What Causes Panic Attacks Despite Having Zoloft And Clonazepam?

Posted on Fri, 27 Mar 2015

Question: doctor XXXXXXX I am 66 year old woman and just started 50 mg of generic Zoloft and 0.5 0f clonazepam, I
do have panic attacks and very nervous, can you suggest alternative medicine. my email is donnafound YYYY@YYYY , I also fell 3 times in past 9 years hit ground full body plus head.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wait till medicines show effects, clonazepam can be increased

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

You have mentioned that you have just started 50 mg sertraline and 0.5 mg clonazepam.
Sertraline will show its optimum effects in 3-4 weeks. You need to wait for the same.If you do not feel any improvement in 3 weeks, dose can be increased gradually up to 100-150 mg. If no improvement at all with 100 mg, medicine can be changed to paroxetine. It is more effective in anxiety disorder.

Clonazepam is a good anti anxiety drug. If you can be given 0.25 mg in morning, 0.25 in afternoon and 0.5 mg at night, it can stop your panic attacks and nervousness speedily. Ask your doctor to increase the dose. Gradually dose can be decreased under medical supervision.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to answer more.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
M.D.- Psychiatry

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E