HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Does Intake Of Diazepam Help Withdraw Klonopin Without Any Side Effects?

I have been on Klonopin for about 9.5 months now. I am on 2.5mg a day. I recently misplaced my pill bottle 4 days before my prescription was up for refill and have never felt like that in my life. I got terrified and I'm resolved to get off this stuff. I can't feel that way again....the combination of terror and physical pain was unreal. My doctor wants me to lower my dose by .5mg a week, but when I do that I feel horrible for a few days, can't sleep, eat, and don't want to move. I've read that diazepam is much better for getting off benzos. PLEASE HELP!!
Wed, 22 Jul 2015
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. It is really difficult to stop using Clonazepam because the drug is short acting and gives pleasurable effects. This is the reason the drug causes severe dependence. So even I'd advise you to stop using the drug. Most of doctors advise patients to wean off the drug by reducing the doses gradually. In my clinical practice I usually advise my patients to reduce the doses by 20% every 1-2 weeks and then stopping completely at about 6-8 weeks. Dose reduction in manner prevents withdrawal effects.

Other option is to replace the drug with Diazepam first and then reducing the dose of Diazepam gradually. If we consider dose equivalence then Diazepam 10 mg is equal to 0.5 mg Clonazepam. You can discuss with your doctor for details.

Hope this helps you. Take care. Thanks.

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Does Intake Of Diazepam Help Withdraw Klonopin Without Any Side Effects?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. It is really difficult to stop using Clonazepam because the drug is short acting and gives pleasurable effects. This is the reason the drug causes severe dependence. So even I d advise you to stop using the drug. Most of doctors advise patients to wean off the drug by reducing the doses gradually. In my clinical practice I usually advise my patients to reduce the doses by 20% every 1-2 weeks and then stopping completely at about 6-8 weeks. Dose reduction in manner prevents withdrawal effects. Other option is to replace the drug with Diazepam first and then reducing the dose of Diazepam gradually. If we consider dose equivalence then Diazepam 10 mg is equal to 0.5 mg Clonazepam. You can discuss with your doctor for details. Hope this helps you. Take care. Thanks. Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi