Hi,I posted before about trouble getting off psych meds that I've been on for 5 years for bipolar depression.
I successfully got through the withdrawals from the Zyprexa,the anti-psychotic major tranquilizer--after 4 months of total fatigue--and off the Trazodone prescribed to help me sleep over that time period,which had a withdrawal of it's own. I still feel like I'm recovering from an awful bout of the flu or mono or something.
Now my Pdoc wants me to start tapering the Klonopin I've taked for 5 years,2mg a day,and I'm really scared. It helps me sleep,and I've read horror stories about seizures,etc. during withdrawal. It's so frustrating to me that these Dr's just casually say,oh,cut back from .5 4x a day to 3x a day,okay? Well,I haven't been able to do it. Maybe I've managed 1.75mg a day,and I still feel weird. Tight jaw,twitches,ringing in the ears,etc. I have to call him this week and am afraid he won't understand. He denied that I was going through Zyprexa withdrawal,and had said stopping Trazodone suddenly wouldn't hurt me.
By the way,I've been reading alot on this forum about Ultram addiction and that's how my whole nightmare started. After 2 years I stopped a huge amount cold,and became so depressed I made a suicide attempt,which led to all this psychiatric med crap.
It seems my entire existence right now is kicking pills. I can't help but wonder if I've done permanent damage to my brain. I know Klonopin is like Xanax. I'm just really apprehensive.
Can anyone help?

Hi Bipolar Girl I think you need a second opinion fast. I'am getting off zyprexa SLOWLY with a doctor who I trust implicity. I'am no doctor either but I know a lot of them and I don't see why your doctor had a problem with you staying on trazadone. Also from what I've read your taper from klopin is way too fast. Please go for the second opinion! Carly

Hi-
my friend recently went off zyprexa..bi-polar-very tough detox..i think she was put back on for a time-but now shes off-the weight gain was too much..
she is also on klonipin/and ativan-5 mgs a day total..
in most bipolar cases-the benzos are nessecery for anxiety-etc..at least low dose-perhaps you could tell your dr-its going to have to be slowed down..no rush..really,,esp. after the zyprexa..
im on ads/benzos for depression/panic/ptsd..so i get it..im in fear of being detoxed from benzos-based on my sisters experience..never was able to come off.many detoxs later..it was nixed..
when i went on-it was absolutely nesscery..i was having panic attacks-4x a week-bad ones-now they are managed..and although on occassion it happens-its way differant in intensity..
Id go as slow as possible and talk to your dr..please..about your fears/etc..

ggrl :angel: