Benzo differences

[jonghee]

So far I've been prescribed Xanax, klonopin and Ativan. While they are all effective, there a subtle and not so subtle differences between them. For me, Xanax addresses my social anxiety way more than the others, and seems to hit my brain/cognition more. Klonopin tends to be smooth and has the axiomatic effect on the body that other benzos can't touch. However, it's more of a "chilled out" type feeling. As for Ativan, it seems to be more so of a potent, get straight to the anxiety type of med that will knock you out if need be. At least in my experience. I haven't tried Valium or anything else, so everybody please share your experiences here.

[elaine2447]

I have never tried Klonopin and am unlikely to because in the UK benzos are virtually taboo. I will say this though, get off Lorazepam (Ativan) it is lethal, makes you feel relaxed at the time but trying to get off is absolute hell. 1mg of Ativan is equivalent to 10mg of valium. Valium do absolutely nothing for me except help the muscles a bit in my back due to a fractured spine. The best benzo I ever had was bromazepam prescribed to me after my husband died suddenly and I lived in Australia then. I was on it for 6 years and I felt great and lifted and more energy and was able to cope with our 3 year old and finish renovating the house. When i came back to the UK, it was virtually impossible to get except on a private prescription and then it was no longer available so i weaned myself off it.

Due to an ignored parathyroid problem (the NHS is not all good) i had I became very anxious and nauseous and a friend sent me some ativan, felt great but one year on was hell. I used to Ashton manual to wean myself off gradually with valium which i had to buy as my GP would not help. I am off it now but I do not feel well and I figure at my age it wouldnt matter about being addicted. But it's the law.

I have a friend I met on the beating benzos group on Facebook and ironically she was on bromazepam and came to the UK from Belgium. Her GP didnt have a clue and prescribed her lorazepam which he thought was the equivalent!!! She is now tapering properly with water and started this two years ago, that is how badly addicted she was/is.

The reason that valium is used to taper is because it has a long half life up 36 + hours, whereas lorazepam is 15 to 20. Xanax also has a short half life. Just get off them but you need proper guidance benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched...

[jonghee in reply to elaine2447]

Thanks for the heads up on Ativan. I know the benzo withdrawal is tough, but for some reason, it doesn't affect me to the extent that I have heard others go through. Nothing close tbh. I've cut them cold turkey before and at worst I can say the feeling was uncomfortable. No shakes, trembling or need for a substitute to help with the withdrawal symptoms. However, that's just me. I have weird pharmacokinetics going on in my body, as ambien did the opposite of making me sleep and got me out of bed for a nice stroll around town. It's a shame benzos are so taboo in the UK. I've heard similar complaints and it's just silly. They're starting to tighten up here in the USA but nowhere near the extent of the UK. Thanks for the advice and stay safe.

[Jasper777]

I have taken Xanax , when needed, since 2008 when I first started having panic attacks. It has been a miracle drug for me. This past year I have experienced extreme anxiety due to a medical diagnosis and have taken Ativan to be able to sleep. Have never taken Klonopin.

[Hidden]

Klonopin/Clonazepam has a very long half-life, which makes it the better choice for taking "as needed." However, long term, every day use can cause a host of problems.

Now, you say Benzos don't affect you negatively, so you are one of the very fortunate ones, jonghee.

I took Clonazepam "as needed" and for 18 months duration. When I decided to stop, it was not without symptoms. These are powerful medications and we need to respect this.

[jonghee in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply, snowdaze. I do realize that I am particularly lucky in regards to benzo effects. Believe it or not, I have had negative, even severe reactions to the supplements that are marketed as benzo replacements. The respiratory depression caused by benzo overdose, well, happened to me from valerian root. Good luck and stay safe.

[Hidden]

Many supplements are not at all regulated, so one must be careful with these, also.

Good luck to you, too. 🌸

[Callie67]

It’s good you found something to help you, but please keep in mind that benzos can be highly addictive and aren’t recommended for long term use because the body can quickly become used to the dose. I was first prescribed Ativan about 10 years for severe anxiety attacks and it worked wonders. I was prescribed it again about 2 years ago and it was a nightmare. I pretty much became obsessed with it. I was fortunate I found a great psychiatrist to properly wean me off and find better meds to try. Just things to keep in mind. ☺️

[jonghee in reply to Callie67]

Can I ask which were the better meds?

[Callie67 in reply to jonghee]

I was on Remeron for about 2 years, which drastically helped my anxiety. Unfortunately it’s also used to make people gain weight, and I gained so much I had to come off. Right now I’m on Buspar and Gabapentin for anxiety, Wellbutrin for depression and Trazodone for sleep. (It’s a lot, but I have bad physical symptoms of anxiety) I’ve been lucky to have no side affects so far. Also, feel free to ask me anything!

[Byoung in reply to Callie67]

Callie67, I have recently been prescribed Gabapentin for anxiety. Do you mind sharing if it has helped you and what dose your currently take?

[Callie67 in reply to Byoung]

I take 100mg twice a day. I think it’s really helped me and I’m very lucky that I haven’t had any side affects. I’m on a few things unfortunately but I feel more stable than I have in a long time, so I try not to mind.