Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedies For Withdrawal Symptoms Of Clonazepam
Question: hi i am a bipolar since 5 years taking lithium thrice a day,i have anxiety also some times i get panic attack in some social situation so my doc suggested clonazepam 0.25 mg whenever i felt panic,so i used it for 4 months now daily 1/2 tablet of clonazepam 0.25 mg,now i think i may be addicct to it,i cant give it up,if i dont take it for 2 days i feel some withdrawal symptoms which i cant manage,i wish not to take this anymore,can u suggest any method or medicine which will help me for sure and it should be safe thank u
Brief Answer:
Try to make little cuts
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
Since Clonazepam is benzodiazepine if used for longer period it can cause some form of dependence.
Having said this I feel there is genuine requirement of clonazepam for control of panic attacks as half tablet of 0.25 (or .125)mg is unlikely to cause withdrawal symptoms. In fact it is too low to cause dependence or addiction but enough dose to control your anxiety symptoms and panic attacks. The fact is also evident by no symptoms for initial two days. When you have clonazepam addiction you tend to get withdrawal symptoms as early as 12 hours.
In my view before attempting to stop clonazepam there is need to control the panic attacks by definite treatment which includes SSRI and SNRI group of medications. SSRI and SNRI group of medications have controversial role in bipolar disorder clonazepam can be continued for control of panic attacks in current dose form.
In case you feel you have definite control of panic attacks in that scenario try to make small cuts on gradual basis. For example first take almost one fourth of clonazepam and continue it for one week. Than again cut the some portion and continue for one week. In that way you can stop it completely without any harm or risk.
I must acknowledge that it is difficult to break the clonazepam to this extent but I am sure you will be able to do with some extra effort.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Try to make little cuts
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
Since Clonazepam is benzodiazepine if used for longer period it can cause some form of dependence.
Having said this I feel there is genuine requirement of clonazepam for control of panic attacks as half tablet of 0.25 (or .125)mg is unlikely to cause withdrawal symptoms. In fact it is too low to cause dependence or addiction but enough dose to control your anxiety symptoms and panic attacks. The fact is also evident by no symptoms for initial two days. When you have clonazepam addiction you tend to get withdrawal symptoms as early as 12 hours.
In my view before attempting to stop clonazepam there is need to control the panic attacks by definite treatment which includes SSRI and SNRI group of medications. SSRI and SNRI group of medications have controversial role in bipolar disorder clonazepam can be continued for control of panic attacks in current dose form.
In case you feel you have definite control of panic attacks in that scenario try to make small cuts on gradual basis. For example first take almost one fourth of clonazepam and continue it for one week. Than again cut the some portion and continue for one week. In that way you can stop it completely without any harm or risk.
I must acknowledge that it is difficult to break the clonazepam to this extent but I am sure you will be able to do with some extra effort.
I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you doctor,
i do experience some withdrawal symptoms like incresed sweating,slight feverishness,etc so can any medicine be used to prevent them during withdrawal from clonazepam,if so please suggest,i ask this because i dont want to use clonazepam because of its addictive nature,and side effects,i want to use it only in panic situation only,in emergency i mean ,please help,thanks so much doctor
i do experience some withdrawal symptoms like incresed sweating,slight feverishness,etc so can any medicine be used to prevent them during withdrawal from clonazepam,if so please suggest,i ask this because i dont want to use clonazepam because of its addictive nature,and side effects,i want to use it only in panic situation only,in emergency i mean ,please help,thanks so much doctor
Brief Answer:
For mild withdrawal keep yourself hydrated
Detailed Answer:
Dear Karthink,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
I do not think you should use any medication for mild withdrawal symptoms as they do have their own side effects and often much more than mild withdrawal.
You can do following things
1. Deep breathing exercises for a period of 45-60 minutes in a day
2. Frequent water intake of at least 3-4 liters
3. Some antioxidants to keep the oxidative radicals under check
4. Good amount of sleep.
I hope this helps you further.
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.
For mild withdrawal keep yourself hydrated
Detailed Answer:
Dear Karthink,
Thanks for reverting back to me.
I do not think you should use any medication for mild withdrawal symptoms as they do have their own side effects and often much more than mild withdrawal.
You can do following things
1. Deep breathing exercises for a period of 45-60 minutes in a day
2. Frequent water intake of at least 3-4 liters
3. Some antioxidants to keep the oxidative radicals under check
4. Good amount of sleep.
I hope this helps you further.
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.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thanks so much,i will try withdrawal,and follow your advice to manage withdrawal symptoms,i hope it works for me,i will catch up with you later an tell u my results ,thank u very much for helping me,,,
Brief Answer:
You are always welcome
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
I am glad to know that information was useful for you and hope that it works for you without any problems.
You can use the above provided link for any updates or questions in future as it will connect your query directly to me.
Thanks again.
Wish you best of health.
You are always welcome
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.
I am glad to know that information was useful for you and hope that it works for you without any problems.
You can use the above provided link for any updates or questions in future as it will connect your query directly to me.
Thanks again.
Wish you best of health.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
