- Jackie - klonipin, benzo info - , Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Struggling with a nitrazepam wean here, during my search for an 'easier' way

to off the stuff, I have come across a lot of weaning info, and yes,

klonipin is definitely one of the hardest benzos to wean.

Have either of you tried a gradual switch over to diazepam to continue the

wean? Klonipin's very short half life often leads to more severe withdrawl

seizures as each reduction is attempted. has a longer half life, and

can sometimes mean less fallout whilst weaning.

If anyone wants the benzo FAQ sheet I have that goes into this method, and

also has a lot of interesting side effects info etc about benzos as well,

email me at rich.sue.hill@..., and I'll forward it through.

I haven't switched to diaz, but may have to as 's dose gets down a bit

more, really for the ease of slower reducing with the smaller diaz pill

available.

Hill

PS - The night seizure issue, when a benoz is involved as an AED, can

sometimes be as a result of 'mini' withdrawl seizures before each dose is

due, whether the med is 'needed' as an AED or not - often when tolerance

occurs, these can start to creep in, and unless the dose is increased, or

conversely reduced, it can be a long term problem.

During the day these rebound effects might not occur, or might not be as

obvious, but at night, most of our kids are way more seizure prone, plus

ketones are usually lower, affording less protection.

> Jackie,

>

> I am sure your neurologist will confirm this but the weaning of the

Klonopin

> should be very slow as it is well known that trying to wean of this drug

> causes seizures ....... more so than some of the other drugs, it is a

pretty

> addictive drug ........... even at that low dose ...... is that what he

> takes at night? We have not been able to get Jake off this drug because

> whenever we tried we got seizures in a big way! I hope you have better

> luck. We too managed to get Jake down on his Topamax since starting the

> diet ........ it is wonderful to actually REDUCE a med without ADDING

> another!!

>

> Good luck

>

> -----Original Message-----