Posted by tina on May 4, 2000, at 20:52:02
In reply to Re: help me please-panic, posted by Cam W. on May 4, 2000, at 14:20:46
Thanks for the chemistry lesson. I got my doc to give me some Xanax to try today, Don't know whether it'll be better than the Rivotril but since the rivotril didn't work at all the Xanax is worth a go. Just as a p.s. - Lost my job today due to my frequent absences. Didn't really like it anyway but now I'm a little more anxious than I was. We'll see, maybe it'll be a GOOD thing. I'll let ya know. Thanks again--Tina>
> Tina - Xanax (alprazolam) and Rivotril (clonazepam) are both in the benzodiazepine family of anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs).
>
> Major Differences:
>
> Half-life:
> Xanax - approx. 12-15 hours
> Rivotril - approx. 18-80 hours
>
> Rivotril has a longer action in the body and less chance of withdrawl effectrs upon discontiuation.
>
> Differing Effects:
> Xanax - has antidepressant effects, thought to be due to agonist activity at the GABA-A receptor. Also is used as an anti-panic agent (a little faster acting) and in agoraphobia (high doses).
>
> Rivotril - Anticonvulsant activity and also some use in taking the edge off of anxiety.
>
> There are also diffeences in metabolism and activity of metabolites, but I won't bore you with that. Basically, in actual practice, they are interchangeable most of the time. I am told that Xanax is less sedating than Rivotril, but I can't prove it, as I have never taken either of these drugs. The info I have is from patients in my clinical practice. Others on this board could probably give you the differences of the actual "feel" of the drugs.
>
> Ask your doctor about a switch to Xanax, if the Rivotril isn't seeming to help. It may or may not make a difference.
>
> Hope this helps - Cam W.
poster:tina
thread:32230
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000429/msgs/32327.html