Hello XXXXXXX
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for your query.

From the description of your symptoms it appears that you are suffering from a mild form of an anxiety disorder. It is good that you are able to have a fair insight into your problem and have sought help.

To answer your questions:

Rivotril (Clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine anti-anxiety / sedative medication which is quite effective in controlling anxiety symptoms. It should be okay to take it once in a while when your symptoms are very distressing or for a short period of time under the supervision of a doctor. However, I would not recommend taking it regularly for a prolonged period as there is a risk of habituation of dependence (which may make it difficult to get off the tablet at a later stage). The risk of dependence or the side effect profile varies from person to person, but it is better to be on the safer side.

So, if you intend to take Rivotril, you should be clear that you should take it only when necessary and only on a temporary basis. In case, your anxiety and sleep problems are recurrent and disabling, then there are other anti-anxiety medication (like SSRIs) which may be safer and do not have the risk of dependence.

Alternatively, there are also good psychological therapies like relaxation therapies, cognitive behaviour therapy, etc. which can be as effective as medication is controlling anxiety problems. You can also try simple relaxation exercises like deep breathing or yoga or meditation.

Regarding your sleep problem, I would suggest the following sleep hygiene techniques which can be very helpful in regularizing and improving your sleep:

- Fix a specific bedtime and an awakening time. Do not allow bedtime and awakening time to drift.
- Avoid napping during the day.
- Avoid coffee, tea or any caffeinated drinks or alcohol 4 hours before bedtime.
- Avoid heavy, spicy, or sugary foods for dinner. Have a gap of at least 1 hour between dinner and bedtime.
- Exercise regularly, preferably in the early evening, at least 4 hours before bedtime.
- Set up a comfortable environment which is dark, quiet and disturbance-free. Block out all distracting noise, and eliminate as much light as possible.
- Reserve the bed for sleep only. Don't use the bed for studying, working or for other rectreational activities.
- Try a light snack before bed. Warm milk and foods high in the amino acid tryptophan, such as bananas, may help you to sleep.
- Practice relaxation techniques for atleast 10 minutes before going to bed.
- Don't take your worries to bed. Leave your worries about studies, work, daily life, etc., behind when you go to bed. Some people find it useful to assign a "worry period" during the evening or late afternoon to deal with these issues.
- Establish a pre-sleep ritual. Pre-sleep rituals, such as a warm bath or a few minutes of reading, can help you sleep better.

Hyperventillation is just a physical manifestation of anxiety. Moreover, since all your health checks have been normal, you need not worry about it. Practicing breathing exercises and yoga regularly can help you get rid of this problem.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

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Hello again XXXXXXX

A Psychiatrist would be the right specialist to consult regarding the medication.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

(If you are happy with my answers and have no further questions, please close the query and leave a review.)

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