Can Klonopin Cause Panic Attacks And Anxiety?

Posted on Mon, 27 Nov 2017

Question: Hi, I have been off of Klonopin since September.. I was on .125 twice daily roughly for 5 months and started the taper about 5 months ago... my last taper was taking less than 1/4 of .125 tablet... As of last week I am experiencing terrible panic attacks and anxiety... I am finding it very difficult to function... What can I take to help? How long will this last? I am surprised as I was on a very low dose and tapered as I should. I also take 25 mg of Setraline daily.. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

I agree with you that I would avoid taking Klonopin for this. Instead, I would talk with your doctor about increasing the sertraline, as this is a very small dose (range is 25mg-200mg), and in the long term sertraline will be more effective than Klonopin and safer. You might also look into weekly psychotherapy, preferably CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address 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 web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

I previously had been on 100 mg of setraline but reduced to 25 over time as I gained 30 pounds on the drug...you can understand why I am hesitant to increase yet again...If i do increase ,however ,how quickly would I see a reduction in these anxious panicky symptoms? Is there anything herbal I can take in the meantime to reduce the symptoms? I have 2 young kids and felt like I was fighting panic attacks all day...I thank you in advance...

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
You might switch to a different SSRI medication similar to sertraline, such as escitalopram, but it is likely the weight gain was coincidental and not caused by the sertraline directly. The benefit of sertraline or another SSRI medication would be elimination of panic attacks usually within 4-6 weeks. There are no effective herbal remedies unfortunately.

Please rate and close your answer when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address 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 web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (16 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. Despite extreme diet and exercise I gained weight on Zoloft... I have come to the conclusion that it was definitely the Zoloft.. somehow I have read that it affect your metabolism and your ability to burn fat.. I am wondering if you have heard much about trintellix? I was considering starting a new medication in an effort just to lose weight but I dread the initial anxiety symptoms that come with starting a new med...I heard that trintellix was quite weight neutral. Just wanted know your thoughts on it for anxiety? Also I see you were based here in NYC..do you accept new patients and GHI insurance?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Trintellix is a very new medication and its side effect profile and effect on weight has not been firmly established, so I would not start that medication for weight loss specifically, although it carries an indication for treatment of anxiety similarly to Zoloft. It's worth considering but I don't feel strongly about it. I do not see new patients right now but thanks for asking.

Please rate and close your answer when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address 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 web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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