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DeNy

Tapering: Klonopin

37 posts

Bangladesh

Hi, I'm DeNy

April 6, 2026··
The crisis began in 2022 – 2023, emerging from a period of high stress, significant weight loss (110), and high caffeine intake. The shift occurred over two days involving cough syrup the first dose caused a strange sense of being detached from the body, while the second triggered a state of episodic Depersonalization/Derealization (DPDR). By August – December 2023, a prescription of Flupentixol/Melitracen was introduced. Following medical advice to simply quit the medication, a catastrophic cold-turkey withdrawal ensued, leading to thirty days of total insomnia and a state of constant, extreme DPDR. From December 2023 – Mid-2024, to manage the fallout of the withdrawal through a "cocktail" of Clonazepam, Amitriptyline, and Chlordiazepoxide, which resulted in a "chemical coma" sleep and a sharp decline in cognitive function and memory. When Amitriptyline was later swapped for Trifluoperazine and the Clonazepam dose was increased to 2mg, the reaction was immediate and severe. Profound memory loss set in, significant weight gain followed, and the state of health became so fragile that life became entirely room-bound. A period of stabilization arrived between June 2024 - March 2025. After quitting Trifluoperazine and holding Clonazepam at 1.5mg for six months, a successful water micro-taper brought the dosage down to 1.24mg. During this window, full functionality returned (at least that's what I think), driving was possible, sleep was partially restorative, and even caffeine was tolerated again. The weight gained from previous medications was entirely lost. However, a new and terrifying system crash occurred in April – May 2025. A single dose of a PPI followed by another PPI and an anticholinergic triggered a collapse characterized by vomiting and orthostatic hypotension. Crucially, this crash rendered the body immediately and profoundly intolerant to caffeine; as a result, a daily caffeine habit had to be quit abruptly (cold-turkey), which introduced a massive new strain to the nervous system. Following this, the 1.24mg of Clonazepam became paradoxical, causing cycles of euphoria and rage, pinpoint pupils, and a feeling of overdose. Only then did the physical symptoms spiral into 10/10 tinnitus, restless legs, severe akathisia, and movement disorders, including dyskinesia, dystonia, and catatonia, TMJ issues (literally everything happened), alongside profound amnesia. By June – July 2025, a hospital admission for weakness and diarrhea led to a rapid one-week taper from 1.24mg down to 0mg, followed by an immediate reinstatement to 1mg upon discharge. This created a new baseline where movement issues were replaced by a "numb/anesthesia" state. This was characterized by "ultimate amnesia"—where only factual recall remained—a complete disconnection from bodily signals like taste and smell, and a sense of living on autopilot. Through August – October 2025, this state of profound anesthesia persisted. The Numbness Dissociative amnesia state only deepened ( throughout this time period i was taking thiamine pills and B vitamins daily until I came back home from an abroad trip in november then I quit the vitamins ) November 2025 The baseline throughout this month was marked by minute-by-minute amnesia and "frozen" biological functions in the gut and urinary system, and everywhere. Between the months, a strict diet was implemented. Suddenly, reintroducing thiamine pills triggered a panic attack, followed by an emotional release, followed by "dumping" symptoms. The month remained a cycle of frozen functions versus agitation, with rare neurological breakthroughs like a visual memory flash and colorless recall, even as the general baseline remained a blank stare. December 2025 Early in the month, "insight blindness" and a sensory void became the norm. During the month, an emergency hospital visit for respiratory distress resulted in treatment with steroids and oxygen, leaving behind eye pressure and dysphoria. Nightly medications caused paradoxical reactions ranging from euphoria to coma-like states. Toward the end of the month, the baseline shifted to include cognitive fragmentation. The lack of insight became intense, and sleep hovered at a poor 3-6 hours, occasionally punctuated by brief colorless memories following flares of GI issues. January 2026 The new year brought an active micro-taper, with the Clonazepam dose being reduced incrementally throughout the month. This period saw the formal codification of intense DPDR, alongside symptoms of jamais vu, feeling drunk, and foreign thinking. After stressors spiked symptoms to a 9.5/10, the medication became fully stimulatory some nights. Throughout the rest of the month, as the dose was aggressively lowered, the medication began causing insatiable hunger, and by this time gained a lot of weight. In January, I tried colostrum supplement and probiotics until I quit all February 2026 The month began with a continued aggressive taper, dropping the dosage further as the weeks progressed. During the month, "Personality Change" was formally added to a baseline dominated by interoceptive dissociation and amnesia. A dose reduction triggered an immediate panic attack following the suspension, after which sleep crashed to only two hours and cognitive symptoms like "altered thinking" and a "loss of social filter" were grafted onto the daily experience. As the taper continued, GI distress flared, and a distressing new physical symptom emerged: overwhelming urges to move the face, lips, legs, and hands as the medication continues to leave the system. March 2026 from March 15 through March 24, the baseline settled into a highly rigid and repetitive pattern. Cognitive and sensory symptoms remained locked at a severely elevated 9.0/10, reflecting the persistence of the profound amnesia, DPDR, and sensory void established earlier in the year. In contrast, physical symptoms were consistently logged at a lower, stable baseline of 3.0/10. A strict, unchanging daily structure was maintained throughout this period. Normal food intake occurred regularly in the early afternoon and late evening, followed by a nightly dose of Clonazepam consistently taken just before midnight. Sleep remained fractured and non-restorative, with morning logs indicating approximately 4 to 5 hours of low-quality sleep, though minor tracking anomalies appeared in the data as the week progressed.

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

20 Replies

Steve
⭐
SteveStaff5mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor · active
Hello my friend, this is an intense story of what you‘ve been through! Sadly sensitive nerval system and people with higher interoception can suddenly trigger into a lot of strange and overwhelming conditions after inteoducing some medication. My story started slow until a sudden outbreak on antidepressants triggered a range of symptoms and sensitivities, like panic attacks, insomnia and deep depressive episodes never had before that, i also got to know depersonalisation in some conditions. Most of it has vanished for now as i’m stabilizing (despite mood swings) and i would urge you to give the nerval system time to stabilize after tapering periods. You seem to be very accurate and i suggest you use the mood calendar for your continuous taper of clonazepam. I‘m not sure if i read correctly, is it only the clonazepam you are taking still? Have you successfully tapered the rest? All the best and welcome to our platform DeNy 🤗👍💪

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

Catina
⭐
Catina5mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
Hi DeNy, and welcome to Taper Community ❤️. I'm glad you decided to come here after us being on Surviving Antidepressants together. If you could create a Signature for yourself that would be really helpful. You can do that in Settings. What kind of cough syrup did you take? Was it something over-the-counter or was it a prescription that contained codeine? Coffee can have strong effects on our nervous system. Even decaf contains some caffeine and other stimulants. What is your diet like now? And are you currently taking any supplements? As Steve mentioned, we encourage you to carefully track your daily dose, mood, and symptoms. Here is a document about Things to Avoid During Withdrawal. I hope it helps! https://taper.community/thread/57d0fb51-6e6e-4517-9d3d-1dd2f2e3880c I'm sorry you've dealt with so much over the years. We'll be here to help and support you the best we can. Catina ❤️

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 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.

Jules
JulesStaff5mo ago
Community Anchor
"Following medical advice to simply quit the medication, a catastrophic cold-turkey withdrawal ensued, leading to thirty days of total insomnia and a state of constant, extreme DPDR." — @DeNy
Hi DeNy, and welcome to the community. I'm sorry you've gone through much, and continue to do so. Quitting cold turkey, as we already know, is not sound medical advice. Let us know how we can help, and please use the resource section, as it's full of useful information. One bead at a time ⚪
D
DeNy5mo ago
Trusted VoiceKlonopin
"Hello my friend, this is an intense story of what you‘ve been through! Sadly sensitive nerval system and people with higher interoception can suddenly trigger into a lot of strange and overwhelming conditions after inteoducing some medication. My story started slow until a sud..." — @Steve
Hello Thank you for checking in. i definitely plan on using my tracking method for a long time since it kinda became my memory dump when my own is not working. As for holding and reduction of other drugs i am sorry i havent updated the signature now i did. Any views are appreciated healing energy to you.

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

D
DeNy5mo ago
Trusted VoiceKlonopin
"Hi DeNy, and welcome to Taper Community ❤️. I'm glad you decided to come here after us being on Surviving Antidepressants together.
If you could create a Signature for yourself that would be really helpful. You can do that in Settings. What kind of cough syrup did you ta..."
— @Catina
Hello catina glad to find you here, it might take some time for me to adjust. I have created my signature as well as put my entire history in my bio in that way it would be easier for me to keep track of things, and thank you so much for your ai suggestion otherwise i would not have been able to keep track of time and present it as a story. I think it was a prescription one not OTC if memory serves, i am not really aware of the ingredients in it and the local brand. i took first day as per the cap didnt feel anything slept second day after taking i slept and woke up with very intense DPDR ( it did make me sleepy) . RE Diet: zucchini,carrot,rice,chicken,fish,eggs,spinach,cabbage,oakra,bell pepers something like that mom is really helping me with healthy food. I think Ai put it in my story i used supplements till february i think it was B vitamins and ginger could that have been not letting me stabilize? though for some reason when i took thiamine vitamin B1 perhaps i felt my memories a bit if that makes sense. March and April so far no supplements. ill slowly check the resources out. Thank you so much catina i just cant put it into words how much you have helped me technically being an online stranger hopefully we can support each other as much as possible. Healing energy to you.

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

D
DeNy5mo ago
Trusted VoiceKlonopin
"Hi DeNy, and welcome to the community.
I'm sorry you've gone through much, and continue to do so. Quitting cold turkey, as we already know, is not sound medical advice. Let us know how we can help, and please use the resource section, as it's full of useful information...."
— @Jules
Ill try to process the info as much as i can ill likely need views regarding wether to taper or hold only, as for resources i think i have things AOK, i am using a milk DIY liquid taper and for prescriiption i have my doctor giving it to me but the pace is for me to decide which i dont know how to decide with my irrational brain and insight issues. Thank you for the wishes in my darkest times sending healing energy

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

Catina
⭐
Catina5mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
"Hello catina glad to find you here, it might take some time for me to adjust." — @DeNy
So glad we can be here together. Any new site takes time to adjust to, so just take things slowly. We're here for you every step of the way.
"thank you so much for your ai suggestion otherwise i would not have been able to keep track of time and present it as a story" — @DeNy
I'm so glad it helped! AI can be a powerful tool to utilize.
"think it was a prescription one not OTC if memory serves, i am not really aware of the ingredients in it and the local brand. i took first day as per the cap didnt feel anything slept second day after taking i slept and woke up with very intense DPDR ( it did make me sleepy) ." — @DeNy
Thanks for the clarification. I'm wondering if it contained codeine or not. At any rate, you obviously had a reaction to an ingredient in it.
"RE Diet: zucchini,carrot,rice,chicken,fish,eggs,spinach,cabbage,oakra,bell pepers something like that mom is really helping me with healthy food." — @DeNy
That sounds very healthy! I'm glad you have such a supportive and caring mother!
"i think it was B vitamins and ginger could that have been not letting me stabilize?" — @DeNy
Some people find B vitamins and other supplements to be activating.
"Thank you so much catina i just cant put it into words how much you have helped me technically being an online stranger hopefully we can support each other as much as possible. Healing energy to you." — @DeNy
Aww you're so welcome. I would take all your suffering away if I could. Just hold onto what Baylissa told you - that healing will happen for you. In the meantime, keep distracting and grounding yourself as much as you can. We're here whenever you need to reach out! ❤️

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 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.

D
DeNy5mo ago
Trusted VoiceKlonopin
Hello everyone, I have these coin-shaped rashes and itchy spots on my skin, and I was wondering if this is a withdrawal symptom, too? or should i get it checked it by a derma its acttualy in a lot of places. As for a quick update, I have been pretty much the same. It's hard to say if I am getting worse or just staying the same. My goal this year is just to feel stable every day I really don't want to keep getting worse. I have also been reducing my dose as outlined in my drug signature. Next month, I will be getting a health checkup, and I'm hoping everything goes well. If anyone has suggestions for specific things I should ask them to check, please let me know. current sympttoms- Interoception dissociation (can't feel my eyes, ears, nose, teeth, heartbeat, digestion sounds, etc.) Dissociative amnesia (can't recall my past life; memory is 24/7 on autopilot) , GI tract feels paralyzed ,Insomnia , Personality changes ,Insight blindness , Muscle guarding in the neck , Severe cognitive fog ,Lower tear production,Emotional blunting,Jamais vu,OCD,Irritability,Skin rashes and itching.

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

D
DeNy5mo ago
Trusted VoiceKlonopin
"." — @Catina
I'll try to find and see what it was never really gave attention to this, Thanks.

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

Catina
⭐
Catina5mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
"I have these coin-shaped rashes and itchy spots on my skin, and I was wondering if this is a withdrawal symptom, too? or should i get it checked it by a derma its acttualy in a lot of places." — @DeNy
Hi DeNy...yes, skin issues are common in withdrawal. I've been having some strange skin issues myself. Of course, if it makes you feel better to get it checked out by a dermatologist then by all means do that. They'll probably want to give you something topical to "treat" it, but don't expect them to understand what's causing it if it is indeed due to withdrawal.
"My goal this year is just to feel stable every day I really don't want to keep getting worse." — @DeNy
That's a very important goal to have, and I hope we can help you reach it.
"Next month, I will be getting a health checkup, and I'm hoping everything goes well. If anyone has suggestions for specific things I should ask them to check, please let me know." — @DeNy
Regarding blood work, I would make sure they check the following: Vitamin D level, electrolytes & basic metabolic panel, thyroid function, Iron (ferritin), Vitamin B12 & folate, magnesium, liver function, Inflammation markers (CRP), hormones, and CBC.

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 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.

Steve
⭐
SteveStaff5mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor · active
Man, sorry you go through these issues, but it‘s sadly something that happens and might need some time. I got some of it for the first time after my last taper - it was too much and in low dose symptoms easily change from before into like depersonalisation issues (as i experienced). It got way better after 2-3 months for me. Yes the coin shaped rashes can happen. A check up would be interesting to exclude if it‘s a fungus (esp important if they stay at dame place for weeks), also had this a short time ago. Wishing you strength mate and am rooting for you!

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

D
DeNy5mo ago
Trusted VoiceKlonopin
@Catina Thank you for the suggestion ill for sure ask for those test. @Steve Thank you for the wishes ill keep everything upto date here in this thread re my tests stuff symptoms and etc.

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

Catina
⭐
Catina5mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
"Thank you for the suggestion ill for sure ask for those test" — @DeNy
You're very welcome my friend! I'll always be here to help and support you. ❤️

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 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.

D
DeNy4mo ago
Trusted VoiceKlonopin
Hey @Jules @Catina @Steve and all , just a quick update. The journey to the dermatologist was intense I had massive panic attacks in the car and completely numbed out on autopilot, but I pushed through, got it done, and made it back home safely. In short, the derm diagnosed it as a fungal infection (tinea cruris and corporis). He prescribed Luliconazole cream, along with an antifungal soap and lotion. From what I’ve read, these don't cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), so there shouldn't be any withdrawal interactions. also no pills @Steve I know you used antifungal treatments during your taper, so I assume you didn't face any setbacks? My antifungal is Luliconazole, and since it's all topical stuff, it should be completely fine, right? Let me know if you guys have other thoughts. Also, next month I'll be going through a full checkup blood tests, scans, and a complete physical just to make sure everything is okay. @Catina ccatina I already got your recommendations written down, thank you! If anyone else wants to suggest specific things I should get checked, go ahead. Appreciate you all!

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

Steve
⭐
SteveStaff4mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor · active
Hey my friend, glad you got it done, had the same anxiety problems in withdrawl when going to the doctor! I got topical clotrimazol and had no setbacks, the rashes were gone after 3 days (but i used the cream for longer to be sure) and it was all good. Luliconazole should be a little more effective (says ai) and i‘m convinced it won‘t affect your cns. Glad you do a bloodtest, it‘s good to have some data from time to time. Don‘t be disappointed if you feel bad and the data doesn‘t show anything, thats good after all. Keep up the good work! 💪👍

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

Catina
⭐
Catina4mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
We really appreciate your update @DeNy. I'm sorry you had such a difficult time getting to the doctor's office. I hope the cream works well for your rash. It's good you're doing your research beforehand. 👍

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 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.

D
DeNy2mo ago
Trusted VoiceKlonopin
hello everyone. hello @Catina Quick update on labs The completely normal tests are my kidneys, liver function and enzymes, my pancreas, and my full blood counts. My vitamins B12, B6, E, iron, and D are also fully normal and sufficient, along with my thyroid panel, electrolytes, celiac screen, and a clear urine. Some stuff that aren't normal are insulin resistance (not diabetes), elevated inflammation markers, and mildly high folate. My abdominal ultrasound also shows a Grade II fatty liver and a 1.40 cm gallstone. As for my symptoms and how I am feeling, things are incredibly severe right now. I am dealing with diplopia, heavy DPDR, severe OCD, jamais vu, dissociative amnesia, insomnia, profound personality changes, severe agoraphobia, and a hard time processing the outside world. I have altered consciousness, weight gain, and intense brain fog. My eyes, nose, ears, taste, hunger, and thirst signals feel completely muted. There is a fulbody numbness where I sometimes cannot even feel pain, and I wake up with temporary paralysis where my hands cannot move for a couple of minutes. I have total anhedonia, insight blindness, and feel like a completely different person. I cannot feel my gut, and I cannot feel my brain. My heartbeat, breathing, and digestion all feel like they are on autopilot or I feel like I am in autopilot. When panic hits, it feels like I am suffocating inside my own body, along with dizziness when standing and vivid dreams with altered reality., I think the lowFODMAP diet was stabilizing me in March and April, but I'm not sure. I crashed hard after a diet switch, which triggered sudden severe panic attacks at a shop, and now I am stuck inside with severe agoraphobia. My baseline is getting worse and worse daily. I am still using my milk suspension, but I react erratically everysingleday ; taking my dose leaves me feeling intensely overstimulated and sometimes nothing. I held my dose for 6 months last year after the massive shock, but I took a lot of supplements (oandoff B12, heavy thiamine, and colostrum) and just got worse. I quit all supplements in February and have taken nothing else since thenonly my nightly Klonopin. I tried holding another month now, but there is no relief, just getting worse and worse daily. I am not sure if my reaction is paradoxical or not, because all of a sudden it's morning and I somehow still sleep. My gastro suspects SIBO/SIFO is causing these massive digestive issues and food reactions. I am completely lost on what to do with my dosage, diet, or overall schedule to get stable. 24/7 void without knowing what I do, and I don't know how I am existing. Please let me know what I should do to build a routine to stabilize. Thanks for reading 💚💚

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

Catina
⭐
Catina2mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
"Quick update on labs The completely normal tests are my kidneys, liver function and enzymes, my pancreas, and my full blood counts. My vitamins B12, B6, E, iron, and D are also fully normal and sufficient, along with my thyroid panel, electrolytes, celiac screen, and a clear u..." — @DeNy
Hello my friend, I'm glad you were able to get so many things checked and that most things were normal. What are your next steps for the fatty liver and gallstone? As far as your symptoms, I'm sorry you're still dealing with so many difficult things. I know this has really impacted your life and you want to heal so badly. Please hang in there as I know that one day things will improve for you. Are you still keeping detailed records on how you feel before and after taking your med doses? That can help us to figure out if something is causing an adverse reaction. Also, you may want to keep a record of how you're reacting to certain foods to see if there is a pattern. If it were me, I would definitely stay away from any more supplements or drugs since you have a history of extreme sensitivity. Why did you stop the lowFODMAP diet? So you switched from that diet to something else and it crashed you? The best advice I can give you to stabilize is to concentrate on simple and basic things: Getting 10-30 minutes of sunlight within 1/2 hour of waking to set your Circadian Rhythm, eating unprocessed whole foods, movement, rest, sleep, hydration. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, sugar, nicotine. Find ways to distract yourself that are calming and relaxing. Show yourself some tender compassion. Here are some helpful links: https://taper.community/thread/fd801ae1-c066-4d86-ab23-1ee128668fd8 https://taper.community/thread/ec72f5e5-39fe-4f0e-b3c9-083b3e99d1c3 https://taper.community/thread/cbf196f2-7a92-460e-b78c-419887d02db2 https://taper.community/resources/blog/grounding-techniques-for-withdrawal-panic DeNy, please know that despite everything you're going through you are safe. You're not in any danger, even though it feels that way. Your nervous system is in complete chaos right now and just needs time to find its balance again. We're here whenever you need to reach out so you don't feel so alone. We care about your well-being very much, so keep hanging in there as best as you can. Tackle one day at a time. Hugs, Catina 💝

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 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.

D
DeNy2mo ago
Trusted VoiceKlonopin
"Hello my friend, I'm glad you were able to get so many things checked and that most things were normal. What are your next steps for the fatty liver and gallstone?
As far as your symptoms, I'm sorry you're still dealing with so many difficult things. I know this has really ..."
— @Catina Hi, Regarding the single gallstone I have, the recommendation is to do nothing since it is asymptomatic. I don’t need surgery, tho I must avoid highfat diets, as they can trigger symptoms that might eventually require intervention. For now, I will keep my fat intake moderate and monitor for any new issues. As for the fatty liver, I assume it resulted from my past weight fluctuations. No medication is required, so I am focusing on clean eating, increased movement, hydration, and fasting. With medium fat diet and steady, nodramatic weight management, it should resolve over time.
That is a great idea! I will start logging my nightly Klonopin milk suspension again for the next week and share it here to get your take hank you so much! I slipped up going from a loFODMAP diet to junk food. After a night of insomnia, I was so agitated and brain-fogged that I overate and struggled to get back on track, but I am fully committed to making the change again. , thank you for all your support truly preciate it. I will share my reaction log with you next week and restart the lowFODMAP diet using chronometer. Regarding the SIBO/SIFO suspicion from my gastroenterologist, what do you think I should do? Should I delay my next visit, or should I return to the clean diet while I wait? Even if the issues aren't fully resolved, getting back to the clean diet would at least help me manage them at a lower baseline i assume? 💚💚

Medication & Taper History:
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023: Flupentixol (0.5mg) + Melitracen (10mg)
Dec 2023: Cold Turkey (CT) off Flupentixol + Melitracen
Dec 2023 – Apr 2024: Clonazepam (up to 2mg), Amitriptyline (12.5mg) + Chlordiazepoxide (5mg)
Apr 2024 – Jun 2024: Swapped → Trifluoperazine (1mg 1–2x/day; couldn't tolerate 2x/day) + Clonazepam (2mg)
Jun 2024: CT Trifluoperazine → Maintained on Clonazepam only
Jul 2024 – Dec 2024: HOLD on Clonazepam 1.5mg (Maintained ~6 months)
Dec 2024 – Mar 2025: Water Taper (Glass jar / Wooden lid): 1.5mg → 1.24mg
Apr 2025: Took 1 dose PPI + Anticholinergic & CT Coffee (same week) → Triggered severe drug setback ( all hell broke loose ), paradoxical reaction & daily reacting at 1.24mg
Jun 2025: Hospitalized (Severe diarrhea, vomiting, IV fluids) → Forced Rapid Taper: 1.24mg to 0mg in 1 week
Jun 2025: Reinstated Clonazepam at 1.0mg
Jul 2025 – Dec 2025: HOLD at 1.0mg (Took B1 & B12 on/off daily until Dec)
Jan 2026: 0.945mg (Switched from tablet to whole milk liquid taper Glass jar / Metal cap)
Feb: 0.930mg | Mar: 0.875mg | Apr: 0.843mg | May: 0.833mg | Jun: 0.833mg | Jul: 0.831mg | Aug: 0.831mg | Sep:
Current Status & Protocol:
Current Medication: Clonazepam (100ml whole milk : 1mg tablet suspension; 20ml removed)
Reductions this month: 0.814mg , 0.800mg (16th).
Supplements: NONE
Diet: Low-FODMAP diet

Catina
⭐
Catina2mo ago
Community AnchorEffexor
"I slipped up going from a loFODMAP diet to junk food" — @DeNy
Oh nooo! Yep, this can definitely mess things up. Food is probably the most powerful "medicine" there is.
"I will share my reaction log with you next week and restart the lowFODMAP diet using chronometer" — @DeNy
That sounds good. 👍
"should I return to the clean diet while I wait?" — @DeNy
I think the sooner you can switch to your clean diet the better off you'll be.
"thank you for all your support truly preciate it" — @DeNy
You're very welcome! I'm sorry you're dealing with so much, but we're here whenever you need us! Big Hugs, Catina 😍

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.92 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Levothyroxine - 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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