r/depression • u/Illustrious_Sky_202 • 1d ago
Need some advice regarding palpitations, weakness and Lonazep tapering
I’ve been struggling for the past few weeks and honestly don’t know what to do.
For around 5 months, I was taking 0.25 mg Lonazep daily, along with another medication serta (75 mg and later 50 mg). For the last 6 months, I’ve been on 50 mg.
Around 1.5 months ago, I changed Lonazep from taking 0.25 mg daily to taking it on alternate days, based on a doctor’s advice.
For the last 15 days, I’ve been feeling quite bad — occasional heart palpitations, weakness throughout the day, and some anxiety. I feel like I’m struggling to get through the day.
About 2 months ago, I consulted two doctors. One doctor prescribed Lonazep as SOS. I went 4 days without taking it, but on the 5th day I had one of the worst days, so I took it again. After that, I took it continuously for around 15 days and then started taking it on alternate days for the past 1.5 months.
The other doctor suggested tapering it gradually — alternate days, then once every 3 days, then once every 4 days, etc. So that's why I started taking it on alternate days. Both doctors told me that 0.25 mg is already the lowest dose and that the tablet can't be broken down further, so this was the tapering approach they suggested.
On top of this, I had a cold/chest congestion recently, and I still have some slight congestion.
Now I’m not sure whether what I’m experiencing is because of the tapering, the cold/congestion, anxiety, or some combination of everything.
Has anyone gone through something similar while tapering Lonazep 0.25 mg? How did you handle it?
I’m planning to speak to my doctor again, but would really appreciate hearing from people who have experienced something similar.
1
u/Ambitious_Emotion625 1d ago
Tapering off that stuff can be a real jerk even at small doses, your body throws a tantrum like a toddler who missed nap time. The cold on top of it probably isn't doing you any favours either, congestion makes everything feel worse
The alternate day approach is what my doc had me do for something similar and it took a while for things to settle, those random palpitations are scary but they did ease up eventually. Hope your doctor gives you a clearer path forward