clonazepam, hair loss and how to end this?

[Betterday90]

I have been on clonazepam and remeron since November 2009, was diagnosed with GAD and depression. First, my doses were 3 mg of clonazepam and 15 mg of remeron.Then, in 2 months I started to feel better and went to 2 mg of clonazepam. No problem then. Then I started to feel better again. My doctor recommended skipping the afternoon doze which was 0.5 mg. Now when I found this forum, I realized that I did not stand any chance to continue to improve. 2 weeks later after skipping afternoon doses, my body reacted with violent panic attacks. So, here comes my new Rx: clonazepam 0.5 mg in the morning, 0.5 mg in the afternoon, 1 mg at bed time, remeron was increased to 30 mg. That is what I take now. However, lots of side effects such: weakness, constant low blood pressure, apathy, etc. and the worse of it is hair loss from clonazepam. I pointed to my doctor all problems to no avail. However, after reading information here I am going to be more persistent. Since, hair loss becomes more evident for me (I am a woman in my 30 & I hope you would understand what it means to see your hair go buy buy), I find it hard to cope. My question is how can I safely to taper off clonazepam and substitute it with something else not from benzohell family. Hydroxyzine perhaps? Please advise me safe tappering schedule and substitution for clonazepam. What should I do with remeron? It helps me to sleep, but I also have muscle pains from it especially after exercising, even gentle exercises. What can I do about the hair loss? Thank you.

[Nomedsanymore]

Yes, I immediately noticed hair loss that was highly unusual, and it seems to be continued with use. I'm sorry I tried it only for those reasons. This should be a MAJOR warning on side effects.

[29sillygirl]

I sympathize with your concern about hair loss. Going bald is a frightening thought. I know we have to weigh benefits v side effects of any medicine we take.  It sounds like you do need an anti-anxiety for awhile; maybe a change would work.  Your doctor is the best to ask about this.

I took xanax years ago, and thought I was losing hair: now am on clonazapam.  Might be wrong but believe hair loss was listed as side effect of xanax.  I remember my doctor laughing at my concerns then, reminding me that any time a person reports a side effect drug company adds to list.  

I have asked my dermatologist, hair stylist (I color my hair), and psychiatrist about this issue, and no one has said clonazapam is culprit.  

Trust yourself to make the right decision: do follow instructions on reducing clonazapam if that is what you and doctor decide.  Easy does it.

[mammo]

If your GP did the testing on your thyroid you wasted your time.  Endocrinologists can do a more precise test than the GP can.  I was told for a year that my thyroid was fine after having 3 tests done by my GP,  finally he told me that an Endo could do more precise testing, and referred me to one, I have hypothyroidism.  I was losing my hair, and fatigued, but being a woman it was the hair loss that sent into a frenzy!  After being on Synthroid my hair stopped falling out and I have been on Clonazepam for almost 2 years and hair loss has not been a problem for me while on this.  But we are all different, and react differently to these medications.  I hope you find an answer.

[Betterday90]

My doctor did a blood test including thyroid function. All came back normal. MrGreen, we are all very different. Hair loss/growth is mentioned in the broshure for clonazepam you get from your pharmacy. Just read it, believe me it is there. It is not remeron that cause it. When you decrease the dose of clonazepam too soon and too much, you will have problems. Mine were panic atacks. Also, I guess I was lucky to read several posts from Ryan (he posted here tapering schedules) and I agree that clonazepam should be decreased by no more than 0.25 mg. Anyway, I will see my doctor soon & I will post the results later. Thank you.  

[MrGreen]

I am on the same two tablets and this will show how different people react to the same types of medication. I am like a wolly mammoth. Most times I love to shave my head. But when I don't I have that Charles Manson look about me. So I would question if it is the medication that is doing this to you. Rules out everything else first. Because it is one side effect I have never heard of before. I have been on them for a few years now. Have had nothing like that happen to me at all. Take what was suggested in the post above this one and have a check up first.

Can I ask about something you wrote. What exactly did you mean by these words ?

'  Now when I found this forum, I realized that I did not stand any chance to continue to improve. '.

What did you find on this forum that made you think like that? Just curious.

[mammo]

All of your symptoms could be from hypothyroidism.  I would see and Endocrinologist before going any further.