Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] Hi , My brother was suffering from panic attacks for 8-9 months. while reducing the course of medicine he feels the same issue is coming back again. He is now prescribed lonazep .25  half tablet in morning and 1/2 in evening along with rexipra 5mg. Dr. asked to leave the tablet when he feel ok. what can be effect once he discontinues the lonazep ? is there any chance he can get addicted to lonazep if same issue back again?
[|AI|]  Hi, I do appreciate your concern for your brother. Panic disorder responds well to treatment if provided adequately. Extra (Escitalopram) is a safe and effective treatment option for panic disorder. However, the current dose of 5 mg/day is suboptimal. The dose range for Escitalopram is between 10-20 mg/day. Located is clonazepam which helps in reducing the anxiety on symptomatic basis. The anxiety remains controlled as long as it is taken, but will re-emerge when it is stopped. The problem is, with time, there is a high chance for developing dependence on it. So, it is usually recommended only for a short period of time. In your brothers case, I would recommend that you discuss with his psychiatrist regarding increasing Escitalopram further up (to 20 mg as required). It will help control his panic attacks and he won't need clonazepam. Moreover, the treatment with Escitalopram should be continued even after the panic attacks has stopped completely (around 1-2 years), to prevent relapse. I do hope I was able to answer your query. Best wishes.