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Suffering From Anxiety, Disturbed Sleep. Taking Clonazepam. Suggestions?
I have been having anxiety , and it comes and goes,but i always have the feeling that something is wrong with me. I woke up at 4am and i felt like i needed to go to hospital. I was only asleep for a couple of hours. My doctor has had me on clonazepam .5 twice a day for about 4 years now. I break them in half and take .25 1,2 3 or 4 times a day depending on how I feel. I have been wanting to get off the meds...but not sure what to do anymore. I feel like my body is shutting done sometimes. I cant deal with this...its getting really annoying. What to do?
Mon, 31 Dec 2012
Hello.
Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your question.
From the description that you have given, it appears that you are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, a condition where in there is a constant feeling of impending doom and it definitely causes a lot of distress. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and is actually helpful for a short term reduction in symptoms. However it doesnt cure the root cause. You probably need a course of SSRI or SNRI drugs along with Benzodiazepine like Paroxetine, Escitalopram, venlafaxine etc. Meanwhile even CBT is very helpful and should be tried. various relaxation techniques like meditation, progressive muscular relaxation and Yoga are also helpful.
Hope I am able to solve your concerns.
Have a nice day!
Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your question.
From the description that you have given, it appears that you are suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, a condition where in there is a constant feeling of impending doom and it definitely causes a lot of distress. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine and is actually helpful for a short term reduction in symptoms. However it doesnt cure the root cause. You probably need a course of SSRI or SNRI drugs along with Benzodiazepine like Paroxetine, Escitalopram, venlafaxine etc. Meanwhile even CBT is very helpful and should be tried. various relaxation techniques like meditation, progressive muscular relaxation and Yoga are also helpful.
Hope I am able to solve your concerns.
Have a nice day!
I find this answer helpful
Hello.......
Thanks for your query. It appears from your symptom narration that you are suffering from an episodic/paroxysmal anxiety disorder like panic disorder. Clonazepam is used only as an acute phase emergency medication for this purpose. You require evaluation by a trained psychiatrist and need to be started on drugs that offer long-term relief like SSRI's and psychotherapy (eg cognitive behavioural therapy). Wish you early recovery.
Regards
Dr Sundar Gnanavel
Psychiatrist
Thanks for your query. It appears from your symptom narration that you are suffering from an episodic/paroxysmal anxiety disorder like panic disorder. Clonazepam is used only as an acute phase emergency medication for this purpose. You require evaluation by a trained psychiatrist and need to be started on drugs that offer long-term relief like SSRI's and psychotherapy (eg cognitive behavioural therapy). Wish you early recovery.
Regards
Dr Sundar Gnanavel
Psychiatrist
I find this answer helpful
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