Hi SuzzQ,
It sounds like you have a couple of things going on. You state you've been taking the Clonopin for 40 years now. But you also say you've been 'feeling strange' for a long time. What could have caused you to feel strange? I'm confused as to why you are equating the strange feelings with being on the Clonopin? Did those feelings only start when you tried going completely OFF them?
You're certainly not on a high dose, and I would think withdrawal would be fairly mild; however, that being said, ANY substance that you develop a dependence on (notice I said 'dependence, not necessarily addiction) should only be weaned off of under a doctor's supervision.
Are you also trying to get off the Norco?
I think we need more details in order to help you understand what is happening here. It may be as simple as, you need to NOT try to get off these pills by yourself. You sound panicky and upset about all of this. I assure you, millions of people take Clonopin for valid medical reasons, and just because you've been on it for a long time doesn't mean you're a bad person. It simply means that your body may have habituated to it, and in order to successfully stop taking it, you will need to taper off under medical supervision. I can't stress that enough.
Good luck to you; I'm sure everything will be okay.
Talk with your psychiatrist about reducing your intake.
It's only one pill now.. I know I was taking maybe up to two occasionally when I couldn't sleep.. But, basically , I take 1 pill.. From a psychiatrist. He has ordered me 2 per day. But, I only take one.. I never really liked them.. but, found they help me sleep.. Now, I'm feeling so strange I don't know what to do.. I'm canceling important appointments.. just can't do anything .. I feel helpless.. Should I just try to get to feeling normal by taking 1/2 and just see what happens.. Its only 1 tiny pill for goodness sake!