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Experiencing Anxiety And Headache. Is This Normal After Taking Klonipan?
Question: Dr.,
Been on Klonipan for 15 years or so, 1 mg to 1.5 mg a day, decided to get off this past October. Tapered down and now been completely off for 30 days but still experiencing anxiety for no reason, mild headache, sensitivity to light/sound and just fogginess. I assume this will take more time to get through all these withdrawal symptoms, but is somewhat frustrating....please confirm if this is the normal reaction for someone who has been on Klonipan for 15 years or so.
I originally was prescribed to help me work and raise 2 boys as my ex-wife had Bi-Polar and was in out of hospital/jail and I had a tough time concentrating at work while she was running around usually in manic state.
Thank you. XXXXXXX
Been on Klonipan for 15 years or so, 1 mg to 1.5 mg a day, decided to get off this past October. Tapered down and now been completely off for 30 days but still experiencing anxiety for no reason, mild headache, sensitivity to light/sound and just fogginess. I assume this will take more time to get through all these withdrawal symptoms, but is somewhat frustrating....please confirm if this is the normal reaction for someone who has been on Klonipan for 15 years or so.
I originally was prescribed to help me work and raise 2 boys as my ex-wife had Bi-Polar and was in out of hospital/jail and I had a tough time concentrating at work while she was running around usually in manic state.
Thank you. XXXXXXX
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Hello Mr. XXXXXXX
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Your symptoms such as increased anxiety, headache, hypersensitivity to light/sound, fogginess, etc. are indeed indicative of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Often, especially when the duration of use has been very long, there can be protracted withdrawal states, which may last even for a few weeks together.
Given the long duration of previous use (15 years), this is a normally expected reaction. So, don't worry much about this, and with a little more time, your symptoms should gradually subside. I would suggest that you try the following simple measures to deal with your symptoms:
- Practice relaxation techniques like XXXXXXX breathing, listening to relaxing music, etc.
- Ensure that you get 7 - 8 hours of continuous sleep everyday.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle - with adequate physical exercise and a nutritious and balanced diet. This not only keeps your body healthy, but also helps your mind stay relaxed.
- Avoid stress as much as possible. Don't take too much which you can't handle. Take one step at a time. Postpone any major decisions. When you feel overwhelmed by any stress, tell yourself that this is just a passing phase and that you just have to 'stay afloat', till this bad phase passes away.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine as they all can cause worsening of anxiety.
Wish you all the best.
- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Your symptoms such as increased anxiety, headache, hypersensitivity to light/sound, fogginess, etc. are indeed indicative of benzodiazepine withdrawal. Often, especially when the duration of use has been very long, there can be protracted withdrawal states, which may last even for a few weeks together.
Given the long duration of previous use (15 years), this is a normally expected reaction. So, don't worry much about this, and with a little more time, your symptoms should gradually subside. I would suggest that you try the following simple measures to deal with your symptoms:
- Practice relaxation techniques like XXXXXXX breathing, listening to relaxing music, etc.
- Ensure that you get 7 - 8 hours of continuous sleep everyday.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle - with adequate physical exercise and a nutritious and balanced diet. This not only keeps your body healthy, but also helps your mind stay relaxed.
- Avoid stress as much as possible. Don't take too much which you can't handle. Take one step at a time. Postpone any major decisions. When you feel overwhelmed by any stress, tell yourself that this is just a passing phase and that you just have to 'stay afloat', till this bad phase passes away.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine as they all can cause worsening of anxiety.
Wish you all the best.
- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. S.,
Ok got it. I left my job in September as a Construction Project Manager, as I was financially able to and one of the reason's was I wanted to take care of this Klonipan addiction....I' ll need to get working fairly soon but maybe I'll give it 4 more weeks before aggresive job search, hopefully by that time it will clear up constant anxiety-tenseness to the degree that it is plagueing me now.
I hope I made a good decision in the big picture/long run in trying to get off this.
Confirmation of this decison would be encouraging.
Thank you, for you comments.
XXXXXXX
Ok got it. I left my job in September as a Construction Project Manager, as I was financially able to and one of the reason's was I wanted to take care of this Klonipan addiction....I' ll need to get working fairly soon but maybe I'll give it 4 more weeks before aggresive job search, hopefully by that time it will clear up constant anxiety-tenseness to the degree that it is plagueing me now.
I hope I made a good decision in the big picture/long run in trying to get off this.
Confirmation of this decison would be encouraging.
Thank you, for you comments.
XXXXXXX
Dear Mr. XXXXXXX
There's no doubt that you have made the right decision to come off the Klonopin. Though you may experience short-term problems such as increased anxiety due to the withdrawal effects, it is definitely good for you in the long run. Don't worry, this withdrawal anxiety should gradually subside and you should be able get back to work and your normal routine soon.
Best wishes,
Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
There's no doubt that you have made the right decision to come off the Klonopin. Though you may experience short-term problems such as increased anxiety due to the withdrawal effects, it is definitely good for you in the long run. Don't worry, this withdrawal anxiety should gradually subside and you should be able get back to work and your normal routine soon.
Best wishes,
Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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