Posted by darkhorse on May 12, 2005, at 6:03:55
In reply to Re: why can you take so much more Klonopin than Valium, posted by Paul Smith on May 12, 2005, at 3:03:23
Yes, BZ can be compared relativley in terms of potencies e.g. Clonazepam 0.25 equals Alprazolam 0.5...but that does not mean they give the same effect to every one...there are subtle/minore differences in the way they work on the brain and GABA, which makes a compound suits somebody but not for someone else.
- Some in general are more useful for epelipsy/seizures(Clonazepam/Clobazam/Diazepam)
- Some are more useful as hypnotics (Lormetazepam/Flunitrazepam)...etc.In a way their potencies are like when comparing (most) TCA's e.g. imipramine 75mg = amitriptyline 75mg.Although both may affect serotonin and NE equaly,they have some other differences (e.g Amitriptyline more sedating because of its potent histamine effects..etc)
-- I think IMO the most important thing about BZ equivelant charts is when one compound does not work, and need to try a different one,or if there is difficulty in tapering a BZ that was useful, with a longer acting one.
In this regard there is a cross-tolerance between the compounds, same as SSRI's. e.g. if one has a problem stopping Paroxetine, he could be switched to Fluoxetine to make withdrawal smoother ( I tried this with Venlafaxine and it was not difficult at all).
- If the only difference between benzos are potencies, then they would might as well all be called Chlordiazepoxide (the 1st ever BZ).
- In my experience, after trying lots and lots of BZ and AD's, in the end it all depend on one's personal experience and what he/she feels most suits him/her.
All what we write as our experiences or what we read in books are just guidlines...Sorry for all this babbeling!!
DH
poster:darkhorse
thread:496095
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050510/msgs/496773.html