Tapering and emotional roller coaster

[letaek]

I weaned off klonopin about 3 yrs ago and I started a slow taper of
Phenobarbital a few days ago. But I don't know if it's my head or I'm actually
Feeling so crazy and unhinged due to the anxiety of maybe getting a seizure.
My partner and I want kids but I def can't be on phenobarbital and pregnant.

Also work a stressful job in advertising. How did you guys balance tapering and life,jobs,family? I'm glad I see my therapist later today. Just feel very emotional and on edge and wish I didn't have this problem which I realize is not that bad as I've been seizure free for 10 + years

Thanks guys

 

[Belinda5000]

Hello Letaek,
I was on Clonazepam years ago and my neuro slowly tapered me off it.
This is my last day on Phenobarb It would be nice if I could say that for all my drugs.

Your lucky to have been seizure free period I've never had one in my life except 4 1/2 months.

 

[letaek]

Congrats Belinda on coming off pheno! Do you mind my asking how long you were on it and at what dose did you start your taper?

 

[Belinda5000]

letaek,

I was on phenobarb 6-8 months I'm refractory and med resistance and allergiic to a lot of meds. Phenobarb was one of my few choices.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi letaek -- Whenever tapering its a good idea to go as slowly as feasible to minimize withdrawal side effects, especially if you've been on a medication for a significant number of years. Because Phenobarbital can have an addictive component, it can be tricky. The official taper recommendations is to decrease by 10-25% of the original dose each month. Reducing by as little as 15mg and waiting for several months between each ramp-down level would be even better if you and your husband can wait. The most important thing is to listen to your brain/body -- if you are having trouble, get in touch with your neuro and let them know. It might just be a matter of waiting several days as you adjust. (Phenobarb has a long half-life -- two to seven days -- so it can take a while for your body to register and adapt to a dose change).

 

[Belinda5000]

I went off phenobarb very slowly just didn't do any good though I had a c p sz last night. righ tbefore I dosed off.

 

[AlohaBird]

I am in the process of tapering off Pheno right now and as Nak said, it is one tenacious bugger. It takes a long time to clear out and it is addictive.

My main symptom as I taper is insomnia which is a pain since I have nocturnal seizures and sleep deprivation can be a big trigger for me.

Things I found helped with the getting to sleep and might help you too.

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Also I don't know if medical MJ is available where you live, but that could help "take the edge off" as you taper.