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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Zombie Behaviour In An Elderly Person Be Due To Klonopin?

My 92 yr old mother a dialysis patient. For 2 months was out in klonopin for anixiety and to help shingles. Nerve. Pain is it effective for shingles? She is a zombie now she previously on low dose Xanadu and they worked well for her. Should I take her off klonipin? She us in a nursing hime
Mon, 8 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. She is 92 years old and is on dialysis. Klonopin is Clonazepam and the drug is a benzodiazepine drug. It is not advisable to use this drug in elderly patients because the drug is known to increase the cognitive decline and result in significant impairment in memory. Her zombie like behaviour is occurring due to the sedation caused by Clonazepam. So in my opinion the doses of drug should be reduced in consultation of her doctor. If she is having anxiety then proper anti anxiety drugs should be started. Even medicines like Pregabalin or Gabapentin can help her with proper dose adjustments. Please discuss with her doctor for possible dose reduction of Klonopin.

Thanks, I hope this helps you.
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Could Zombie Behaviour In An Elderly Person Be Due To Klonopin?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. She is 92 years old and is on dialysis. Klonopin is Clonazepam and the drug is a benzodiazepine drug. It is not advisable to use this drug in elderly patients because the drug is known to increase the cognitive decline and result in significant impairment in memory. Her zombie like behaviour is occurring due to the sedation caused by Clonazepam. So in my opinion the doses of drug should be reduced in consultation of her doctor. If she is having anxiety then proper anti anxiety drugs should be started. Even medicines like Pregabalin or Gabapentin can help her with proper dose adjustments. Please discuss with her doctor for possible dose reduction of Klonopin. Thanks, I hope this helps you.