Finally changing meds

[scottso]

Ok I have finally begun the transition after years from Xanax XR (.50mg 1x a day) and Lorazepam (.50 bid) to just Klonopin (.50 bid).  The first step which is moving from the  Xanax XR pill to a regular Xanax .125 4x a day was my biggest fear but I did that this morning which was a huge step for me.  I have read through a tremendous amount of posts from members switching to klonopin and thought it would be ideal for me to get off of the two drugs and have the end result be one drug (the klonopin).  I never realized until recently the lorazepam was making up for valley's i am experiencing between doses of the Xanax XR and how I built up a tolerance to both over the years without increasing doses.

I am using the step method that other members have talked about (like RCA Ryan) dividing doses and stepping out one dose with the klonopin each week until all 4 equal of the day equal 1mg of klonopin (I believe in my case), which by the way my doctor thought was a great idea and I never would have thought of it unless I read it in the forums.  My question to the community is for those of you that have switched to klonopin from xanax, have any of you been on the two benzos like I am and was your switch relatively stress free?  Btw, my diagnosis is panic disorder.

Thanks for reading and have a great day

[nanal575]

Hi Scott.......best of luck to you.......with your medication changes. I think when you're safely on the other side of this.....you're going to feel a great sense of accomplishment. The one thing that strikes me about what you're doing is.........you're very worried about what you're going to feel.......before you feel it ! If you could get a handle on that.....I think you'll have an easier time of it. Again......you have my very best wishes for a successful transition...........peace and love.......Norma

[scottso]

Hi Norma,

You are absolutely correct.

Thank you for responding and for your words of encouragement.

Have a great day,
Scott :)

[RCA759I]

Hi Scott,

I don't know if you have a plan in place, but I would caution you against taking Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax at the same time, once you begin to step in the Klonopin. That isn't a good combination. I would do it this way to err on the side of caution...

Days 1-3: Morning (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg), Afternoon (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg), Evening (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg), Night (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg). This is the dosage equivalent of 1 milligram Klonopin.

Days 3-6: Morning (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg), Afternoon (Klonopin 0.25 mg), Evening (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg), Night (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg).

Days 6-9: Morning (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg), Afternoon (Klonopin 0.25 mg), Evening (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg), Night (Klonopin 0.25 mg)

Days 9-12: Morning (Xanax 0.125 mg, Klonopin 0.125 mg), Afternoon (Klonopin 0.25 mg), Evening (Klonopin 0.25 mg), Night (Klonopin 0.25 mg)

Day 12: Klonopin, 0.25 mg, q.i.d. (four times daily)

After one week, this may be switched to 0.5 mg, b.i.d. (twice daily)

The rationale in dosing the Klonopin with the Xanax is to first replace the Ativan. As the Klonopin accumulates and replaces the Ativan, the Xanax is gradually withdrawn while increasing the Klonopin dosage to the equivalent of 1 milligram. By dosing the Klonopin four times daily, this will help to minimize the Ativan withdrawal by allowing for a smooth and steady attainment to steady-state. After a span of one week of q.i.d. dosing, the Klonopin may then be dosed twice daily, as there will be sufficient accumulation. If you have developed a significant tolerance to the effects of Ativan or Xanax, the Klonopin dosage may need to be increased to 1.5 milligrams to reestablish efficacy. This can be done during the transition if necessary, beginning on day three, by increasing the afternoon dose to 0.5 mg, and with permission from your physician.

Good luck,

Ryan

[scottso]

Ryan thank you for responding and I'm glad I waited to start the klonopin step-in after reading your message.  Something just didn't seem right to me with my original plan of keeping the ativan thrown in but I was afraid of withdrawal from it as well.  I tried to find posts where others had taken both and were switching to klonopin but to no avail.  

Perhaps I had better wait until this evening to start the klonopin step-in as my last dose of lorazepam was only 7 hrs ago just to be on the safe side and at least get past the half-life of it.

Thank you for the great information and I appreciate you taking the time to write out a plan that is well thought out as well as cautious.  I know that I along with others value your contributions to this community.

Thanks again and be well,
Scott