clonazepam

[veerabala]

i am taking escitalopram 10mg since aug 30 i had side effects at the starting now i dont have any side effect and my doctor added a new medicine along with these clonazepam 0.25mg for sleeping and to deal the situation better i have a fear of going through same side effect again i dont know what to do

[Hidden]

As I am sure you know, veerabala, Escitalopram is used to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain.

Clonazepam, which is a benzodiazepine, is also used, off label, to treat GAD. These medications strengthen the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which is the primary inhibitory (“turn off”) signaler in the brain. GABA plays a role in sleep, feeling calm, muscle relaxation, and reduction in brain activity.

Although I have never taken an anti-depressant, I have taken Clonazepam, in the past. I will say that it does help with sleep and all over relaxation.

To answer your question, I personally, did not experience any side effects from the Clonazepam. I only took it "as needed" and it was a small dose, 0.125 milligrams.

Hopefully other members will add their thoughts, also. Everyone experiences medications differently, rarely do we all have the same reaction to medications.

I would like to add this, please be sure to do your own research on Clonazepam. Learn all you can about it and then discuss any questions that you have with your doctor.

[4Penny in reply to Hidden]

Hello, I am on Clonazepam .5 mg for a few weeks now. I started having anxiety attacks about a month ago, extreme heart palpitations and shortness of breath, felt like I was having a nervous breakdown. I take one pill if I feel it coming on and it definitely helps. Dr. says it is a temporary medicine, and I'm worried what will happen to me when she stops it. Is there a safe alternative for me? I also am meditating and that seems to help. Please let me know what other medications are available for me that helps with anxiety attacks ( it feels like i'm dying)....

[veerabala in reply to 4Penny]

I think 0.5 is a high dose to start with may be take a half I had similar problem with escitalopram 10mg then my dr asked tme to take half tablet for 2 days then back to 10mg I felt better But please consult your doctor

[Hidden in reply to 4Penny]

I think meditation is a wonderful tool for anxiety, 4Penny. This is what I do, along with Yoga each night before bed. I try to eat healthy and stay active. I am not an athlete, by any stretch, so I walk a lot, not power walking, just a nice brisk long walk each day.

Clonazepam, as needed, was used to get me over the hump, if you will, of a bad episode of GAD. I used it for 18 months. It stopped being as effective so I decided to discontinue, rather than to up-dose or take the same dose more frequently.

I am doing well, although the GAD is still my constant companion, some days worse than others. Using meditation, breathing techniques and yoga, etc. continue to work well for me.

[veerabala in reply to Hidden]

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience I am glad that clonazepam worked for you my doctor is very sure about using this I already went through a some side effects while on escitalopram during initial stage that's why I had hesitation well I don't have any option I will take this anyway

[veerabala in reply to Hidden]

I have a doubt now can clonazepam can be used as sos basis like you said you take when it is needed that's why I asked

[Hidden in reply to veerabala]

That is a great question for your doctor, veerabala.👍

My doctor actually prescribed the Clonazepam on an "as needed" basis to see if that would give give me the relief I needed. It did do that for me. If it had not, the discussed plan (again, with my doctor) was to gradually increase the frequency, not the dose.

If your doctor is prescribing you the clonazepam for sleep, only, then "as needed" could work well. It all depends on what he is hoping to accomplish for you, by adding the medication.

Be sure to ask your doctor all of these questions, as well as discussing your reasons for hesitation.

[veerabala in reply to Hidden]

Sure I will ...ask snowdaze thanks for your concern it means a lot

[Hidden in reply to veerabala]

You are very welcome, veerabal. Please do keep us updated, everyone's experience is different and it is always helpful to read about those experiences.

🌈

[veerabala]

Sure I will definitely update my progress