Can Klonopin (Clorazepam) be this addictive this like greased lightning?

I got off Zoloft after 6 weeks (4 (a) .25 then 2 (a) 50mg) because of the side effects. That be 3 weeks ago. Then I have been taking 0.5 mg Clorazepam as needed for about the ultimate 3 weeks. Clorazepam was working for me (mainly for sleep/ general anxiety) and I have alternatived beside Tylenol PM on occasion. I decided to stop taking Clorazepam for 3 straight days because my symptoms were reduced and be sleeping better. I then started getting very shaky, trembling, teeth chattering, and having some tight chin and muscle spasms. I took another 0.5 yesterday but with no effect. I went to my GP who said since Zoloft was had it and Clorazepam is addictive, he recommends Metroprolol 25mg for possible physiological, and not anxious issues. He's right, I don't FEEL anxious, I am just shaky, REAL shaky and is affecting my arm/hand/mouth movements. I don't feel stressed. Any guidance?
Answers:
Metroprolol is a selective beta-blocker which reduces adrenaline.

Clonazepam (Klonopin) at 0.5 mg/day is a very small dose. Physical dependence (NOT the same as addiction) can ensue in that time but it is rare, especially at a small dose typically taken one time a day.

Many of the symptoms you describe are consistent beside benzodiazepine discontinuation (withdrawal). It could also be partly some antidepressant discontinuation syndrome from the Zoloft.

Another beta-blocker, propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker. Because it is non-selective it has more effects on adrenaline and it will also have some effect on serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain. So it can reduce anxiety very effectively. It is very commonly used to cut back on shakiness. Often psychiatrists give propranolol to reduce trembling and shaking due to other medications, such as Lithium.

You might ask your doctor around switching beta-blockers (although typically beta-blockers reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, not the feeling of anxiety).

And going cold turkey with any benzodiazepine is not a smart belief. It might be good to start a small dose benzodiazepine for a few days to properly detox. 2-5 mg of Valium (diazepam) twice daily for a few days should help the discontinuation and eat up your muscle movements. Valium is better to use when discontinuing a drug. Klonopin is not good to use when serious discontinuation is occurring.

I would also ask your doctor if he thinks any Zoloft discontinuation is part of the problem.

Good luck Source(s): I am a medical student at a research university surrounded by Montréal for both psychiatry and internal medicine. I have a specialist degree (Hons. BSc) contained by pharmacology with a focus on psychopharmacology. I have interned under two psychiatrists, one neurologist, and at a chemical dependency rehabilitation meat. In addition I have worked as a pharmacy assistant.

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