The Government Has Decided That Diazepam Is Not Good For

Posted on Sun, 20 Jan 2019

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

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 Answered on

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Question : The government has decided that diazepam is not good for me to take after 65. My physiatrist (sic) does not know what to replace it with. I get panic attacks and don't want to interact with people. I also have depression I take Effexor for. I am also in a wheelchair and can't walk. Any suggestions.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Etizolam can be tried.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for using ask a doctor service

I can understand your problem. Clonazepam is a long acting benzodiazepine drug and has good sedation. The drug should be used cautiously in elderly because this might result in increased risk of falls by sedation. This is the probable reason they didn’t prescribe Clonazepam to you.

For recurrent panic attacks drugs with good efficacy but less sedation like Etizolam can be tried. The drug has shorter actions and causes less sedation. You can take drug on sos basis and this will help in controlling panic attacks. Propranolol can also be tried. The drug is non sedating and has great effects. You can talk with your doctor for these drugs.

Thanks

I hope this helps but if you have more doubts please let me know.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T