Coming off Ativan to Klonopin Steady State

[mary m]

I have been taking Ativan, using between .50 and .25 for anxeity.  My doc suggested I switch to . I started it yesterday, tried to take 1/4 of a .50 tablet, but it seems I need to take a half which would be .25.  I doesn't seem to be stamping out the anxiety like the Ativan did.  It's not bad, but it's just not like the Ativan.  I want to stick with the Klonopin. Does it take longer to reach a steady state and if so, how long before I can feel relief?

[RCA7591]

Mary,

The "target dosage" for Klonopin is 0.5 mg, bid (twice daily).

The starting dose is 0.25 mg, bid, and should be increased to 0.5 mg, bid after three days.

The transistion period from Ativan from Klonopin may take up to two weeks, but is often about three days. Klonopin reaches 1/2 of steady-state in three days, thus the first three days would be the worst of it. Klonopin reaches steady-state in two weeks. After one month, Klonopin accumulates between 1.5 - 3 times that of steady-state.

The advantage of Klonopin over Ativan is a reduced risk of *tolerance*. Klonopin is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders, while Ativan is to be used only for the short term, or on an as-needed basis. Repeated use of Ativan carries a high risk of tolerance, while Klonopin carries little to no risk of tolerance.

For optimum benefits, Klonopin should be dosed twice daily, and taken everyday.

-Ryan

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

be so happy your dr is giving you klonopin, its a great anxiety med i also took ativan when needed than got into needed a med everyday for a while to get over 3 months of anxiety, it works great, first 3 days i was tired but started feeling good. am now coming back off of it because i only needed it to help me get over anxiety from my moms health, it worked great so plz give it a try , and ryan really knows what hes talking about . good luck i know you will adjust and like it much better than ativan i did . Barbara