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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Clonazepam

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Posted on Sat, 20 Jun 2015
Question: I am taking 1/2 of 0.5mg of Clonazepam 3 times a day morning, noon and night which comes out to 3/4 of mg each day. I am taking this amount for about 1 1/2 years. I want to start weaning myself off of this drug and want to know how I can safely get off of this drug with little side effects. Could you please advise. I know it can be addictive and that is why I want to wean off.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Weaning schedule for Clonazepam

Detailed Answer:
Good evening. My name is Dr. Saghafi and we frequently wean patients from clonazepam and even though it can produce dependency issues the reality is that when taken as prescribed for necessary medical conditions it really isn't difficult at all to come off whenever the patient desires.

In my patients who are taking a similar dose to yours of 0.25mg 3x daily I would recommend that they reduce their intake by 1 tablet weekly until they are completely off. Therefore, the schedule might look something like this:

START: 1/2 tablet 3x/day

Day 1 of wean: 1/2 tablet 2x/day for 1 week
Day 8 of wean: 1/2 tablet 1x/day for 1 week
Day 15 of wean: OFF


Now, having given you that information I must point out that I strongly advise that you speak with the doctor who prescribed that medication and get their official opinion on how to wean this medication for you. I believe, patients should always consult their doctors before embarking upon plans to discontinue or wean from their medications. Remember, your doctor knows you better than anybody else and should always be the first you consult when contemplating such a move.

I hope this answer satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback?

Also, if there are no other questions or comments, I'd appreciate it greatly if you would CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary.

Please direct more comments and questions to me in the future at:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and I would be honored to answer you and/or continue this discussion.

All the best.

The query has required a total of 60 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2472 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Clonazepam

Brief Answer: Weaning schedule for Clonazepam Detailed Answer: Good evening. My name is Dr. Saghafi and we frequently wean patients from clonazepam and even though it can produce dependency issues the reality is that when taken as prescribed for necessary medical conditions it really isn't difficult at all to come off whenever the patient desires. In my patients who are taking a similar dose to yours of 0.25mg 3x daily I would recommend that they reduce their intake by 1 tablet weekly until they are completely off. Therefore, the schedule might look something like this: START: 1/2 tablet 3x/day Day 1 of wean: 1/2 tablet 2x/day for 1 week Day 8 of wean: 1/2 tablet 1x/day for 1 week Day 15 of wean: OFF Now, having given you that information I must point out that I strongly advise that you speak with the doctor who prescribed that medication and get their official opinion on how to wean this medication for you. I believe, patients should always consult their doctors before embarking upon plans to discontinue or wean from their medications. Remember, your doctor knows you better than anybody else and should always be the first you consult when contemplating such a move. I hope this answer satisfactorily addresses your question. If so, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback? Also, if there are no other questions or comments, I'd appreciate it greatly if you would CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so this question can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary. Please direct more comments and questions to me in the future at: bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and I would be honored to answer you and/or continue this discussion. All the best. The query has required a total of 60 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.