How to stop Esnax Plus without any withdrawal symptoms?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am taking Esnax Plus (Escitalopram 10 mg, Clonazepam 0.5 mg) since last one year for anxiety. Now, I want to cut this medicine but after stopping this for some days, now I am feeling anxious, lightheadedness, increased pulse, etc. Previously, I also tried to cut the medicine and felt the same thing and ended up with taking the medicine again. Please suggest how to get off this medicine without any symptom of this medicine as I do not want to be dependent on this for whole life. I have hypertension which is well controlled with medicine. Medicine taking other than above are Telma-CT (80 12.5) one time per day and Embeta-XR 50 one time per day.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Sudden stopping of the above drug may cause withdrawal symptoms. So you can start with slow withdrawal like take above tablet half every day or full tablet alternate day for three months. Then dose may be reduced to weekly 2 to 3 times for two months, then weekly 1 to 2 times next three months then withdraw the drug. Discontinued rapidly (over one to seven days) were more likely to relapse within a few months than those who reduced the dose gradually over two or more weeks. You can use a mild dose of anxiolytics like Alprazolam or long-acting Chlordiazepoxide in between withdrawal if you feel withdrawal symptoms. Best to withdraw under the guidance of your doctor.

The antidepressant effect may be continued up to 2 to 3 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. You can use yoga and regular exercise during withdrawal time. Avoid caffeine and caffeinated drinks. Avoid anxiety triggers in your point of view, eat green leafy vegetables and fruits.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online