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Suggest Treatment For Withdrawal Symptoms After Discontinuing Zoloft And Valium

Posted on Fri, 9 Oct 2015

Question: After 12 plus years of successful use of Zoloft 100mg, plus a decreasing amount of Valium (5 mg twice/day only as needed; tapered down from 10 mg three/day as needed over the last 6 years), my doctor stopped both my Zoloft and Valium overnight, without any step down at all.

Instead he prescibed Klonipin, 1mg/day, plus Citolapram, 20 mg/day. I had side effects of extreme irritabilty within 36 hours of starting the Klonopin and refused to take any more. The citalopram has had no positive effect whatsoever treating my depression. I find myself near tears and greatly depressed a majority of the time.

Today is September 18. These changes by my physician started July 18.

HELP!

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
better to shift to zoloft

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Klonopin and valium are both benzodiazepine and more or less same. But there is likely major difference in effects between zoloft and celexa. I cannot understand if you are stable since long on some medicines why your doctor changed!

And the main problem is he shifted without switching gradually or tapering.

The best way is to ask and request your doctor to shift back to zoloft at least. If your doctor does not agree you can change the doctor and consult some one else with all past treatment records.

And yes ultimate goal should be less or no use of benzo like valium or klonopin for long now as it contributes to dementia by cognitive side effects.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,

Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (31 minutes later)

I. too, questioned the doctor about the immediate stoppage of Zoloft. He said that was no longer applicable. I do not understand his reasoning nor would he answer.

I agree the the decrease in benzo is warranted but have a documented record of decrease from 3 10mg/day - AS NEEDED, all the way down to my then current 2 5mg/day - AS NEEDED, over a 6 year period. I never took all the prescribed dosages in one day, or the maximum per the prescription. I took them only AS NEEDED. I may go 2 or 3 days without taking any benzo.

This is proof in and of itself that I am stepping down, on my own.

Also, as you well know, though the 2 meds, valium and Klonopin, are in the same family pharmaceutically, each individual can experience different reactions.

The same applies exponentially to anti-depressants.

I have NO insurance and have to use the XXXXXXX Health Service clinic in my area. My options are EXTREMELY LIMITED.

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I agree with you, it is good that you are aware about benzo

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for follow up. Sorry for delayed response as I am busy with patients.

I completely agree with you on your view about treatment. Personally I feel klonopin is better than valium for anxiety. Only problem is you have been given 1 mg state. It should be given in 0.25 mg dose 2-3 times a day. 1 mg is dose for sleep disturbance.
And you are taking benzo not regularly that is good. However I also agree with you that some patients do not respond well with klonopin when they were before on valium.

If I were your treating doctor I surely would like to restart vilium and Zoloft. Later on when you are stable I may reduce dose gradually and will keep you at minimum possible dose.

I am sorry that I cannot provide online treatment due to limitations by laws.

Feel free to discuss further.

Take care.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina