I was on Klonopin for 12 years 3 to 4 mg daily. I have mental health issues. On Memorial day 2020 I decided I was through. ( My long time Psychiatrist had retired, Covid hit, and thus lockdowns and only phone visits with my new psychiatrist.) I went cold turkey. I spent the first 2 weeks in a stat of panic and stayed in bed. At the end of June I became so nauseated I could not stop throwing up and spent a week in the hospital with dry heaves. I told the doctor that I had quit. They gave me 2400 mg of gabapentin. That seems to help, except I have gained 15lbs. I had an extremly hard time sleeping. It is the end of August and I have attacks where I have hot flashes so severe, I run my head under ice cold water. I get tingling sensations in my head and body. I still have trouble sleeping' I wake up every hour or so and sleep 4 or 5 hours a night. I get feelings of severe fatigue that come on suddenly.. Shortness of breath, chest pain, and headaches. I know I will have to withdrawl from gabapentin eventually. Has anyone else experienced this and how much longer does this last?
Shel
Hi, Shel.
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines, such as Klonopin (clonazepam), especially after long-term use, can be severe and potentially dangerous. The symptoms you're describing are consistent with benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, which can include severe anxiety, panic attacks, nausea, sleep disturbances, physical sensations, and more.
It's crucial to understand that stopping benzodiazepines suddenly, especially at higher doses after long-term use, can lead to serious complications, including seizures. A gradual tapering schedule under the guidance of a doctor is typically recommended to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. Some people may experience symptoms for weeks, while others might have symptoms that persist for months or even longer after stopping the medication. This can be due to a number of factors, including the specific benzodiazepine that was used, the dosage, the length of time it was taken, individual physiology, and how abruptly the medication was discontinued.
Regarding gabapentin, it is often prescribed to help manage symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal, but as you've recognized, it too can have its own set of withdrawal symptoms if not tapered appropriately. Weight gain is also a known side effect of gabapentin for some individuals.
Given the complexity of your situation and the potential for serious withdrawal symptoms, it is very important to seek medical advice. Here are a few steps you might consider:
-
Medical Supervision: You should be under the care of a healthcare professional familiar with benzodiazepine withdrawal. This could be a psychiatrist, a primary care physician, or an addiction specialist.
-
Tailored Plan: Work with your doctor to create a personalized tapering schedule for both the Klonopin and gabapentin, taking into account the current state of your withdrawal symptoms.
-
Supportive Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological support methods can be very helpful in managing withdrawal symptoms and underlying mental health issues.
-
Monitor and Adjust: Your withdrawal plan may need to be adjusted based on how you're responding to the tapering process.
-
Emergency Plan: Have a plan for seeking immediate help if you experience severe symptoms such as intense panic attacks, seizures, or thoughts of self-harm.
-
Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a healthy diet, light exercise if possible, and techniques for stress reduction, like meditation or deep-breathing exercises, to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
-
Sleep Hygiene: Practice good sleep hygiene to help improve sleep quality. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.
The journey off benzodiazepines can be a difficult one, but with the right support and medical guidance, it is possible to manage the withdrawal symptoms and work toward recovery.