Safest Way to Get Off Klonopin

Klonopin, or clonazepam, is in a family of drugs called benzodiazepines that is often prescribed for patients experiencing anxiety, other panic disorders or seizure disorders. Klonopin may become addictive, particularly if you take it at higher dosages for a longer period of time (such as over six weeks). According to Drugs.com, Klonopin should not be used for longer than nine weeks without a doctor’s approval. When you’re ready to stop taking Klonopin, talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that’s appropriate for you.

Things You'll Need

• Neurontin

Instructions

1. Avoid abruptly discontinuing your Klonopin dosages, especially if you have been taking it for six weeks or longer, according to Pain Free 1-2-3. Klonopin is habit-forming and you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as tremors, sweating, vomiting, unusual thoughts and insomnia.

2. Consult with the doctor that prescribed Klonopin to you. She can recommend a schedule for you to gradually reduce your dosages. According to Pain Free 1-2-3, this schedule may be similar to reducing the dosage by about 0.25 to 0.5 mg daily for a period of about one to eight weeks. This dosage reduction schedule varies depending on the dosage you are currently taking, as well as whether you experience withdrawal symptoms when you begin tapering down.

3. Consider using another medication to help you get off Klonopin if you still experience withdrawal symptoms following the schedule your doctor recommends. Ask your doctor about alternatives. Pain 1-2-3 suggests that Neurontin, at a typical dosage of 200 mg three times daily, may help ease patients off Klonopin.

References

• "Pain Free 1-2-3"; Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D.; 2006.
• Drug Information Online: Klonopin

Resources

• The P-I-E-N-O Parkinson's List Drug Database: Clonazepam
• The Mayo Clinic: Generalized Anxiety Disorder