Klonopin to Ativan

[hazyworld]

HI,I have been on 1 mg of klonopin since jan 09 and i have gained weight and have developed depression,this has happened to me on Klonopin before so my dr just today switched me to 1/2 mg ativan3 times a day and says i should ahve no withdrawal from the klon,im a bit scared that i might have withdrawal..........has anyone switched like this before with no problems or had problems with klonopin causing the issues i discussed........ativan seems to amke my cheeks burn i was on it before and felt like they were burning............looking for input

[nursegirl6572]

You shouldn't experience too much in the withdrawal department, IMO.  Also, like another poster said, it is sort of a strange trade off.  Klonopin is a benzo for more long term use, it doesn't have the tolerance issues (requiring a higher dose as you become accustomed to it) that the short-term benzos, like Ativan, and Xanax do.

A LOT of these kinds of meds (especially SSRI's) cause weight gain.  To me...it's a worthy trade off, lol.  I'd rather be happy and fat, than skinny and nervous!  :0)

[MrGreen]

Sounds like an odd routine for klonopin. Suppose the full 1mg would have been too strong for you. You may expeience slight withdrawls. Klonopin is dosed out to cover the full day as a rule. I would imagine Ativian would wear off like Xanax would. Last a few hours. Perhaps it may have better to stay on a low dose of klonopin for part of the day as you made the transition over to Ativian. Someone else might be able to answer that one for you. But I remember other posts, it takes time for the klonopin to clear the system or something similar. Just use the search box and write in Klonopin to Ativian and see what other posts are on the MH forum about it. Bound to be a few.

[hazyworld]

I was taking the .05 mg ofklonopin like this 1/2 a pill at 5 am 1/2 pill at 10 am and half a pill at 4 pm and a half at 9 pm to equal one mg of the klonopin..............the ativan is ,05 three times a day

[hazyworld]

also seems like everytime im on ativan my heartrate goes up,,,,,,,,,,,,,,is this common ar just me being worried about the new med

[MrGreen]

Klonopin is twice as strong as Ativan. So the 1/2 mg should be a match up for the 1mg you were on. But it seems like a weird swap of medication. Most people would go the other way. As the Ativan is a short life form of medication. Much like xanax. You may need more of it further down the line to maintain the amount you start out on. But I won't question your doctor's choice. That's what he is there for. Good luck with the switch. Oh and I also assume the klonopin was twice a day? Morning and night? With this you have the third shot. Might lessen any withdrawls. The less you think about it the better for you.