tapering off.  I just hate the feeling of being unwell and perhaps might cope better as an in-patient?

Hi Youngster

I am also in Australia. You say you're mentally okay. If you don't need a hospital to keep you safe I would suggest you seriously consider seeing this through at home.

Going inpatient has long-term consequences. If you apply for income protection or disability cover and you have been admitted then your insurance will add an insane list of exclusions to your cover which might effect other illnesses in future. Often we don't realise the far reaching impact of this.

By all means if you need admission for your safety there's no need to think twice.

Tell me about it....funnily enough, I actually work in insurance claims and specialise in income protection and TPD so I know this all too well.

I am definitely fine to be at home. It is more just feeling unwell I don't like.  I think I was just having a moment this morning and wanted this journey to be over! Luckily my partner is very supportive and got me out the door for work.