Posted by ed_uk on December 31, 2004, at 13:57:10
In reply to Re: Zoloft taper vs. Klonopin taper, posted by JaneB on December 31, 2004, at 13:10:24
> Specifically, should I try to taper both Zoloft and Klonopin at the same time or do one and then the other?
Hello!
It would certainly be best to withdraw from one and then the other. You definately don't want to be experiencing withdrawal symptoms from two drugs at once.
An extremely gradual withdrawal is usually best because it helps to minimise withdrawal symptoms. You could start by reducing your Klonopin dose by 125 micrograms/day every 2 weeks. If you have difficulty withdrawing from the Klonopin you could substitute an equivalent daily dose of diazepam (Valium) in order to block the withdrawal symptoms. Next, you would reduce the Valium dose gradually eg. by 500 micrograms/day every 2 weeks. Valium syrup can be used if an even more gradual reduction is required. Although a few people can successfully withdraw from benzodiazepines in a few weeks, some people will take a year or more. As a general rule, it is better to reduce the dose too slowly rather than too quicky. If you gradually reduce the dose in tiny steps you may not have any withdrawal symptoms at all.
The final steps of withdrawal tend to be the hardest. Diazepam (Valium) substitution can be helpful for the final stages.
The equivalent dose of Valium is not entirely clear because it varies between individuals. A common rule is.....
1mg Klonopin = 20mg Valium
So, if you'd successfully reduced your Klonopin dose down to 500 micrograms a day but were unable to reduce it any further, you could substitute 10mg/day Valium and then reduce the Valium dose gradually.
To withdraw from the Zoloft you may need to get good at cutting tablets into little pieces. Not everyone finds SSRI withdrawal difficult though- hopefully you be be lucky. If Zoloft withdrawal is difficult you could subsitute an equivalent dose of Prozac in the form of Prozac liquid. Using an 'oral syringe' the Prozac dose could then be reduced gradually in small steps.
A (very) approximate rule for substitution is.....
20 mg Prozac = 50 mg Zoloft
So, for example, you would substitute 25mg of Zoloft with 10mg Prozac.
Good luck with your withdrawal...
Ed.
poster:ed_uk
thread:433738
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041228/msgs/436031.html