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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Taper Off Escitalopram And Clonazepam For Anxiety?

I have been taking escitalopram 5mg and clonazepam .5mg since 2006. Actually the doctor prescribed it for the treatment of stomach problems which was perhaps due to anxiety. I continued with the drug without any assurance from the doctor regarding its complete discontinuance.Now I want to taper the dose and stop using the same in future.
Tue, 6 Jan 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

You have been taking Escitalopram 5 mg and Clonazepam 0.5 mg for last 8 years. These drugs were given for anxiety and gastric problems. You didn't visit doctor again and now you want to taper off the drug. Sudden stoppage may result in withdrawal symptoms so gradual tapering of doses of drugs is advised.

Normally patients are advised to reduce the doses by 20% every two weeks and to stop completely at about 6-8 weeks. But you are taking lower doses so it will be a little easier to taper the doses. Reduce the escitalopram doses to half for next 4 weeks and then you can stop completely. For clonazepam you can follow similar method but after 4 weeks as per my opinion you should take half of 0.25 dose for next 4 weeks. This will prevent restlessness due to drug cessation. Visit your psychiatrist for proper prescription of these drugs.

Thanks, hope this helps you
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How To Taper Off Escitalopram And Clonazepam For Anxiety?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM You have been taking Escitalopram 5 mg and Clonazepam 0.5 mg for last 8 years. These drugs were given for anxiety and gastric problems. You didn t visit doctor again and now you want to taper off the drug. Sudden stoppage may result in withdrawal symptoms so gradual tapering of doses of drugs is advised. Normally patients are advised to reduce the doses by 20% every two weeks and to stop completely at about 6-8 weeks. But you are taking lower doses so it will be a little easier to taper the doses. Reduce the escitalopram doses to half for next 4 weeks and then you can stop completely. For clonazepam you can follow similar method but after 4 weeks as per my opinion you should take half of 0.25 dose for next 4 weeks. This will prevent restlessness due to drug cessation. Visit your psychiatrist for proper prescription of these drugs. Thanks, hope this helps you