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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by CaffeinePoet on October 6, 2012, at 13:13:33
I'm re-starting Effexor at the low dose of 12.5 mgs x 2, bumping up to 37.5 or 50 total (whatever works).
But I also have an old clonazepam prescription from a different doctor. I have been taking an average of .50 clonazepam daily for 5 weeks.
I may call the nurse to ask about this. But question -- if you have been given instructions about how to stop a benzo, at what point was it considered ok to do so after starting an ssri? I don't want to wait very long as I find being on two psych meds to cause problems with intelligence/thinking.
Posted by bennybenzo on October 6, 2012, at 13:21:08
In reply to how do i discontinue benzo while starting ssri?, posted by CaffeinePoet on October 6, 2012, at 13:13:33
Best to keep on the small amount BENZO till your AD kicks in.
Posted by Hugh on October 6, 2012, at 17:35:46
In reply to how do i discontinue benzo while starting ssri?, posted by CaffeinePoet on October 6, 2012, at 13:13:33
Taper the benzo very slowly. Clonazepam has a longer half-life than most benzos, so it should be easier to taper than benzos like Xanax or Ativan, which have a much shorter half-life, which can cause interdose withdrawal. This site has sample withdrawal schedules.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on October 6, 2012, at 18:56:31
In reply to how do i discontinue benzo while starting ssri?, posted by CaffeinePoet on October 6, 2012, at 13:13:33
Cut the dose by 25% every four days, so 1 1/2 tabs a day for 4 days, then 1 tab a day for 4 days, then 1/2 a tab a day for 4 days
Posted by phillipa on October 6, 2012, at 19:04:20
In reply to Re: how do i discontinue benzo while starting ssri?, posted by jono_in_adelaide on October 6, 2012, at 18:56:31
Wait till it kicks in. That's a low dose. Phillipa
Posted by CaffeinePoet on October 6, 2012, at 19:21:14
In reply to Re: how do i discontinue benzo while starting ssri?, posted by phillipa on October 6, 2012, at 19:04:20
> Wait till it kicks in. That's a low dose. Phillipa
I can already feel it!
Posted by phidippus on October 7, 2012, at 14:27:56
In reply to how do i discontinue benzo while starting ssri?, posted by CaffeinePoet on October 6, 2012, at 13:13:33
At .5 mg, I think you can just stop taking the benzo. Usually you want to wait until your AD kicks in, then your anxiety will be covered.
Eric
Posted by brynb on October 10, 2012, at 2:17:27
In reply to how do i discontinue benzo while starting ssri?, posted by CaffeinePoet on October 6, 2012, at 13:13:33
The benzo's a low dose and you haven't been on it very long, so it shouldn't really cause a problem. Keep taking it while starting the AD; the AD will actually be very helpful.
Good luck...
This is the end of the thread.
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