Clonazepam withdrawal how to help someone

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My Mum has been unwell for a long time and has been on clonazepam for the last few years, it was making her feel like a zombie so the psychiatrist recommended rescuing the dosage to only once a day rather than twice a day.

We have been here many times with various tablets when she reduces the dose she really struggles with the side effects. I know it can take a few weeks for the side effects to calm down but wondered if anyone has any advice of how I can help her in the the next few weeks. She is very anxious and agitated and can't relax.

Bumping as we are still stuck in the same situation! Anyone in a similar boat please reach out. She is now back on a high dose and unable to come off but she is not really living.

Hi.
Psych nurse here.
I have supported clients coming off clonazepam, one way of doing this is to request your consultant switch out the clonazepam for diazepam, then reduce the dose this way. Diazepam is more tolerated as it is not eliminated from the blood as quick as clonazepam (therefore less shock to the system when tapering) and the lowest dose of clonazepam is actually equivalent to around 10mg of diazepam… a taper is much easier with diazepam due to it being available in smaller doses (5mg and 2mg)
perhaps discuss this with your mums psychiatrist.
Hope this helps!

Swapping for diazepam is a good idea. Also - If you’re in the UK Postscript360 has a helpline and can give you advice
https://www.postscript360.org.uk/

Also - show the GP this page - it has some useful reduction schedules. https://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm

the key is to go slowly and pause during stressful periods.

Thank you both. I will ask the Doctor at the next appointment.

I wanted to update this as sadly my Mum passed away. I do blame the doctors in a way as they were not supportive in helping her get off the meds and I believe that they are what killed her in the end, although the doctors will never admit that of course.

I know meds have a place and I do appreciate they serve a purpose and give people the strength to live their lives but I for one will never touch them after seeing what they did to my poor Mum.