Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1024524

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Alprazolam vs Clonazepam

Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 30, 2012, at 23:12:00

I currently take alprazolam 1mg 2-3 times a day for axiiety and panic (along with antidepressants), wondering how it compares to clonazepam in everybodys experience - the fact that clonazepam and its metabolites have a longer half life would seem to be an advantage for avoiding interdose and rebound anxiety.

Any thoughts?

 

Re: Alprazolam vs Clonazepam » jono_in_adelaide

Posted by Phillipa on August 30, 2012, at 23:14:34

In reply to Alprazolam vs Clonazepam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 30, 2012, at 23:12:00

Xanax has slight antidepressant properties klonopin depressed me right away. Phillipa

 

Re: Alprazolam vs Clonazepam » Phillipa

Posted by SLS on August 31, 2012, at 0:18:06

In reply to Re: Alprazolam vs Clonazepam » jono_in_adelaide, posted by Phillipa on August 30, 2012, at 23:14:34

> Xanax has slight antidepressant properties

This is true. Xanax also has the greatest addiction potential of the benzodiazepines.

> klonopin depressed me right away.

Me too. However, some people do well with it. I guess there is only one way to know.

Klonopin has some serotonergic effects (release inhibition). Perhaps this contributes to its efficacy in anxiety disorders and bipolar mania. It might also produces depression in some people. I'm not sure.


- Scott

 

Re: Alprazolam vs Clonazepam

Posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 31, 2012, at 0:56:29

In reply to Re: Alprazolam vs Clonazepam » Phillipa, posted by SLS on August 31, 2012, at 0:18:06

Yeah, I guess the only was is to try it.

Clonazepam is onlu licenced for epilepsy in Australia, not for anxiety or panic disorder, so it tends to be used far less than alprazolam, though some psychiatrists do presribe it

 

Re: Alprazolam vs Clonazepam » jono_in_adelaide

Posted by gadchik on August 31, 2012, at 6:28:16

In reply to Re: Alprazolam vs Clonazepam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 31, 2012, at 0:56:29

Hi. I have taken brand klonopin .5mg once a day for almost 5 yrs. I was diagnosed with major depression,gad,panic disorder. This is the only med I take now,and it keeps me stable,no breakthru panic,no depression,no mood swings. I like that I can take once a day.I tried xanax and it made me feel lethargic,and depressed,and so did valium.Ativan caused me breakthrough anxiety.I guess klonopin has something in it thats good for me.My pdoc says its a mild mood stabilizer.

 

Re: Alprazolam vs Clonazepam » jono_in_adelaide

Posted by brynb on August 31, 2012, at 8:48:48

In reply to Alprazolam vs Clonazepam, posted by jono_in_adelaide on August 30, 2012, at 23:12:00

Hi Jono,

It's true that Klonopin has a long half-life. Valium also has a long half-life. Alternatively, Xanax has a very short half-life, so you're right in thinking rebound anxiety is more of a possibility with it.

That said, Xanax is very effective for acute anxiety and panic attacks. It tends to make you drowsier, too. It also doesn't seem to be as much of a depressant as Klonopin. Personally, I would choose Valium over Klonopin (dosing is much more precise), and/or Xanax for acute attacks.

Benzos are a slippery slope, though. The risk of addiction/dependence is high for any of them.


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