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Is It Possible To Wean Off Lexapro And Clonazepam Without Any Side Effects?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Sep 2015
Question: Doctor-- I am currently taking 20 mg of Lexapro per day and 2mg of Clonazepam. I want to ween myself off of both drugs with the least amount of side effects. Please advice. Thank you.
I have not heard back. Thanks.
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Gradual dose reduction is advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

I can understand your concern. Lexapro is a SSRI drug and Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine drug. The drugs if stopped abruptly result in withdrawal symptoms so it is advisable to reduce the doses gradually. In normal cases it is advised to reduce the doses by about 20% per two weeks and then stopping completely over about 6-8 weeks.

I usually advise my patients to reduce the doses of Clonazepam by about 0.25 mg every two weeks and stopping completely in 6-8 weeks. In the same manner dose of Lexapro can be reduced by 5 mg every two weeks. It would be easier to taper Lexapro than Clonazepam. Dose reduction in this manner will not cause serious withdrawal symptoms.

It is advisable to inform your treating doctor about withdrawal before attempting the same.

Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

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Is It Possible To Wean Off Lexapro And Clonazepam Without Any Side Effects?

Brief Answer: Gradual dose reduction is advised Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic I can understand your concern. Lexapro is a SSRI drug and Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine drug. The drugs if stopped abruptly result in withdrawal symptoms so it is advisable to reduce the doses gradually. In normal cases it is advised to reduce the doses by about 20% per two weeks and then stopping completely over about 6-8 weeks. I usually advise my patients to reduce the doses of Clonazepam by about 0.25 mg every two weeks and stopping completely in 6-8 weeks. In the same manner dose of Lexapro can be reduced by 5 mg every two weeks. It would be easier to taper Lexapro than Clonazepam. Dose reduction in this manner will not cause serious withdrawal symptoms. It is advisable to inform your treating doctor about withdrawal before attempting the same. Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.