How do I wean off my clonazepam?

Question

I had insomnia for over 4 weeks, including 8 sleepless nights. So since May 10th I have been taking clonazepam (.5 mg) but gradually I had to increase it and since June 1st I am taking 1 mg. I want to start my withdrawal next week by reducing to small doses. For example 1/8 per week. Is this realistic? I am also wondering if I can also take a natural product sold in pharmacies (plant and/or essential oil) to help me in my withdrawal? Thank you for your attention.

Andréa Barrière · Accepted Answer

Hello, clonazepam is available in several strengths, which facilitates withdrawal (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg). It is generally suggested to decrease by 25% per week over a minimum of 4 weeks, slowing down as needed in the last weeks. An example of withdrawal could be to do 0.75 mg x 7 days, 0.5 mg x 7 days, 0.375 mg x 7 days, 0.25 mg x 7 days, 0.125 mg x 7 days then stop. There are some natural products available in pharmacies to help with sleep, but I would need to know if you are taking any other medication or have any health conditions before recommending them. Also, there are some things I always check for insomnia, as sleep hygiene is very important: - What time do you go to bed and get up? Is it regular? - Do you take naps? - Do you drink coffee, tea, alcohol, soft drinks at dinner? - What do you do before bed? Is there a TV in the room? - Do you take medication on a regular basis? Do you have any known health conditions? - What do you do when you can't sleep?