Withdrawal Symptoms from Jing An Ning: A Psychiatric Perspective - Psychiatry

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Jing'an Ning withdrawal syndrome


I have been experiencing tinnitus and during the treatment, my doctor prescribed four medications, one of which is Clonazepam.
Initially, I took 0.5 mg before bedtime for nearly six months, then it was changed to 0.5 mg twice a day for another six months.
Since my doctor retired, I thought that after taking the medication for so long without improvement, I would stop taking it.
However, on the first day off the medication, I felt lethargic, followed by extreme restlessness that made it impossible to sleep.
I was very agitated.
After two days, I returned to the internal medicine clinic, and they prescribed Clonazepam 0.5 mg to take before bedtime, but my condition did not improve.
I was only sleeping for about an hour each night and remained very agitated.
After another two days, I visited a psychiatrist who added Clonazepam 0.5 mg, and now I am taking 0.5 mg twice a day.
However, I am currently only sleeping two to three hours a night and often feel very restless.

How long is this situation likely to last? Will this lead to a decrease in my immune system? Should I increase the dosage to ensure adequate sleep before reducing the medication? Are there any other potential side effects? Is there a risk of developing tolerance to the medication? Could this situation be classified as an anxiety disorder? Thank you.

bingo, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/06

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry


The user, Gao Jing'an, is a short-acting anxiolytic medication that can lead to dependence with long-term use.
It is recommended to discuss with your physician the possibility of switching to a long-acting medication to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
Dr.
Wu Enliang.

Reply Date: 2023/01/06

More Info


Withdrawal symptoms from medications like Jing An Ning (a brand name for a medication often used to treat anxiety and insomnia) can be complex and vary significantly from person to person. It’s important to understand that when you stop taking a medication that has been used for an extended period, your body may react in various ways as it adjusts to the absence of the drug. This adjustment period can lead to a range of symptoms, including increased anxiety, insomnia, and even physical symptoms like restlessness or agitation.

In your case, it seems that after discontinuing Jing An Ning, you experienced a significant change in your mental state, including feelings of being overly excited and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are not uncommon in withdrawal scenarios, especially if the medication was being used to manage anxiety or sleep disorders. The initial phase of withdrawal can often be characterized by heightened anxiety and insomnia, which may lead to a cycle of increased distress.

The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary widely. For some individuals, symptoms may last only a few days, while for others, they can persist for weeks or even months. Factors that influence this duration include the length of time the medication was taken, the dosage, individual physiology, and whether the medication was stopped abruptly or tapered off gradually. In your case, since you stopped taking the medication suddenly after a prolonged period of use, it is likely that your body is experiencing a more pronounced withdrawal reaction.

Regarding your concerns about immune function, while chronic stress and anxiety can impact immune health, the immediate effects of withdrawal symptoms are more likely to be related to your mental state rather than a direct decline in immune function. However, prolonged sleep deprivation and high levels of anxiety can indeed affect overall health, including immune response.

As for whether to increase the dosage or continue with the current regimen, this is a decision that should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. It is generally not advisable to self-medicate or adjust dosages without professional guidance, as this can lead to further complications or dependency issues. Your doctor may suggest a gradual tapering of the medication rather than an abrupt stop, which can help mitigate withdrawal symptoms.

It’s also essential to consider whether your current symptoms align with anxiety disorders. The feelings of restlessness, difficulty sleeping, and heightened emotional states can indeed be indicative of anxiety disorders, but they can also be related to withdrawal effects. A thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist can help clarify your diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment options.

In summary, withdrawal from Jing An Ning can lead to various symptoms, including anxiety and sleep disturbances. The duration of these symptoms varies, and it is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your medication regimen effectively. If you continue to experience significant distress, seeking further psychiatric evaluation may provide additional insights and treatment strategies to help you navigate this challenging period.

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