Klonopin

So somebody tell me about Klonopin? I have been taking buspar for a week plus my lexapro plus Xanax as needed. To me I thought the buspar was making the anxiety worse. I called the doctor and she wants me to stop the buspar today and start the Klonopin tomorrow? Thoughts. I feel like I am losing control. BTW I do have an appointment with a psychiatrist next Thursday. I have so many thoughts racing in my head. Thanks in advance for any input

[zach93]

I have had good experiences with klonopin, it really helps to calm me down and deal with any anxiety i'm feeling at the time while still being able to do whatever i need to do for the rest of the day.

[Hidden]

Have you taken Xanax before? Do you think the Klonopin is better?

[zach93 in reply to Hidden]

Yes klonopin has been much better for me. Xanax would relieve any anxiety i would have but the side effects were to much to deal with.

[Hidden in reply to zach93]

Thanks so much for the information. I am so scared of trying new medications.

[zach93]

I understand 100%, hopefully you found some comfort and I hope all goes well for you

[anhedonia87]

I was on Xanax for several years. My doctor had to keep increasing the dose because my anxiety symptoms would start getting bad again after I'd been on the same dose for a while. Eventually I was taking 6mg a day, and I was having trouble staying awake. I also started feeling unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if I didn't take my next dose within a couple of hours of the scheduled time. I don't think it's actually intended to be prescribed long-term like that. Another doctor switched me to Klonopin. The dosage was the same at first mg-mg, but I think since it has a longer half-life than Xanax (I wasn't on the extended release type), I wouldn't get the severe withdrawal symptoms. I was able to lower my dose (which was controlled by my doctor), and I only have to take it once a day now. I was really worried I'd experience bad withdrawal switching over, but with my doctor lowering the dose slowly, it was effective and I didn't have any bad side effects. Hope you have good luck with it!

[reinagrace]

Hi Hidden that is what i take as needed for high anxiety or panic attacks. i used to be very addicted to xanax and my current psychiatrist doesn't prescribe xanax to anyone bc of it's high potential for abuse/addiction. So he explains it like klonopin is a weaker version of xanax. it's not as strong and not as instant, but easier on you when the effects wear off. so you don't crave it so much again. i used to abuse xanax , so i'm very careful since klonopin is still in the same class of drugs- benziodiazepines. i try to limit it to once or twice a week at the most and at this rate i don't think i'm addicted as i was on the xanax. i try to manage high anxiety with other techniques i've learned such as deep breathing, mindfulness, distraction and prayer. and try to only take klonopin when nothing else has worked to calm me. Blessings

[bippy]

Hi Jen, Many years ago I used Xanax for panic attacks. They were very bad attacks to the point I thought I was going to die of a heart attack. I must say Xanax stopped them dead in their tracks! I would only take one when I had an attack and it took about 10 minutes for it to stop the attack. That ten minutes seemed like 10 hours but it did work.

Moving fast forward the attacks overtime stopped and I had no further use for the Xanax. I found later in life as I got older that Klonopin was helpful for general anxiety although I only take a 0.5 mg. before bed to help me sleep and relax more. If I really am anxious about something during the day I take one half a Klonopin of a 0.5. I agree with Jach93 that I can take it during the day, feel relaxed without any side effects and carry on with my day as usual without feeling loopy. I feel Klonopin should be used only as needed. My understanding is you start to build up a tolerance to it after a while and the dose has to be increased over time. This is why I stay with a lower dose and use it only when I feel I absolutely need it. I have found that pharmacies guard the disbursement of this RX to make sure you are using as directed as it can be habit forming.

I think you will find it mildly calming ( just enough) without side effects. You can always start with a half tablet in the beginning to see how you feel and then use a whole if you think you can tolerate it.

Good luck and I hope this helps you.

[User1964]

I've used xanax and i've used klonopin. I find that both work well. I think xanax worked quicker, but not as long. I don't use either now. I've had to endure the anxiety which sucks, but in the long run will be better. (long story behind it)