Posted by TamaraJ on March 9, 2005, at 21:15:50
In reply to Switch from Xanax to Klonopin, posted by med_empowered on March 9, 2005, at 17:55:49
Thanks so much. I agree with you on the use of Xanax and other short-acting benzos. Right now, I have really been avoiding using Xanax unless I was in a really bad anxious state. And, even then, I have found that once I have two or three anxiety free days, I can usually (if I am lucky) go weeks without experiencing severe anxiety (if that makes sense). Just another question or two - sorry. Does the Klonopin initially cause fatigue, drowsiness and spaciness? Do these side effects go away after the body adjusts to the med (like after about a week)?
Thanks again.
Tamara
> Personally, I think Xanax and other short-acting benzos (Ativan, etc.) are best used for people who are usually just fine, but are sometimes seized by paralyzing anxiety. Used to manage chronic anxiety, I think the patient would be better off with something else...like Klonopin. There is a Xanax XR now, but my personal opinion is that its more of a marketing ploy than anything else...Klonopin, Valium, and Librium are my personal faves. for managing chronic, long-term anxiety problems. Switching over from Xanax to Klonopin can be tricky, espcially if you're dosing "as needed," as opposed to having a fixed-dose. That said, it can be done; one way would be to convert your xanax dose into Klonopin, spread the dose over 2-3 intervals, and provide a little bit of Xanax to be taken while switching over if you feel the need. There are some important differences between Xanax and Klonopin to keep in mind here: 1)Klonopin takes 20minutes or so to work, but 4hours or so to reach peak blood levels...so most people seem to find that fixed-dosing works MUCH better than as-needed dosing 2) Klonopin lasts FOREVER. The half-life is incredibly long, so when and if you withdraw, be prepared for a protracted withdrawal period. Sucks, I know, but its usually not that bad. 3) Klonopin makes a very bad sedative. It works well for a few nites, but then wears off in terms of hynpotic ability. IF a doc RX's Klonopin for sleep, ask about back-up. Good luck!
poster:TamaraJ
thread:467929
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050308/msgs/468980.html