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Can Klonopin Be Tapered Off After Recovering From A Panic Disorder?
Question: Currently taking 1 mg. of Klonopin twice a day and Ambien CR 12.5 for sleep after a major relapse of my panic disorder and agoraphobia 5 months ago. While still not stable enough to taper off yet, how would you suggest an eventual taper. I can't seem to find any decent info about quitting the cr version of ambien, and the internet is full of horror stories and referrences to the XXXXXXX Manual for the Klonopin. I don't think my doctor would support the XXXXXXX method of switiching to diazapam for a taper.
Brief Answer: XXXXXXX Manual is good for reading but not practically
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all considering the diagnosis of panic disorder and agoraphobia the ambien withdrawal will be before Klonopin. This is because ambien have very little role in panic disorders and we need to take care of panic disorder before anything else.
Now regarding the withdrawal of ambien CR first you will need to switch to ambien plan (10 mg instead of 12.5 mg). After one week of doing so the dose will be reduced to 5 mg and same will be continued for another one week. After the one week Ambien will be prescribed on the need basis and the number of intake over the next two weeks will determine the further course of action with Klonopin and other drugs.
Please note that while withdrawing any medication other medication must be kept at the same dose and no changes should be made other than the medication which is tapered down unless necessary.
Regarding withdrawal of Klonopin I feel XXXXXXX Manual is good for reading and have theoretical basis but in practice slow tapering down of klonopin have better outcome.
I hope this answers you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all considering the diagnosis of panic disorder and agoraphobia the ambien withdrawal will be before Klonopin. This is because ambien have very little role in panic disorders and we need to take care of panic disorder before anything else.
Now regarding the withdrawal of ambien CR first you will need to switch to ambien plan (10 mg instead of 12.5 mg). After one week of doing so the dose will be reduced to 5 mg and same will be continued for another one week. After the one week Ambien will be prescribed on the need basis and the number of intake over the next two weeks will determine the further course of action with Klonopin and other drugs.
Please note that while withdrawing any medication other medication must be kept at the same dose and no changes should be made other than the medication which is tapered down unless necessary.
Regarding withdrawal of Klonopin I feel XXXXXXX Manual is good for reading and have theoretical basis but in practice slow tapering down of klonopin have better outcome.
I hope this answers you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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