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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Got Addicted To Clonazepam Which Was Prescribed For Anxiety, Panic Attack. Want To Discontinue. Solution?

I had been continuing clonazepam for 3 years cause I got dependent on it.Without it I could not do do anything properly.I tried to get rid of it and did not take the medicine for long 6 months.But my normal life was hampered totally after leaving it. Anxiety ,panic attack everything surrounded me badly.Then I went back to clonazepam 1mg everyday for last 8 months.what should I do now?I can not do without clonazepam.On the otherhand it is not good for health.But I wanna live a healthy and normal life.I would like to mention first time my doctor gave me the drug for my anxiety.
Mon, 26 Aug 2013
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Clonazepam is a short term solution for anxiety. The first line medications are SSRIs like escitalopram and sertraline. I usually start my patients with anxiety on a SSRI and add clonazepam for one to two months as it takes some time for the SSRI to become effective. Then I taper off clonazepam, so that one doesn't become dependent on it. It seems this was not done for you, but still it is not too late. Please consult a psychiatrist who can assess you and prescribe an SSRI for you, so that you can gradually taper off clonazepam. Please do not worry about having to start another medicine as SSRIs are safe, with no dependence potential and can be gradually stopped after you become well.

Best wishes.
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Got Addicted To Clonazepam Which Was Prescribed For Anxiety, Panic Attack. Want To Discontinue. Solution?

Hi, Clonazepam is a short term solution for anxiety. The first line medications are SSRIs like escitalopram and sertraline. I usually start my patients with anxiety on a SSRI and add clonazepam for one to two months as it takes some time for the SSRI to become effective. Then I taper off clonazepam, so that one doesn t become dependent on it. It seems this was not done for you, but still it is not too late. Please consult a psychiatrist who can assess you and prescribe an SSRI for you, so that you can gradually taper off clonazepam. Please do not worry about having to start another medicine as SSRIs are safe, with no dependence potential and can be gradually stopped after you become well. Best wishes.