The Use of Clonazepam for Alprazolam Withdrawal: Clinical Observations of Six Methadone‐Maintained Patients

Alprazolam (Xanax) is commonly abused by patients in methadone maintenance treatment. The authors describe six alprazolam‐dependent patients receiving methadone (mean ± SD, dose = 8.2 ± 3.7 mg/day) who were safely detoxified as inpatients using a clonazepam (Klonopin) substitution and taper. After a 3‐day stabilization period, patients were tapered at a rate of 1.0 mg/day of clonazepam for an average duration of 8.3 ± 1.5 days. There were no subjective or objective withdrawal symptoms throughout this period. This preliminary report indicates that the use of clonazepam for alprazolam detoxification may be a safe and effective method for patients receiving methadone and therefore warrants further investigation.