HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Hydroxyzine Be Replaced With Klonzapam For Anxiety?

my new doctor just recently prescribed me hydroxyzine for my anxiety and stress. In the past year my father and my wife passed away and my home was robbed and repossessed by the bank while i tended to their funeral arrangements in our hometown.This medicine does not help me with my panic attacks nor any of my anxieties. My question is even though i m from a place that highly abuses all types of drugs. Do you think it would be wise if I asked him to put me back on klonzapam which is a medicine I have been prescribed before but it was in 2011 and helped a lot? Or do you think he might see me as one of the abusers around here? There is no many places to get help in my small town..thank you ..Colby
Tue, 10 Feb 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. Hydroxyzine is a drug of antihistaminic class and the drug helps in sedation and reduction of anxiety. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and the drug acts on GABA receptors in brain and have different mechanism of action than hydroxizine. Both can be utilised for anxiety but abrupt shifting to hydroxyzine may result in mild withdrawal syndrome and individual may suffer increased anxiety and restlessness. If you are not getting relief with hydroxyzine then I would advise you to consult your psychiatrist for proper medicines for anxiety. SSRIs or SNRIs are commonly used in anxiety.

Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and this may cause tolerance and dependence. So it would not be wise to continue to take the drug without prescription for long periods of time.

Thanks
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Hydroxyzine Be Replaced With Klonzapam For Anxiety?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern. Hydroxyzine is a drug of antihistaminic class and the drug helps in sedation and reduction of anxiety. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and the drug acts on GABA receptors in brain and have different mechanism of action than hydroxizine. Both can be utilised for anxiety but abrupt shifting to hydroxyzine may result in mild withdrawal syndrome and individual may suffer increased anxiety and restlessness. If you are not getting relief with hydroxyzine then I would advise you to consult your psychiatrist for proper medicines for anxiety. SSRIs or SNRIs are commonly used in anxiety. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and this may cause tolerance and dependence. So it would not be wise to continue to take the drug without prescription for long periods of time. Thanks