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Does Reduction Of Klonopin Dosage Lead To Anxiety?

Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014

Question: I have been on Viibryd for three years, after not being able to take any other meds for anxiety..I now take 20 mgs per day. I have continued .05 per day of Klonopin (which I was taking before Viibryd), and I continue to wonder if I need that. My doctor says it is up to me. When I have decreased the Klonopin, I seem. to experience more anxiety. I wonder if it is my imagination. I have also tried decreasing the Viibryd but notice a definite return of more anxiety. Thank you for any advise.

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Clarifications

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for using health care magic for posting your query.

I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.

However I would require a couple of more details to help you in answering your query in a better justified way.

1. Did youbtry stoping or reducing the medications. How much was klonopin reduced to?
2. How long was the trial given?

Hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Regards and wish you good health,

Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD

Neuro-Psychiatrist and Sexologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (33 minutes later)

I have tried reducing, not stopping, both medications -reduced Klonopin from .05 t0 1/2 that. These reductions lasted 4 or 5days. I have attempted this two or three times.

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow-up information.
A slight redution in the dose of klonopin from 0.5 to 0.25 mg should ideally not lead to such recurrance of anxiety symptoms. I guess it is more of a psychologica withdrawal than the true physical withdrawal.
I would suggest that you should reduce your klonopin from 0.5mg to 0.25 mg and then to hald of 0.25 mg and then stop over 15 days. The anxiety symptoms that result while you are withdrawing the medicines can be controlled with relaxation therapy. Among the available relaxation therapies. jocobsosns progressive muscle relaxation therapy is very effective and should be practiced for atleast 7 days before you plan to withdrawn klonopin. The same can be taught to you by a psychologist in your area.
Hope this helps
If you have any further query, Kindly let me know.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (36 minutes later)

Thanks for your advice on the Klonopin - I will do as you suggested. What is your advice on the Viibryd? I understand that it also has to do with the saratonin harmone. It was surely my answer in getting me "back on track" about 3 years ago. My 2 daughters dare me to even think of doing without it. I had gone thru some life changes and became a recluse rather than an outgoing, positive, joyful person. Any advice will be appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Let it continue for a year more

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I would suggest that let it continue for an year more. Its a good medicine and it is not habit forming. So there is no issue even if you use it for long.
First get rid of the klonopin and if required, viibryd can also be reduced after one year.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar