Triggering (Substance Abuse) - What will tranquilizer withdrawal be like?

charliotta · 26-01-2009, 03:23 PM

I've been on clonazepam, first at a therapeutic level for bipolar mania, and then misusing it at a really high level to block life out. Now i've got to detox from it really quickly as i'm due a manic episode in the next few months and only clonazepam brings me back down. The doctors are talking about an addictions unit, but i don't know what it will be like detoxing so quickly. Help?

Guest Visitor · 26-01-2009, 07:49 PM

I don't know much about it myself, but I ran a Google search for you and found a few things.

Quote:

How long a drug stays in a persons system for depends on a person's individual metabolism. In the case of clonazepam, which has an elimination half life of 18 - 50 hours, withdrawal symptoms can be expected to develop within 24 - 72 hours and to reach their maximum intensity after about 5 - 7 days.

From http://www.non-benzodiazepines.org.uk/clonazepam.html

And a list of withdrawal symptoms here.

Wishing you all the best,
Nessa

lostandalone3 · 28-01-2009, 01:11 PM

Hey,

Just wanted to say it may not be as bad as you think. I was on clonazepam for 10 months whilst i was inpatient, i was also on a tranquiliser for sleep. When i left the hosp they tried to tell me i was addicted and prescribed me diazepam so that i could be gradually weaned off. One day i decided that i didnt want to take it anymore and stopped it. I had no real withdrawl effects. Yes psychologically sometimes i want to take benzo to block stuff out but physically i felt fine.

I now find when i take them they seem to be heaps more effective. I actually found it more difficult to come off anti depressants and anti psychotics. Good luck and i hope they reduce the dosage gradually.