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Suggest Ways To Manage Clonazepam Withdrawal Symptoms
Question: Iam a disabled veteran 70 years old. The VETERANS HOSPITAL HAS DECIDED THAT AFTER 40 YEARS TO TAKE ME OFF KLONOPON . I AM CURRENTLY TAKING 1.5 MG PER DAY. MY DISABILITY IS ANXIETY DISORDER FROM VIETNAM DO NOT WANT TO DO THIS HAS HELPED MY MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN MY STRUGGLE WITH THIS PROBLEM ANY IDEAS?
Brief Answer:
I think it is in your interest
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using XXXXXXX care magic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all I do not think it is ethical to bring about such change for a person who got enormous help with a particular medication. In case they want to make changes they need to ensure that no veteran suffers by making available other medication of similar nature or effective in anxiety disorders.
Having said this I endorse the idea of discontinuation of clonazepam with advancement of age. At this age if we do the risk benefit analysis of clonazepam use you will understand that it have more harms than benefits. The harms include but not limited to cognitive impairment, memory gaps, fractures and falls.
Considering the risk I feel the treating doctor has rightly decided to discontinue clonazepam but the method of information was nor appropriate.
I mean to say that withdrawal of clonazepam will not cause any inconvenience to you and there will be alternative medication but more safer will be there for you to make this transition as smooth as possible.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
I think it is in your interest
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using XXXXXXX care magic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
First of all I do not think it is ethical to bring about such change for a person who got enormous help with a particular medication. In case they want to make changes they need to ensure that no veteran suffers by making available other medication of similar nature or effective in anxiety disorders.
Having said this I endorse the idea of discontinuation of clonazepam with advancement of age. At this age if we do the risk benefit analysis of clonazepam use you will understand that it have more harms than benefits. The harms include but not limited to cognitive impairment, memory gaps, fractures and falls.
Considering the risk I feel the treating doctor has rightly decided to discontinue clonazepam but the method of information was nor appropriate.
I mean to say that withdrawal of clonazepam will not cause any inconvenience to you and there will be alternative medication but more safer will be there for you to make this transition as smooth as possible.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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