Tips of getting off Benzodiazepines?

[Lily]

I was wondering if anyone had any tips from experience of how to get off Benzodiazepines? I know I have to ween off it slowly.. but I find the withdrawal symptoms bad. I get very irritable and my anxiety raises along with depression. I am on 1.5mg and I use to be on 1.75mg. I was able to drop 0.25mg with a lot of effort, but I am finding it almost impossible to drop anymore. I am 19 years old and I've been on this for two years. I am so sick of it. Oh, and the Benzodiazepine I am on is called Clonazepam. Thanks!
I don't need the medication anymore. I was taking them for panic attacks and I can now cope with them on my own. Plus, it doesn't matter if it's a low dosage. Clonazepam is a narcotic. I should be concerned. I've been on it for two years. You should only take it for 4-6 weeks.

[ladypam]

its good that you have decided to get off benzos but as you have experienced, withdrawal symptoms will really make you feel like hell. As with all habit forming drugs, it's the withdrawal symptoms that make it harder for them to stop.

There have been studies that point to taking diazepam to help with the withdrawal symptoms. Check out this website for more info on how to go about it --> Withdrawal from Clonazepam - Taper off Clonazepam
They show a complete plan in order to totally get rid of benzos in the body, specifically clonazepam.

But, if you think you can stand the withdrawal symptoms without taking any other medication, then do so. The full effect of the withdrawal symptoms of clonazepam is seen 5-7 days after lowering your dosage.

Hope this helps.

[Lily]

Great advice, thanks!

[francis84]

The benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs with varying hypnotic, sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and amnesic properties, which are mediated by slowing down the central nervous system. The long-term use of benzodiazapines can cause physical dependence. The use of benzodiazepines should therefore commence only after medical consultation and benzodiazepines should be prescribed the smallest dosage possible to provide an acceptable level of symptom relief. Dependence varies with the benzodiazepine used and with the user.