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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Extreme Anxiety Post Intake Of Clonazepam While Having Dementia?

My mom 90 yrs old has been prescribe Clonazepam as she has dementia, (weighs upper 80s-low 90s) and is now wandering the halls of her facility extremely anxious. I do not understand why C is being prescribed as it is an anti-seizure type RX w/a lot of things I am concerned about. Is there not a gentler RX relaxing (anti-anxiety) type of drug, older and established that could be considered?
posted on Sat, 13 Aug 2016
Twitter Wed, 14 Sep 2016 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 15 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi
Thanks for posting on HCM
It is true clonazepam is an anti-seizure drug.However, it may also be used for a wide range of Psychiatric problems including Panic disorders.I will suggest you get closer to your Doctor to find out why clonazepam. Your Doctor will not however prescribe this drug without an indication.Anxiety and nervousness happen to be some of the side effects of this drug.You Doctor knows all these and will only prescribe this drug after evaluating its risks and benefits.
I will also suggest you see a Neurologist to evaluate her and plan treatment for Dementia as clonazepam is not one of the drugs indicated for it.Some drugs that may improve symptoms of dementia are:
-Cholinesterase inhibitors
-Memantine... and
-nondrug appraches like
*Occupational therapy
*Modifying the environment
*Modifying tasks
*Healthy diet
Just closer to a Neurologist you all your questions/doubts will be cleared.
Hope my answer will help you
Best regards
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What Causes Extreme Anxiety Post Intake Of Clonazepam While Having Dementia?

Hi Thanks for posting on HCM It is true clonazepam is an anti-seizure drug.However, it may also be used for a wide range of Psychiatric problems including Panic disorders.I will suggest you get closer to your Doctor to find out why clonazepam. Your Doctor will not however prescribe this drug without an indication.Anxiety and nervousness happen to be some of the side effects of this drug.You Doctor knows all these and will only prescribe this drug after evaluating its risks and benefits. I will also suggest you see a Neurologist to evaluate her and plan treatment for Dementia as clonazepam is not one of the drugs indicated for it.Some drugs that may improve symptoms of dementia are: -Cholinesterase inhibitors -Memantine... and -nondrug appraches like *Occupational therapy *Modifying the environment *Modifying tasks *Healthy diet Just closer to a Neurologist you all your questions/doubts will be cleared. Hope my answer will help you Best regards