Suggest Medication For Anxiety Which Does Not Cause Physical Dependance

Posted on Thu, 19 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 Answered on

Tue, 7 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am prescribed .5 mg Klonopin as needed for panic attacks. If i stayed firm at .5 Monday- Friday and take weekends off from it, would there be any risk of physical dependence? I work in a high stress job and suffer from panic attacks during the work week and am fine on weekends. Looking to see if that 2 day weekend break is enough
to be safe and avoid physical dependence.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

2 days off per week is not enough to avoid physical dependence. Taking Klonopin even 4 days in a row means it is at a therapeutic level in the body and this will lead to addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal. If you are seeking a safe treatment for panic, I recommend either an SSRI medication (escitalopram, sertraline) or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Dr Sheppe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D