Help with reducing 0.25klonopin

[[Ja...]]

I am an old sufferer of anxiety and panic attacks. Been on and off SSRI"S and low dose clonazepam for years. Was off drugs successfully for 2years and the attacks suddenly hit me with a vengeance. Could "not go outdoors  unless on.0.  5mg clonazepam. Started or restarted 10mg escitalopram for a month. Had bad side effects for a few days for which I was prescribed. 0.5mg clonazepam. Took it for 10days and felt better. Occasional panic attacks. Reduced it to 0.25mg to help me sleep as I am an insomniac. Even with 0.25I sleep only at 2am.Idont know if insomnia is due to escitalopram or anxiety. Don't want to start any other sleep drugs.

[[pi...]]

Hello Jayrenmin,

 

Welcome to Benzo Buddies!  It's hard to say what is causing your insomnia.  Since you have experience with SSRI's you are I'm sure aware that sometimes they can be stimulating and there is a start up factor that can increase anxiety for a period of time.  Additionally, after long term use of benzodiazepines, like clonazepam, their effectiveness can decrease at the dose taken. This is called tolerance which is where increasing doses are needed to achieve the original effect.

 

We are primarily a benzo withdrawal support forum.  If you are interested in tapering off clonazepam, we can provide information and support.  We do have members who are or who have taken SSRI's.  I'm sure that someone could offer some advise for your situation.  I'll give you a link to the Other Medications Board. You can post there and receive feedback from members about escitalopram.

 

I'll also give you a link to the Anxiety Board.  Many members deal with this issue.  There are some alternative modalities to deal with anxiety such as CBT, meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises that you might find helpful.

 

I understand your reluctance to start additional sleep drugs. Most often these are what is called Z drugs and carry the same risks of dependency as benzos.

 

Please do ask questions, we'll try to help the best we are able.

 

 

Other Medications     

 

Anxiety 

 

pianogirl