HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

How to discontinue a paradoxical benzo like clonazepam 2m (originally: muscle relaxant) after long term use (complications!) ? i can't find any expert

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. John Chiu answered

Paradoxical?: You need to reduce the dose very slowly over several weeks' time. The speed on the reduction should be gauged based on your symptoms. One study suggests that 25% decrease per week may be a reasonable approach.

Dr Hodge agreed

Answered 12/6/2016

863 views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

I have been on benzos for many years, and wish to taper off of them. Currently taking .5mg Clonazepam. But what can I do if the benzos are the only meds that help with my anxiety. Tried a bunch of ssris that didnt work. Please help?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Can benzos-ativan/klonopin aggravate a sinus infection?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Been on benzos for 20 years. Never knew they were dangerous. Psychiatrist prescribe them with no problem. Currently on .5mg Clonazepam and wanting to taper off. What are the worst long term side effects from benzos?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Is it safe to switch from xanax .5mg 3 times daily to klonopin 3 times daily under Psychiatrist's care? I am wanting to get off benzos and he suggested this tapering method. Said it would be 3 months total and I should be off the klonopin.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Why are there psychiatrists who prescribe benzodiazepines like CLONAZEPAM to their patients long term? Aren't they aware of the addictive quality of CLONAZEPAM? They are doctors. Why do they prescribe benzodiazepines to be taken for life????

A doctor has provided 1 answer

People also searched for:

In addition to opiates for chronic pain would klonopin (clonazepam) or Valium be better for anxiety & muscle relaxant? Or take something different 4 both ailments?
I've been prescribed clonazepam (2mg, muscle relaxant) for many years and I need to get off because of deteriorating health. What specialist would be best ? A different doctor answered 'a psychiatrist' but in my experience most don't have a clue.
My anxiety seems to feel better with a muscle relaxant then ativan (lorazepam). Why is that and are muscle relaxants not addictive like benzos are?
Any suggestions on which benzodiazepines have the best muscle relaxant properties?
Going on methadone and had taken 4mg klonopin (clonazepam) about 285 hours ago in 1 day no more . And they don't allow benzos with methadone.Should i wait longer?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.