Insomnia Support Group
Insomnia is a symptom, rather than a disease, and is characterized by inadequate quantity or quality of sleep. People with insomnia complain of difficulty falling or staying asleep, which results in significant impairment of daytime functioning. Insomnia is categorized as transient (shorter than one week), short-term (one to three weeks) or chronic (longer than three...
Hi everyone,
I am new to this group and looking for some help. I was misdiagnosed with narcolepsy a few years ago but recently had a second sleep study done which said that I have idiopathic hyperinsomnia. I was told to come off the 2 year long use of Klonopin and the withdrawals are unbearable. I have uncontrollble mood swings, intense panic attacks, depression, and extreme agitation. Can anyone relate to my struggles and if so, do you have any advice you would willing to share?
I certainly can. I was addicted to Diazepam to help with my sleeping problems for 3 years.
I was buying mine illegally from a website and when they stopped selling them, my life gradually fell apart.
Now, I quit Diazepam 'cold turkey', mainly through necessity. There are no two ways about it, withdrawals are unpleasant, BUT, it is almost a year since I touched the stuff and I feel a hell of a lot better.
My sleeping problems have not gone away completely. I still struggle with them but things are significantly better for me and I feel so much happier for not taking Diazepam.
It's important to note that I'm not a doctor and if I were, the recommended advice when coming off a medication would more than likely be to taper your dose down so that you gradually take less and less. The reason I write this for you is to let you know that it is definitely possible to come off these medications should you wish to and there is absolutely light at the end of the tunnel.
Good luck and let me know if there is anything else I can help with.
Yes, definitely work with your doc who may recommend a tapering strategy, and be confident you will overcome this.