Should I switch from xanax to Klonopin

[Cindy550]

I've been on xanax for about 8or more yrs., so I know I'm addicted.  But they seem to make me very tired.  My daughter and a friend has recently been put on Klonopin and they say they don't experience the tiredness like they did with xanax.  I tried to switch once before and I don't know if the Dr. didn't have the doses equal to each other, but I experienced withdrawals.  I take 1mg. xanax at least 4 times per day. I don't remember what the Klonopin dose was. If I switch what would be an equal dose?     Is there any other advise you can give me?

[Mrskeller50]

I just found your blog here & my dr. Decided yesterday to have me stop Xanax 1 mg t.i.d. in a taper off schedule of 25 days. I've been on the Xanax 12 years & also take pain Meds for rod in my neck & mid back. The dr., after treating me for 4 years, kinda freaked out about my taking pain Meds with Xanax ( even though he's known from the very beginning of treatment) & demanded I go into a 25 day weening process immediately. Can you please give me some advice as to how I'll do & if this is safe to ween off so quickly?  Thanks,
Mrskeller

[MrGreen]

There was a similar post on page two. And it was answered as follows -

4 mg of Xanax is the absolute maximum limit, and such a hefty dosage concerns me. I would NOT transition directly from Xanax to Klonopin, but would use a stepped-schedule instead. I will write one for you. Before I do, let me explain how Klonopin works, and how it differs from Xanax:

Klonopin ( a long-acting Benzodiazepine) works on the principals of steady-state and accumulation. Through these two properties, Klonopin maintains its efficacy over the long-term, with no risk of tolerance at dosages of 4 mg or less daily. Xanax does not accumulate in the plasma. There is no accumulation, and the drug is not held at steady-state. Instead, the plasma levels of Xanax peak and trough, which gives rise to a "rollercoaster" effect. Most importantly, Xanax leads to rapid tolerance and complete loss of efficacy over a very short time span. Thus, Xanax is not indicated for the long-term (this is why the doctor has switched you to Klonopin).

What the doctor neglected to inform you of is the difference between Xanax and Klonopin. Xanax works immediately, and does not accumulate. To remain effective, it must be dosed frequently (every 4-6 hours). Klonopin does not work immediately, and to replace Xanax completely, it will require a period of up to two weeks in duration. During this two week phase, you would undergo complete Xanax withdrawal. At a daily dosage of 4 mg, seizure is probable. The withdrawal would be severe, and perhaps, life-threatening at your current dosage. Thus, one cannot safely transition from Xanax to Klonopin when the daily dosage exceeds 2 mg. The doctor should've known this.

Here's the soultion to the problem. The first 3 days may be slightly difficult, but after that, everything will procede smoothly. The following schedule is to be performed under the supervision of a medical doctor:

Weeks 1-2: Take 1 mg of Xanax, t.i.d. (morning, afternoon, evening). Take 1 mg of Klonopin at night. Keep the dosages spaced 8 hours apart if practical.

Weeks 2-4: Take 1 mg of Xanax, b.i.d. (morning, afternoon), and 1 mg of Klonopin, b.i.d. (evening, night).

Weeks 4-8: Take 1 mg of Xanax in the morning, and 1 mg, t.i.d of Klonopin (afternoon, evening, night)

At the end of week eight, the Xanax is eliminated, and replaced fully with Klonopin, 1 mg, q.i.d. Keep the doses spaced 8 hours apart (or a close as possible).

The idea here is to allow for the Klonopin to accumulate before removing each Xanax dosage. The two are equal in potency, however Klonopin requires a two-week period to fully replace the Xanax, as Klonopin must accumulate. This is the safest way to discontinue Xanax, and any withdrawal phenomena will be eliminated after the first three days of making the transition.

If any of this isn't crystal-clear, let me know.  ( Me, been Ryan )