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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Are The Uses And Side Effects Of Clonazepam?

Hello,
I have been taking Clonazepam for two months now after switching from Xanax after a year and a half. I was Taking 1mg twice a day of Xanax. For the past two months I have been taking 1mg twice a day of Clonazepam, 1mg in the morning and 1mg at night. I want wean off Clonazepam safely. How would you advise me to wean off the Clonazepam? With all the research I have read on Benzos: I had to start taking them about two years ago when I went through a very difficult divorce.
Thank you for your recommendation.
Mon, 9 Mar 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Both Clonazepam and Xanax (Alprazolam) belongs to benzodiazepines drugs. Both have almost same actions at same doses. You have been taking Clonazepam after switching from Xanax. Currently the doses you are taking for clonazepam are 2 mg per day. Best way to reduce the doses is by switching from clonazepam to some long acting drug like Diazepam. Tapering the doses from Diazepam are little easier as compared to Clonazepam. If we consider dose conversion of Diazepam to Clonazepam then 10 mg of diazepam would be equal to 0.5 mg of Clonazepam. Consult a psychiatrist and ask for switch to diazepam from Clonazepam. Then doses can be tapered by 20% every 1-2 weeks over about 4-6 weeks. This would result in smooth detoxification.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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What Are The Uses And Side Effects Of Clonazepam?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Both Clonazepam and Xanax (Alprazolam) belongs to benzodiazepines drugs. Both have almost same actions at same doses. You have been taking Clonazepam after switching from Xanax. Currently the doses you are taking for clonazepam are 2 mg per day. Best way to reduce the doses is by switching from clonazepam to some long acting drug like Diazepam. Tapering the doses from Diazepam are little easier as compared to Clonazepam. If we consider dose conversion of Diazepam to Clonazepam then 10 mg of diazepam would be equal to 0.5 mg of Clonazepam. Consult a psychiatrist and ask for switch to diazepam from Clonazepam. Then doses can be tapered by 20% every 1-2 weeks over about 4-6 weeks. This would result in smooth detoxification. Thanks, hope this helps you.