I had depression in 1993 and was on lithium and other mood stabilizers but in 1999 I had mania. Since 2009 I am taking oxcarbazepine 300 mg 1 mg ativan and 1 mg clonazepam at night. I had no episode since 1999 .but I am facing memory problems and lack of energy. I am unable to reduce my 1 mg ativan and 1 mg clonazepam. One doctor prescribed to take etizolam instead of ativan. Doctor kindly guide me properly. Thanks.

Depression

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Dr. Rashmi NavelkarPsychiatrist11yrs exp

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Ativan and clonazepam are mainly sedatives. But they are habit forming. You cannot be taken off these medications abruptly. They need to be slowly tapered and stopped over every few days. In the meantime we must also take care that your sleep cycle doesn't get disrupted as sleep deprivation or disturbances can trigger a mood episode. So you maybe needed to be put on some other medication for sleep which is not addictive. This can be taken off easily. Please consult a psychiatrist for proper guidance and treatment.

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Dr. Jitendriya BiswalPsychiatrist8yrs exp

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Hi Thanks for seeking help here. After carefully listening to your history n evaluating the issue we suggests that you need proper adjustment your medication according your problems.For that detailed evaluation about your illness is required ..Above you described your illness and treatment history is insufficient..for that .... Feel free to consult with me here in lybrate for further clarification and doubts if any with nominal fees. Happy to help you. Wish you good health. Get well soon. Regards

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Dr. Saranya DevanathanPsychiatrist51yrs exp

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Dear Parveen, It is nice to know that you don't have any further episode with regular oxcarbazepine. As age advances, clonazepam and lorazepam (ativan) interferes with your memory and does not give any added benefits for your mood. So please reduce one by one slowly. Start with ativan 0.5 mg for 2 weeks and stop. Then clonazepam also 0.5 mg for 2 weeks and stop. You can use etizolam if anxiety or sleep becomes a problem temporarily for next 1 month. Please continue your mood stabilisers.

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