Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Should I Take Clonazepam Intermittently And Stop To Bring Anxiety Under Control?
Posted on
Sun, 10 Jun 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 10 Jun 2018
Answered on
Thu, 22 Apr 2021
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello Doc,
I have been taking Paxidep CR 12.5 mg daily for 2.5 years to treat GAD. I am 36 yrs old Male. My doctor asked me to stop the dosage by tapering it. I took it for alternative days for 1 month and stopped it.
After 3 weeks of no dosage, i am experiencing anxiety. Clonazepam 0.25 mg on SoS is not helping much. Did i follow the tapering logic wrong ? Should i take it now for 2 days once/3 days once and then stop ?
I have been taking Paxidep CR 12.5 mg daily for 2.5 years to treat GAD. I am 36 yrs old Male. My doctor asked me to stop the dosage by tapering it. I took it for alternative days for 1 month and stopped it.
After 3 weeks of no dosage, i am experiencing anxiety. Clonazepam 0.25 mg on SoS is not helping much. Did i follow the tapering logic wrong ? Should i take it now for 2 days once/3 days once and then stop ?
Brief Answer:
This happened probably due to relapse of anxiety.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Paxidep or Paroxetine is a good anti-anxiety drug. You were taking the drug since last 2.5 years and rapid withdrawal after intake for such long period of time could result in withdrawal. In most cases withdrawal symptoms occur in first week and after that the symptoms start decreasing.
You have developed anxiety after 3 weeks of stopping the drug. I don't think this is due to withdrawal. Most likely this happened because of relapse of anxiety. You tapered the doses in correct manner and developed symptoms after 3 weeks. If the anxiety is severe and persistent then please talk with your psychiatrist again and ask for re-evaluation.
Low dose anti anxiety drugs like Escitalopram can be started. The drug will help to control the anxiety and in some days you will feel better. Other option is to take 10 mg plain Paroxetine for a couple of weeks and then taking half of plain 10 mg tablet for 2 weeks followed by stopping the drug completely. You can discuss with your doctor for either of these options.
Thanks and Take care
You are welcome to ask again for more clarifications.
This happened probably due to relapse of anxiety.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Paxidep or Paroxetine is a good anti-anxiety drug. You were taking the drug since last 2.5 years and rapid withdrawal after intake for such long period of time could result in withdrawal. In most cases withdrawal symptoms occur in first week and after that the symptoms start decreasing.
You have developed anxiety after 3 weeks of stopping the drug. I don't think this is due to withdrawal. Most likely this happened because of relapse of anxiety. You tapered the doses in correct manner and developed symptoms after 3 weeks. If the anxiety is severe and persistent then please talk with your psychiatrist again and ask for re-evaluation.
Low dose anti anxiety drugs like Escitalopram can be started. The drug will help to control the anxiety and in some days you will feel better. Other option is to take 10 mg plain Paroxetine for a couple of weeks and then taking half of plain 10 mg tablet for 2 weeks followed by stopping the drug completely. You can discuss with your doctor for either of these options.
Thanks and Take care
You are welcome to ask again for more clarifications.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
