Klonopin · Holding · Mar 20, 2026

Tapering: Klonopin

holding

3 posts

Toronto, CA

Hi Diane here. Managed to discontinue Effexor after 30 years on it. It's been six months now and every day my iq and motivation increase. Clonazapam reduction of 25% to .75 mg. Have been on it 35 years.

March 20, 2026

Coming off of Effexor has taken 5.5 years and it was the hardest but most worthwhile endeavor so far. Regulating raw emotions and getting to know who I am are full time jobs. Getting out of the house is a new challenge that I look forward to beating. Currently take Clonazapam to sleep. I was iatrogenically harmed several years ago when doctor abruptly stopped prescribing it and as a result did not sleep for 7 nights, and was subsequently admitted to the psych ward. I was reinstated finally back to Clonazapam. Latest sleep study reads 20 awakenings each hour with three hours sleep average per night. Holding due to little sleep.

Klonopin — .625 mg nightly — 30 years —

7 Replies

AdamMar 20

LighthouseAbilify · active

I hope everything will be fine with you 😊 I also had iatrogenically reduced medication (olanzapine) from certain dose to 0 in one step 6 years ago. As painful as it was still recovering from insane doses from ward

Abilify — 25mg — 9 years — actively tapering | Zyprexa — 7.5mg — 8 years — holding | with clinician. Lithium 900mg holding with clinician

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BasedStaffMar 20

Community AnchorEffexor

A common occurrence unfortunately. Lots of people just assume everyone will be able to tolerate a cold turkey cut. Really breaks my heart to see people harmed by laziness. Do you work with a psychotherapist at all?

Creator of Taper Community, here to help you.

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CatinaMar 20

Community AnchorEffexor

"Coming off of Effexor has taken 5.5 years and it was the hardest but most worthwhile endeavor so far." — @Diane M

Hi Diane, and welcome! What an incredible feat you accomplished. You're my hero!

"Regulating raw emotions and getting to know who I am are full time jobs. Getting out of the house is a new challenge that I look forward to beating." — @Diane M

This makes sense after being on these drugs for so long. You're finally getting the chance to find out who you really are, and I'm sure it's both scary and exciting at the same time. Just take baby steps and soon you'll be able to reach your goals.

"I was iatrogenically harmed several years ago when doctor abruptly stopped prescribing it and as a result did not sleep for 7 nights, and was subsequently admitted to the psych ward." — @Diane M

I'm soooo sorry to hear this! I've been in a psych ward twice, and both times were due to AD withdrawal. I don't understand how doctors can justify ripping people off their drugs like that. I'm sorry you're struggling with your sleep. There's some information about Insomnia in the Symptoms and Self-Care section that I hope will help. Glad to have you here, and I hope we can be a good support to you! We're here whenever you need to reach out. Catina ❤️

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 16.64 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

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CatinaMar 20

Community AnchorEffexor

@Diane M, Here is the document about Insomnia: https://taper.community/thread/fad854f7-f9a4-421d-b60f-bf11aa13a251

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SteveStaffMar 20

Community AnchorEffexor · active

Hello Diane, you are indeed a hero for having come so far! Effexor withdrawl in my experience is evil aswell as getting off Benzos. The less sleep is a common occurence. I hope to see updates of your progress and wish you the best! 👍💪

off Stimulants (2000-2013)
off Fluoxetine (2010-2013)
off Lamotrigine (2013-2016)
off Quetiapain (2016-2020)

currently Effexor — 33mg — 13 years (from 300mg) — actively tapering | with clinician

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CatinaMar 20

Community AnchorEffexor

"Effexor withdrawl in my experience is evil aswell as getting off Benzos" — @Steve

I agree with this! I was able to taper a benzo without any difficulty; for me, the Effexor has been much worse.

JulesStaffMar 20

Community Anchor

"Coming off of Effexor has taken 5.5 years and it was the hardest but most worthwhile endeavor so far." — @Diane M

Welcome to the community, Diane. Coming off Effexor is one of the hardest things to you - kudos on doing that, especially after 30 years of being on it!

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