Posted by Iolite on December 23, 2002, at 20:53:47
In reply to Klonopin vs other benzos?, posted by Peter S. on December 23, 2002, at 13:38:14
> I know Klonopin is better for long term use because it's long acting. I was wondering about people's experience with other benzos and if these are also effective for long term use. Specifically Ativan- anybody had good experience with this? Are some benzos better for certain people than others?
>
> Thanks!Hi! Yes, I took Klonopin for 2 years (with Paxil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft etc. which made me sweat - so I didn't reallly take them as ordered). But the Klonopin 2 mg a day was absolutely necessary at the time because I had cancer of the bladder and would have insane moments of profound anxiety. (I am alone, no family, and was having tremendous difficulty getting to the surgery and chemo sessions too.) Anyway the Klonopin worked extremely well for me during that time period.
Jump 7 years to 9/11/01 when many friends died.. I wound up in a hospital in shock myself, and was put on a slow Ativan IV for 1, then 2, then 3 mg. That was helpful. I was able to walk but not much more! The shaking stopped.
Now over a year later after stabilizing I understand the feelings between what I remem ber of Klonopin, and Ativan. Klonopin affects me in a way that seems more of a sleeping pill, more of a valium feel to it. Whereas Ativan has no effect on me *except* that I no longer feel anxious or quake. Panics come still but they are very mild and mostly teary, and if I REALLY have to, I'll just reach for another Ativan knowing I'm still functional and still able to drive, etc.
As I recall, when the big red neon letters CANCER used to scream at me from my bedroom ceiling, the Klonopin wooziness allowed me to blow them away. Poof. Now if I were to have the same type of panic, I am not so sure the Ativan would be quite so magical!
(I'm no pharma expert so I hope you understand my "babble"... thanks)
Nice chatting,
Iolite
poster:Iolite
thread:132841
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021223/msgs/133037.html