What Causes Severe Anxiety While On Clonazepam?

Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2016

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

Tue, 2 Feb 2016 Answered on

Fri, 1 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi there. I have been on clonazepam for about a year now. I never really take it consistently. I have awful anxiety, debilitating, and scary. I took 2mg of clonazepam for about 5 months, then stopped feeling the effects, bumped my own dosage up to 2 and 1/2 and now i don't feel anything. Want to try 3. But at the same time, I'll take the medicine, 3 sometimes four days and a row (once a day), then lay off for a day or two days sometimes three because I'm afraid of becoming dependent on anything. Also if i'm having better days with anxiety i won't take it. I haven't had any withdrawals ever but am i at risk for them?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks very much for your question. I've read this question, and indeed all your previous questions, very carefully. Let me give you my thoughts.

Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam) are sometimes used in the short-term treatment of anxiety. However, as you are discovering, long-term (more than 2 months) use leads to tolerance and dependence, requiring higher and higher doses, which then puts you at serious risk of withdrawal, seizures, and even death if you try to stop taking it.

Anxiety actually has two excellent long-term treatments with none of the above concerns: an antidepressant, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I recommend you start taking an antidepressant such as Zoloft or Lexapro immediately, and after 4-6 weeks when it reaches full effects, you can begin a slow taper off the Klonopin. You should also seek out CBT in your area. I do offer text-based CBT on this website at my private link below if you are interested.

In summary, Klonopin when used long-term is highly dangerous. There are good treatments for your condition: an antidepressant and CBT. I strongly recommend those.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad