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I Have Been Taking Rivotril 2 MG For Few Months
Question: I have been taking Rivotril 2 MG for few months from time to time.
Recently I wanted to stop taking it but there were withdrawal effects of mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety and sensitivity to light and sound.
My question is how to get rid of the drug while reducing its withdrawal effects and how long it will last.
Recently I wanted to stop taking it but there were withdrawal effects of mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety and sensitivity to light and sound.
My question is how to get rid of the drug while reducing its withdrawal effects and how long it will last.
I have been taking Rivotril 2 MG for few months from time to time.
Recently I wanted to stop taking it but there were withdrawal effects of mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety and sensitivity to light and sound.
My question is how to get rid of the drug while reducing its withdrawal effects and how long it will last.
Recently I wanted to stop taking it but there were withdrawal effects of mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety and sensitivity to light and sound.
My question is how to get rid of the drug while reducing its withdrawal effects and how long it will last.
Brief Answer:
To avoid severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, you should be guided by a medical professional and regularly followed up. Some principles on withdrawing Rivotril explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Rivotril contains a benzodiazepine called clonazepam which is very similar to diazepam.
Withdrawal symptoms are common with regular use of these drugs. It is not possible to say exactly how long will the withdrawal symptoms last but withdrawal is easier and shorter if you have not been using the drug regularly (on a daily basis), if you have used it under a certain dose (the equivalent dose of less than 50 mg of diazepam) and if you have not been using other addictive drugs meanwhile.
In your case, clonazepam is a long-acting diazepine that causes fewer problems than short-acting ones. You are using 2 mg of clonazepam which is equivalent of 20-40 mg of diazepam (less than 50 mg diazepam) and you are not using it daily. So, all these indicate that the withdrawal in your case should not be very difficult if done with the help of a professional. I would expect it to last a few weeks to a couple of months, but as I explained, there is no way to know for sure till you actually try it.
As for how to withdraw, it is not recommended that patients do it themselves as withdrawal may cause seizures, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations which may adversely affect the health and life of the patient. You will need to talk with your doctor to find specialists in addictive medicine to properly assist you.
General principles for benzodiazepine withdrawal:
- a professional will convert the daily dose of clonazepam to its equivalent of diazepam and give you diazepam instead of clonazepam
- he will divide the daily dose of diazepam into 4 daily doses (if it is 20 mg diazepam, he will divide it in 5 mg 4 times a day)
- you will need to have the first dose of diazepam in the doctor's office to evaluate your tolerability
- every week the dose will be reduced with 5-10%
- regular follow-ups are needed
- if hallucinations or seizures develop the doctor may give you treatment for these
- if anxiety is severe the doctor may give you drugs for this as well (drugs that do not cause addiction)
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
To avoid severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, you should be guided by a medical professional and regularly followed up. Some principles on withdrawing Rivotril explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Rivotril contains a benzodiazepine called clonazepam which is very similar to diazepam.
Withdrawal symptoms are common with regular use of these drugs. It is not possible to say exactly how long will the withdrawal symptoms last but withdrawal is easier and shorter if you have not been using the drug regularly (on a daily basis), if you have used it under a certain dose (the equivalent dose of less than 50 mg of diazepam) and if you have not been using other addictive drugs meanwhile.
In your case, clonazepam is a long-acting diazepine that causes fewer problems than short-acting ones. You are using 2 mg of clonazepam which is equivalent of 20-40 mg of diazepam (less than 50 mg diazepam) and you are not using it daily. So, all these indicate that the withdrawal in your case should not be very difficult if done with the help of a professional. I would expect it to last a few weeks to a couple of months, but as I explained, there is no way to know for sure till you actually try it.
As for how to withdraw, it is not recommended that patients do it themselves as withdrawal may cause seizures, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations which may adversely affect the health and life of the patient. You will need to talk with your doctor to find specialists in addictive medicine to properly assist you.
General principles for benzodiazepine withdrawal:
- a professional will convert the daily dose of clonazepam to its equivalent of diazepam and give you diazepam instead of clonazepam
- he will divide the daily dose of diazepam into 4 daily doses (if it is 20 mg diazepam, he will divide it in 5 mg 4 times a day)
- you will need to have the first dose of diazepam in the doctor's office to evaluate your tolerability
- every week the dose will be reduced with 5-10%
- regular follow-ups are needed
- if hallucinations or seizures develop the doctor may give you treatment for these
- if anxiety is severe the doctor may give you drugs for this as well (drugs that do not cause addiction)
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Brief Answer:
To avoid severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, you should be guided by a medical professional and regularly followed up. Some principles on withdrawing Rivotril explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Rivotril contains a benzodiazepine called clonazepam which is very similar to diazepam.
Withdrawal symptoms are common with regular use of these drugs. It is not possible to say exactly how long will the withdrawal symptoms last but withdrawal is easier and shorter if you have not been using the drug regularly (on a daily basis), if you have used it under a certain dose (the equivalent dose of less than 50 mg of diazepam) and if you have not been using other addictive drugs meanwhile.
In your case, clonazepam is a long-acting diazepine that causes fewer problems than short-acting ones. You are using 2 mg of clonazepam which is equivalent of 20-40 mg of diazepam (less than 50 mg diazepam) and you are not using it daily. So, all these indicate that the withdrawal in your case should not be very difficult if done with the help of a professional. I would expect it to last a few weeks to a couple of months, but as I explained, there is no way to know for sure till you actually try it.
As for how to withdraw, it is not recommended that patients do it themselves as withdrawal may cause seizures, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations which may adversely affect the health and life of the patient. You will need to talk with your doctor to find specialists in addictive medicine to properly assist you.
General principles for benzodiazepine withdrawal:
- a professional will convert the daily dose of clonazepam to its equivalent of diazepam and give you diazepam instead of clonazepam
- he will divide the daily dose of diazepam into 4 daily doses (if it is 20 mg diazepam, he will divide it in 5 mg 4 times a day)
- you will need to have the first dose of diazepam in the doctor's office to evaluate your tolerability
- every week the dose will be reduced with 5-10%
- regular follow-ups are needed
- if hallucinations or seizures develop the doctor may give you treatment for these
- if anxiety is severe the doctor may give you drugs for this as well (drugs that do not cause addiction)
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
To avoid severe and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, you should be guided by a medical professional and regularly followed up. Some principles on withdrawing Rivotril explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Rivotril contains a benzodiazepine called clonazepam which is very similar to diazepam.
Withdrawal symptoms are common with regular use of these drugs. It is not possible to say exactly how long will the withdrawal symptoms last but withdrawal is easier and shorter if you have not been using the drug regularly (on a daily basis), if you have used it under a certain dose (the equivalent dose of less than 50 mg of diazepam) and if you have not been using other addictive drugs meanwhile.
In your case, clonazepam is a long-acting diazepine that causes fewer problems than short-acting ones. You are using 2 mg of clonazepam which is equivalent of 20-40 mg of diazepam (less than 50 mg diazepam) and you are not using it daily. So, all these indicate that the withdrawal in your case should not be very difficult if done with the help of a professional. I would expect it to last a few weeks to a couple of months, but as I explained, there is no way to know for sure till you actually try it.
As for how to withdraw, it is not recommended that patients do it themselves as withdrawal may cause seizures, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations which may adversely affect the health and life of the patient. You will need to talk with your doctor to find specialists in addictive medicine to properly assist you.
General principles for benzodiazepine withdrawal:
- a professional will convert the daily dose of clonazepam to its equivalent of diazepam and give you diazepam instead of clonazepam
- he will divide the daily dose of diazepam into 4 daily doses (if it is 20 mg diazepam, he will divide it in 5 mg 4 times a day)
- you will need to have the first dose of diazepam in the doctor's office to evaluate your tolerability
- every week the dose will be reduced with 5-10%
- regular follow-ups are needed
- if hallucinations or seizures develop the doctor may give you treatment for these
- if anxiety is severe the doctor may give you drugs for this as well (drugs that do not cause addiction)
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I went to few doctors where I live, none of them has a plan.
Please can you write the plan to heal from it and stop taking it.
Please step by step to understand you, also I don't speak English very well.
Just to remind you, I'm taking only (2MG) of Rivotril not more or less.
What I need to do please? I'm feeling hopeless and afraid.
I'm going to follow your plan, so please write it clearly.
Thank you so much
Please can you write the plan to heal from it and stop taking it.
Please step by step to understand you, also I don't speak English very well.
Just to remind you, I'm taking only (2MG) of Rivotril not more or less.
What I need to do please? I'm feeling hopeless and afraid.
I'm going to follow your plan, so please write it clearly.
Thank you so much
I went to few doctors where I live, none of them has a plan.
Please can you write the plan to heal from it and stop taking it.
Please step by step to understand you, also I don't speak English very well.
Just to remind you, I'm taking only (2MG) of Rivotril not more or less.
What I need to do please? I'm feeling hopeless and afraid.
I'm going to follow your plan, so please write it clearly.
Thank you so much
Please can you write the plan to heal from it and stop taking it.
Please step by step to understand you, also I don't speak English very well.
Just to remind you, I'm taking only (2MG) of Rivotril not more or less.
What I need to do please? I'm feeling hopeless and afraid.
I'm going to follow your plan, so please write it clearly.
Thank you so much
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
I understand your frustration with not being able to find a medical provider that is willing to help you in the process of withdrawing clonazepam, especially because the longer you use it the more difficult it becomes to withdraw from it.
As I explained above, serious complications can happen while withdrawing clonazepam and close monitoring with a doctor is crucial for your safety and also for the success of withdrawing it. Unfortunately, I can not offer this support online.
Please print the material from this link (it is an official medical site, which means it is trustworthy): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/0000
Here they explain an easy plan on how to withdraw clonazepam. You may give this material to your GP and be followed by him accordingly.
According to this material, you would use clonazepam 1.5 mg a day for 2 weeks, then 1 mg a day for another 2 weeks (reduction by 0.5 mg per week till you reach 1 mg a day). Then you will need to use clonazepam 0.75 mg a day for one week, 0.5 mg a day for one week, 0.25 mg a day for another week, and then stop.
The tapering of the dose of Clonazepam in your case would be:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
So, according to this schedule, it will take you 2 months to withdraw. This scheme was found successful and safe in several studies.
Please discuss this schedule with your doctor and do regular follow-ups with him. He should read the material I sent the link so he can write a schedule himself. Also, if any symptoms develop you will need to be in contact with your doctor as soon as possible. In these cases, the doctor may need to prescribe other drugs to help with the symptoms you may develop.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
I understand your frustration with not being able to find a medical provider that is willing to help you in the process of withdrawing clonazepam, especially because the longer you use it the more difficult it becomes to withdraw from it.
As I explained above, serious complications can happen while withdrawing clonazepam and close monitoring with a doctor is crucial for your safety and also for the success of withdrawing it. Unfortunately, I can not offer this support online.
Please print the material from this link (it is an official medical site, which means it is trustworthy): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/0000
Here they explain an easy plan on how to withdraw clonazepam. You may give this material to your GP and be followed by him accordingly.
According to this material, you would use clonazepam 1.5 mg a day for 2 weeks, then 1 mg a day for another 2 weeks (reduction by 0.5 mg per week till you reach 1 mg a day). Then you will need to use clonazepam 0.75 mg a day for one week, 0.5 mg a day for one week, 0.25 mg a day for another week, and then stop.
The tapering of the dose of Clonazepam in your case would be:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
So, according to this schedule, it will take you 2 months to withdraw. This scheme was found successful and safe in several studies.
Please discuss this schedule with your doctor and do regular follow-ups with him. He should read the material I sent the link so he can write a schedule himself. Also, if any symptoms develop you will need to be in contact with your doctor as soon as possible. In these cases, the doctor may need to prescribe other drugs to help with the symptoms you may develop.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
I understand your frustration with not being able to find a medical provider that is willing to help you in the process of withdrawing clonazepam, especially because the longer you use it the more difficult it becomes to withdraw from it.
As I explained above, serious complications can happen while withdrawing clonazepam and close monitoring with a doctor is crucial for your safety and also for the success of withdrawing it. Unfortunately, I can not offer this support online.
Please print the material from this link (it is an official medical site, which means it is trustworthy): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/0000
Here they explain an easy plan on how to withdraw clonazepam. You may give this material to your GP and be followed by him accordingly.
According to this material, you would use clonazepam 1.5 mg a day for 2 weeks, then 1 mg a day for another 2 weeks (reduction by 0.5 mg per week till you reach 1 mg a day). Then you will need to use clonazepam 0.75 mg a day for one week, 0.5 mg a day for one week, 0.25 mg a day for another week, and then stop.
The tapering of the dose of Clonazepam in your case would be:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
So, according to this schedule, it will take you 2 months to withdraw. This scheme was found successful and safe in several studies.
Please discuss this schedule with your doctor and do regular follow-ups with him. He should read the material I sent the link so he can write a schedule himself. Also, if any symptoms develop you will need to be in contact with your doctor as soon as possible. In these cases, the doctor may need to prescribe other drugs to help with the symptoms you may develop.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
I understand your frustration with not being able to find a medical provider that is willing to help you in the process of withdrawing clonazepam, especially because the longer you use it the more difficult it becomes to withdraw from it.
As I explained above, serious complications can happen while withdrawing clonazepam and close monitoring with a doctor is crucial for your safety and also for the success of withdrawing it. Unfortunately, I can not offer this support online.
Please print the material from this link (it is an official medical site, which means it is trustworthy): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/0000
Here they explain an easy plan on how to withdraw clonazepam. You may give this material to your GP and be followed by him accordingly.
According to this material, you would use clonazepam 1.5 mg a day for 2 weeks, then 1 mg a day for another 2 weeks (reduction by 0.5 mg per week till you reach 1 mg a day). Then you will need to use clonazepam 0.75 mg a day for one week, 0.5 mg a day for one week, 0.25 mg a day for another week, and then stop.
The tapering of the dose of Clonazepam in your case would be:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
So, according to this schedule, it will take you 2 months to withdraw. This scheme was found successful and safe in several studies.
Please discuss this schedule with your doctor and do regular follow-ups with him. He should read the material I sent the link so he can write a schedule himself. Also, if any symptoms develop you will need to be in contact with your doctor as soon as possible. In these cases, the doctor may need to prescribe other drugs to help with the symptoms you may develop.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you so much!
I don't understand this point "diazepam instead of clonazepam"
"- a professional will convert the daily dose of clonazepam to its equivalent of diazepam and give you ((diazepam instead of clonazepam))" Is there anther medicine you write in here?
What's the medicine do I need to help me stop Rivotril?
I'll try by myself to heal from Rivotril, there is no doctor understand the situation where I live. You're great and thank you.
I don't understand this point "diazepam instead of clonazepam"
"- a professional will convert the daily dose of clonazepam to its equivalent of diazepam and give you ((diazepam instead of clonazepam))" Is there anther medicine you write in here?
What's the medicine do I need to help me stop Rivotril?
I'll try by myself to heal from Rivotril, there is no doctor understand the situation where I live. You're great and thank you.
Thank you so much!
I don't understand this point "diazepam instead of clonazepam"
"- a professional will convert the daily dose of clonazepam to its equivalent of diazepam and give you ((diazepam instead of clonazepam))" Is there anther medicine you write in here?
What's the medicine do I need to help me stop Rivotril?
I'll try by myself to heal from Rivotril, there is no doctor understand the situation where I live. You're great and thank you.
I don't understand this point "diazepam instead of clonazepam"
"- a professional will convert the daily dose of clonazepam to its equivalent of diazepam and give you ((diazepam instead of clonazepam))" Is there anther medicine you write in here?
What's the medicine do I need to help me stop Rivotril?
I'll try by myself to heal from Rivotril, there is no doctor understand the situation where I live. You're great and thank you.
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Most of the time, when a patient is using a benzodiazepine, the doctors may prefer to convert their benzodiazepine (clonazepam, in your case) in the equivalent dose of diazepam (a long-acting benzodiazepine). Rivotil contains clonazepam. This is to make the withdrawal process easier.
Withdrawal from short-acting benzodiazepines is more difficult, this is why it is recommended to switch to a longer-acting benzodiazepine while trying to taper down the dose.
On the other hand, because clonazepam is already a long-acting benzodiazepine, the doctor may decide not to do this conversion but tapper down the dose of clonazepam as I explained above, without needing to change to diazepam (both ways are acceptable).
In my opinion, just tapering down clonazepam as I explained in my last reply is the most convenient as it is less complicated and is found to be effective.
So, in your case I would do this:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
I understand you would like to do this yourself but I would still recommend you to discuss it with your GP and set a plan together. This is safer.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Most of the time, when a patient is using a benzodiazepine, the doctors may prefer to convert their benzodiazepine (clonazepam, in your case) in the equivalent dose of diazepam (a long-acting benzodiazepine). Rivotil contains clonazepam. This is to make the withdrawal process easier.
Withdrawal from short-acting benzodiazepines is more difficult, this is why it is recommended to switch to a longer-acting benzodiazepine while trying to taper down the dose.
On the other hand, because clonazepam is already a long-acting benzodiazepine, the doctor may decide not to do this conversion but tapper down the dose of clonazepam as I explained above, without needing to change to diazepam (both ways are acceptable).
In my opinion, just tapering down clonazepam as I explained in my last reply is the most convenient as it is less complicated and is found to be effective.
So, in your case I would do this:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
I understand you would like to do this yourself but I would still recommend you to discuss it with your GP and set a plan together. This is safer.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Most of the time, when a patient is using a benzodiazepine, the doctors may prefer to convert their benzodiazepine (clonazepam, in your case) in the equivalent dose of diazepam (a long-acting benzodiazepine). Rivotil contains clonazepam. This is to make the withdrawal process easier.
Withdrawal from short-acting benzodiazepines is more difficult, this is why it is recommended to switch to a longer-acting benzodiazepine while trying to taper down the dose.
On the other hand, because clonazepam is already a long-acting benzodiazepine, the doctor may decide not to do this conversion but tapper down the dose of clonazepam as I explained above, without needing to change to diazepam (both ways are acceptable).
In my opinion, just tapering down clonazepam as I explained in my last reply is the most convenient as it is less complicated and is found to be effective.
So, in your case I would do this:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
I understand you would like to do this yourself but I would still recommend you to discuss it with your GP and set a plan together. This is safer.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Most of the time, when a patient is using a benzodiazepine, the doctors may prefer to convert their benzodiazepine (clonazepam, in your case) in the equivalent dose of diazepam (a long-acting benzodiazepine). Rivotil contains clonazepam. This is to make the withdrawal process easier.
Withdrawal from short-acting benzodiazepines is more difficult, this is why it is recommended to switch to a longer-acting benzodiazepine while trying to taper down the dose.
On the other hand, because clonazepam is already a long-acting benzodiazepine, the doctor may decide not to do this conversion but tapper down the dose of clonazepam as I explained above, without needing to change to diazepam (both ways are acceptable).
In my opinion, just tapering down clonazepam as I explained in my last reply is the most convenient as it is less complicated and is found to be effective.
So, in your case I would do this:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
I understand you would like to do this yourself but I would still recommend you to discuss it with your GP and set a plan together. This is safer.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you Dr. Antoneta,
I went to a clinic and I stopped the Rivotril within 11 days. During 11 days they gave me 4.MG and the end it with .25 MG. After I left the clinic I took 1. MG for 5 days, because I felt anxiety, panic and intense fear.
4 days I stopped taking it now, I started taking supplements like Vitamin B complex, And I started to feel less anxiety .. Do I continue to stop taking Rivotril? Or I should do your plan to stop Rivotril?
Anxiety comes alternately comes and goes like a circle
What do you recommend? I need your help.
I went to a clinic and I stopped the Rivotril within 11 days. During 11 days they gave me 4.MG and the end it with .25 MG. After I left the clinic I took 1. MG for 5 days, because I felt anxiety, panic and intense fear.
4 days I stopped taking it now, I started taking supplements like Vitamin B complex, And I started to feel less anxiety .. Do I continue to stop taking Rivotril? Or I should do your plan to stop Rivotril?
Anxiety comes alternately comes and goes like a circle
What do you recommend? I need your help.
Thank you Dr. Antoneta,
I went to a clinic and I stopped the Rivotril within 11 days. During 11 days they gave me 4.MG and the end it with .25 MG. After I left the clinic I took 1. MG for 5 days, because I felt anxiety, panic and intense fear.
4 days I stopped taking it now, I started taking supplements like Vitamin B complex, And I started to feel less anxiety .. Do I continue to stop taking Rivotril? Or I should do your plan to stop Rivotril?
Anxiety comes alternately comes and goes like a circle
What do you recommend? I need your help.
I went to a clinic and I stopped the Rivotril within 11 days. During 11 days they gave me 4.MG and the end it with .25 MG. After I left the clinic I took 1. MG for 5 days, because I felt anxiety, panic and intense fear.
4 days I stopped taking it now, I started taking supplements like Vitamin B complex, And I started to feel less anxiety .. Do I continue to stop taking Rivotril? Or I should do your plan to stop Rivotril?
Anxiety comes alternately comes and goes like a circle
What do you recommend? I need your help.
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms with clonazepam may take up to two weeks to develop in full. You may try to continue your plan but you are at risk of developing withdrawal symptoms and it is very likely you will because clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which means it may take a while before the full picture is developed.
I understand you had anxiety if you tappered from 4 mg a day to 0.25 mg a day in only 11 days. For better results and easier and safer withdrawal, a slow tapering down of the dose is needed.
The scheme, I wrote is recommended in official medical sites and is safe and effective. It is unrealistic to change the dose with 3.75 mg/day for only 11 days, it can be also very dangerous.
I understand your eagerness to stop the drug but the right caution has to be exercised. If you taper it down too quickly you will not be successful, it means you will start it all over.
I am not clear now for how long you used 4 mg a day and how long ago was this as probably you will need to adjust the scheme by starting at 4 mg.
Please let me know shortly what was the dose of clonazepam you have used the last 3-4 months so I can better determine which would be the right schedule.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms with clonazepam may take up to two weeks to develop in full. You may try to continue your plan but you are at risk of developing withdrawal symptoms and it is very likely you will because clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which means it may take a while before the full picture is developed.
I understand you had anxiety if you tappered from 4 mg a day to 0.25 mg a day in only 11 days. For better results and easier and safer withdrawal, a slow tapering down of the dose is needed.
The scheme, I wrote is recommended in official medical sites and is safe and effective. It is unrealistic to change the dose with 3.75 mg/day for only 11 days, it can be also very dangerous.
I understand your eagerness to stop the drug but the right caution has to be exercised. If you taper it down too quickly you will not be successful, it means you will start it all over.
I am not clear now for how long you used 4 mg a day and how long ago was this as probably you will need to adjust the scheme by starting at 4 mg.
Please let me know shortly what was the dose of clonazepam you have used the last 3-4 months so I can better determine which would be the right schedule.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms with clonazepam may take up to two weeks to develop in full. You may try to continue your plan but you are at risk of developing withdrawal symptoms and it is very likely you will because clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which means it may take a while before the full picture is developed.
I understand you had anxiety if you tappered from 4 mg a day to 0.25 mg a day in only 11 days. For better results and easier and safer withdrawal, a slow tapering down of the dose is needed.
The scheme, I wrote is recommended in official medical sites and is safe and effective. It is unrealistic to change the dose with 3.75 mg/day for only 11 days, it can be also very dangerous.
I understand your eagerness to stop the drug but the right caution has to be exercised. If you taper it down too quickly you will not be successful, it means you will start it all over.
I am not clear now for how long you used 4 mg a day and how long ago was this as probably you will need to adjust the scheme by starting at 4 mg.
Please let me know shortly what was the dose of clonazepam you have used the last 3-4 months so I can better determine which would be the right schedule.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
Anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms with clonazepam may take up to two weeks to develop in full. You may try to continue your plan but you are at risk of developing withdrawal symptoms and it is very likely you will because clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine, which means it may take a while before the full picture is developed.
I understand you had anxiety if you tappered from 4 mg a day to 0.25 mg a day in only 11 days. For better results and easier and safer withdrawal, a slow tapering down of the dose is needed.
The scheme, I wrote is recommended in official medical sites and is safe and effective. It is unrealistic to change the dose with 3.75 mg/day for only 11 days, it can be also very dangerous.
I understand your eagerness to stop the drug but the right caution has to be exercised. If you taper it down too quickly you will not be successful, it means you will start it all over.
I am not clear now for how long you used 4 mg a day and how long ago was this as probably you will need to adjust the scheme by starting at 4 mg.
Please let me know shortly what was the dose of clonazepam you have used the last 3-4 months so I can better determine which would be the right schedule.
I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
The last 2 months I have been taking 2 MG. Then in the clinic for 11 days, they gave me 4 MG reduce the dose to .25 in 11 days, then they stopped giving it to me.
I went home, after 3 days and I couldn’t handle, the fear and pain, then I start taking 1 MG in last 2 weeks and I wasn’t feeling so good, like taking 2 MG.
Last 4 days, I didn’t take any pill, only Magnesium, vitamin B complex etc.
I don’t trust the doctors where I live, they are arrogant and they see me as a number not a human. And none of them understand the situation.
I’m bipolar disorder that’s why I was taking clonazepam, I’m suffering from pain and I couldn’t find the treatment for bipolar disorder.
You know dear doctor I wish that I sleep one night and I won’t wake up. I’m so tired over 22 years, I can’t sleep, no friends, I can’t work. And the life is just hell. Sorry for these words, but it’s fact. I’m exhausted after 22 years and I feel I want to give up the life. I have been thinking for years about Euthanized in Switzerland but I don’t want to hurt my family by doing that. You have no idea how painful to be bipolar disorder.
I wish you a wonderful life Dr. Antoneta.
I went home, after 3 days and I couldn’t handle, the fear and pain, then I start taking 1 MG in last 2 weeks and I wasn’t feeling so good, like taking 2 MG.
Last 4 days, I didn’t take any pill, only Magnesium, vitamin B complex etc.
I don’t trust the doctors where I live, they are arrogant and they see me as a number not a human. And none of them understand the situation.
I’m bipolar disorder that’s why I was taking clonazepam, I’m suffering from pain and I couldn’t find the treatment for bipolar disorder.
You know dear doctor I wish that I sleep one night and I won’t wake up. I’m so tired over 22 years, I can’t sleep, no friends, I can’t work. And the life is just hell. Sorry for these words, but it’s fact. I’m exhausted after 22 years and I feel I want to give up the life. I have been thinking for years about Euthanized in Switzerland but I don’t want to hurt my family by doing that. You have no idea how painful to be bipolar disorder.
I wish you a wonderful life Dr. Antoneta.
The last 2 months I have been taking 2 MG. Then in the clinic for 11 days, they gave me 4 MG reduce the dose to .25 in 11 days, then they stopped giving it to me.
I went home, after 3 days and I couldn’t handle, the fear and pain, then I start taking 1 MG in last 2 weeks and I wasn’t feeling so good, like taking 2 MG.
Last 4 days, I didn’t take any pill, only Magnesium, vitamin B complex etc.
I don’t trust the doctors where I live, they are arrogant and they see me as a number not a human. And none of them understand the situation.
I’m bipolar disorder that’s why I was taking clonazepam, I’m suffering from pain and I couldn’t find the treatment for bipolar disorder.
You know dear doctor I wish that I sleep one night and I won’t wake up. I’m so tired over 22 years, I can’t sleep, no friends, I can’t work. And the life is just hell. Sorry for these words, but it’s fact. I’m exhausted after 22 years and I feel I want to give up the life. I have been thinking for years about Euthanized in Switzerland but I don’t want to hurt my family by doing that. You have no idea how painful to be bipolar disorder.
I wish you a wonderful life Dr. Antoneta.
I went home, after 3 days and I couldn’t handle, the fear and pain, then I start taking 1 MG in last 2 weeks and I wasn’t feeling so good, like taking 2 MG.
Last 4 days, I didn’t take any pill, only Magnesium, vitamin B complex etc.
I don’t trust the doctors where I live, they are arrogant and they see me as a number not a human. And none of them understand the situation.
I’m bipolar disorder that’s why I was taking clonazepam, I’m suffering from pain and I couldn’t find the treatment for bipolar disorder.
You know dear doctor I wish that I sleep one night and I won’t wake up. I’m so tired over 22 years, I can’t sleep, no friends, I can’t work. And the life is just hell. Sorry for these words, but it’s fact. I’m exhausted after 22 years and I feel I want to give up the life. I have been thinking for years about Euthanized in Switzerland but I don’t want to hurt my family by doing that. You have no idea how painful to be bipolar disorder.
I wish you a wonderful life Dr. Antoneta.
Brief Answer:
Bipolar disorder makes the withdrawal from clonazepam more difficult- treatment for both explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
I am so sorry to hear the things you are going through and the challenges with the medical treatment.
Having both bipolar disorder and wanting to withdraw clonazepam may be quite challenging as they both make one another worse. To succeed in withdrawing clonazepam you need good treatment with mood stabilizers and have good control of the bipolar disorder first.
I did a search, as many mood stabilizers interact with clonazepam, but quetiapine is quite effective and is one of the safest mood stabilizers to use and does not interact with clonazepam. Quetiapine will help with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression as well.
I am wondering how are you able to access clonazepam as it is a controlled drug (it is not given over the counter).
To conclude:
- you will need to start treatment to stabilize your mood, quetiapine would be a good option to try in your case (it is started at 50 mg at night, the next day it is taken 100 mg at night, on day 3 it is taken 200 mg at night and then it is continued at 300 mg at night every day for better control of bipolar disorder). It does not cause dependence but it needs to be started gradually and if the patient needs to stop it, this should also be done gradually.
- you can start the scheme I explained previously to withdraw clonazepam, please do not rush it and reduce the dose faster, it will just not work and you will be struggling. Because you have been using clonazepam for many years, probably an even slower regimen would be recommended but try this first and see how you tolerate it. Remember, clonazepam affects the brain and causes it to reduce the production of certain chemicals and the longer you have used clonazepam the longer it will take for the brain to start to produce those chemicals, so the withdrawal may need to be longer.
The scheme I mentioned is:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
- you will need a doctor to help you with quetiapine and clonazepam prescriptions and follow-ups. Unfortunately, this service can not be offered online, it needs face to face consultation.
- I do not know if you use also other addictive substances like alcohol for instance, this is another factor that may affect the withdrawal from clonazepam.
- it is great you have a family you love, I would encourage you to spend quality time with them and try to enjoy moments with them as much as possible, it is very helpful for your health.
- finally, we need hope and comfort and for me personally, faith in God is vital to go through the days. I believe in Jesus and lay my burdens to Him in prayer. It is very comforting to know that the Lord of the universe is interested in you. Life is a gift from God and I hope you will soon come to a point to enjoy it. I will be praying for you.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Bipolar disorder makes the withdrawal from clonazepam more difficult- treatment for both explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
I am so sorry to hear the things you are going through and the challenges with the medical treatment.
Having both bipolar disorder and wanting to withdraw clonazepam may be quite challenging as they both make one another worse. To succeed in withdrawing clonazepam you need good treatment with mood stabilizers and have good control of the bipolar disorder first.
I did a search, as many mood stabilizers interact with clonazepam, but quetiapine is quite effective and is one of the safest mood stabilizers to use and does not interact with clonazepam. Quetiapine will help with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression as well.
I am wondering how are you able to access clonazepam as it is a controlled drug (it is not given over the counter).
To conclude:
- you will need to start treatment to stabilize your mood, quetiapine would be a good option to try in your case (it is started at 50 mg at night, the next day it is taken 100 mg at night, on day 3 it is taken 200 mg at night and then it is continued at 300 mg at night every day for better control of bipolar disorder). It does not cause dependence but it needs to be started gradually and if the patient needs to stop it, this should also be done gradually.
- you can start the scheme I explained previously to withdraw clonazepam, please do not rush it and reduce the dose faster, it will just not work and you will be struggling. Because you have been using clonazepam for many years, probably an even slower regimen would be recommended but try this first and see how you tolerate it. Remember, clonazepam affects the brain and causes it to reduce the production of certain chemicals and the longer you have used clonazepam the longer it will take for the brain to start to produce those chemicals, so the withdrawal may need to be longer.
The scheme I mentioned is:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
- you will need a doctor to help you with quetiapine and clonazepam prescriptions and follow-ups. Unfortunately, this service can not be offered online, it needs face to face consultation.
- I do not know if you use also other addictive substances like alcohol for instance, this is another factor that may affect the withdrawal from clonazepam.
- it is great you have a family you love, I would encourage you to spend quality time with them and try to enjoy moments with them as much as possible, it is very helpful for your health.
- finally, we need hope and comfort and for me personally, faith in God is vital to go through the days. I believe in Jesus and lay my burdens to Him in prayer. It is very comforting to know that the Lord of the universe is interested in you. Life is a gift from God and I hope you will soon come to a point to enjoy it. I will be praying for you.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Brief Answer:
Bipolar disorder makes the withdrawal from clonazepam more difficult- treatment for both explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
I am so sorry to hear the things you are going through and the challenges with the medical treatment.
Having both bipolar disorder and wanting to withdraw clonazepam may be quite challenging as they both make one another worse. To succeed in withdrawing clonazepam you need good treatment with mood stabilizers and have good control of the bipolar disorder first.
I did a search, as many mood stabilizers interact with clonazepam, but quetiapine is quite effective and is one of the safest mood stabilizers to use and does not interact with clonazepam. Quetiapine will help with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression as well.
I am wondering how are you able to access clonazepam as it is a controlled drug (it is not given over the counter).
To conclude:
- you will need to start treatment to stabilize your mood, quetiapine would be a good option to try in your case (it is started at 50 mg at night, the next day it is taken 100 mg at night, on day 3 it is taken 200 mg at night and then it is continued at 300 mg at night every day for better control of bipolar disorder). It does not cause dependence but it needs to be started gradually and if the patient needs to stop it, this should also be done gradually.
- you can start the scheme I explained previously to withdraw clonazepam, please do not rush it and reduce the dose faster, it will just not work and you will be struggling. Because you have been using clonazepam for many years, probably an even slower regimen would be recommended but try this first and see how you tolerate it. Remember, clonazepam affects the brain and causes it to reduce the production of certain chemicals and the longer you have used clonazepam the longer it will take for the brain to start to produce those chemicals, so the withdrawal may need to be longer.
The scheme I mentioned is:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
- you will need a doctor to help you with quetiapine and clonazepam prescriptions and follow-ups. Unfortunately, this service can not be offered online, it needs face to face consultation.
- I do not know if you use also other addictive substances like alcohol for instance, this is another factor that may affect the withdrawal from clonazepam.
- it is great you have a family you love, I would encourage you to spend quality time with them and try to enjoy moments with them as much as possible, it is very helpful for your health.
- finally, we need hope and comfort and for me personally, faith in God is vital to go through the days. I believe in Jesus and lay my burdens to Him in prayer. It is very comforting to know that the Lord of the universe is interested in you. Life is a gift from God and I hope you will soon come to a point to enjoy it. I will be praying for you.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Bipolar disorder makes the withdrawal from clonazepam more difficult- treatment for both explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome back,
I am so sorry to hear the things you are going through and the challenges with the medical treatment.
Having both bipolar disorder and wanting to withdraw clonazepam may be quite challenging as they both make one another worse. To succeed in withdrawing clonazepam you need good treatment with mood stabilizers and have good control of the bipolar disorder first.
I did a search, as many mood stabilizers interact with clonazepam, but quetiapine is quite effective and is one of the safest mood stabilizers to use and does not interact with clonazepam. Quetiapine will help with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression as well.
I am wondering how are you able to access clonazepam as it is a controlled drug (it is not given over the counter).
To conclude:
- you will need to start treatment to stabilize your mood, quetiapine would be a good option to try in your case (it is started at 50 mg at night, the next day it is taken 100 mg at night, on day 3 it is taken 200 mg at night and then it is continued at 300 mg at night every day for better control of bipolar disorder). It does not cause dependence but it needs to be started gradually and if the patient needs to stop it, this should also be done gradually.
- you can start the scheme I explained previously to withdraw clonazepam, please do not rush it and reduce the dose faster, it will just not work and you will be struggling. Because you have been using clonazepam for many years, probably an even slower regimen would be recommended but try this first and see how you tolerate it. Remember, clonazepam affects the brain and causes it to reduce the production of certain chemicals and the longer you have used clonazepam the longer it will take for the brain to start to produce those chemicals, so the withdrawal may need to be longer.
The scheme I mentioned is:
Week 1 and 2= 1.5 mg a day
Week 3 and 4= 1 mg a day
Week 5 = 0.75 mg a day
Week 6 = 0.5 mg a day
Week 7 = 0.25 mg a day
Week 8= no clonazepam
- you will need a doctor to help you with quetiapine and clonazepam prescriptions and follow-ups. Unfortunately, this service can not be offered online, it needs face to face consultation.
- I do not know if you use also other addictive substances like alcohol for instance, this is another factor that may affect the withdrawal from clonazepam.
- it is great you have a family you love, I would encourage you to spend quality time with them and try to enjoy moments with them as much as possible, it is very helpful for your health.
- finally, we need hope and comfort and for me personally, faith in God is vital to go through the days. I believe in Jesus and lay my burdens to Him in prayer. It is very comforting to know that the Lord of the universe is interested in you. Life is a gift from God and I hope you will soon come to a point to enjoy it. I will be praying for you.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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