Alprazolam_Ryan Help!

[TheDave]

I am taking Alprazolam pretty infrequently but have needed it more recently as I switched to Cymbalta from Wellbutrin.  Is Alprazolam the generic for Xanax and if so, I think I better switch to Klonopin due to all of the horror stories I have been reading about Xanax and long-term use compared to Klonopin.  Any advice or feedback?

[Saryan]

If you can get a non addicting drug other than Xanax (Alprazolam is the generic) do so. TRUST ME.....I have been taking it for a few yrs now, and can't get off of it. If you can do without it, don't take it. It is so addicting, if I knew that from the beginning, I wouldn't have ever taken it.

[TheDave]

Thats what I figured.  It sounds like Klonopin is a better option.  I will talk to my Dr. about that.

[RCA7591]

Klonopin would be the best choice, although it is best suited for daily use (rather than on an "as-needed" basis).

If you are using the Xanax infrequently (two to three times/wk), there is not a problem. If you require something more frequent, Klonopin would be the better option in that instance.

Wellbutrin is highly stimulating, and has no beneficial effect on anxiety disorders. It does tend to magnify the symptoms, however. Celexa is the milder antidepressant choice. Unless there is some component of depression involved, antidepressants would be unnecessary. Klonopin is a maintenance medicine used to maintain long-term anxiety disorders by preventing or minimizing the symptoms before they can recur.

Ryan

[Atilla]

I have been taking Xanax to help me sleep at night.  Is Klonopin a much better med for sleep at night.  I have taken Xanaz for a long time.  I almost feel that I can't sleep at night unless I take it.  I use Xanax primarly just at night.  Thanks so much!

[RCA7591]

Klonopin would be largely ineffective at this point. Klonopin is ineffective if a short-acting agent such as Ativan or Xanax was used previously to treat insomnia.

Klonopin would only be effective if it were to be dosed twice daily, which I wouldn't recommend unless you have a chronic anxiety disorder.

Low dosages of Xanax (0.25 - 0.5 mg) used at night do not result in severe physical dependence or tolerance, although Xanax will eventually lead to rebound insomnia when it is discontinued. This effect may last for several months after the Xanax is discontinued.

Ryan

[Atilla]

To be able to manage with the discontinuation of Xanax at nighttime for sleep,  can I switch to one of the newer sleeping aids such as Ambien or Lunesta?  Would these be better than using Xanax for a sleeping aid?  Thanks again!