Say, “I’m interested in withdrawing from clonazepam. How would you recommend I get started?” Your doctor may be able to help you manage withdrawal symptoms or may be able to recommend a treatment program. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizing drugs to help you wean yourself off the clonazepam. [2] X Research source
Your doctor is your best resource for a tapering schedule.
If your prescribing doctor is a mental health professional, ask about setting up counseling sessions when you talk to them about your desire to withdraw. If not, ask for a referral or look for a therapist in your area that can help you manage your underlying disorder and build good coping skills to help you through withdrawal.
Ask your doctor how often you should come in for check-ups. During withdrawal, it’s normal to see your doctor every one to four weeks. Tell your doctor if you are experiencing any withdrawal symptoms.
Plan to lower your dosage in small quantities each week. It could take you months to fully withdraw from clonazepam, depending on how high your dosage is. Once you reduce your dosage, don’t go back up to a higher dosage unless instructed to by your doctor.
Cut up your tablets if you need to, or ask your pharmacist to help you. For example, a person who is taking 1 mg of clonazepam per day would take 8 weeks to taper off of the medication. [5] X Research source
For example, take your medication at night if you struggle with insomnia or nightmares. [6] X Research source
Ask your doctor to recommend a detox program.
Anxiety Shaking Trembling Tremors Nausea Vomiting Insomnia Nightmares Excessive sweating Tachycardia Headaches Weakness Muscle aches Depression Crying spells Confusion Depersonalization Concentration problems Fatigue Hallucinations Irritability Mood swings Suicidal thoughts[9] X Research source
Symptoms will be worse and will last longer if you quit cold turkey rather than slowly tapering off. In rare incidences, symptoms can last for a year or two. This usually occurs when someone quits cold turkey or had been taking a high dosage for a very long time.
Choose lean meats, lots of vegetables, and fruit. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Do light cardio. Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Stay away from toxins and stimulates, such as caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
Ask your family and friends to be with you. Say, “Stopping my medication is going to be difficult for me because I’ll be going through withdrawal. I’d really appreciate having you by my side. Would it be alright if I call you when I need to talk?” Look for an online support forum where you can reach out and talk to someone at anytime.
Say, “Right now if feels like a drink will help me calm my nerves. I’m not sure what to do. ”
Talk to your doctor if you feel like you can’t cope with the withdrawal symptoms.
Work with your mental health professional to learn better ways to cope. Try exercise, meditation, and focusing on the present moment.
Ask your support system to be there for you when you’re dealing with a trigger. Say, “I get really anxious when I have to drive for long periods of time. Do you think you could take me to my doctor’s appointment?”
Ask your doctor if they know of any support groups. Check with your local community center or library for groups that meet there. Look for a group hosted by a local mental health facility. Search online for support forums.
