More addictive: Xanax XR or Klonopin.

So, just to explain the landscape:

1. I am BP2 and I rapid cycle.
2. I can't take any ADs (tri-cyclics, MAOIs, SSRIs, etc..) Anti-psychotics are out of the picture for the very same reason as the ADs; they agitate me.
3. I have hit a relapse; I've been bouncing around on different meds for a couple of weeks and have been laid up.
4. I take Lamictal (225mgs), Klonopin (1.5mgs) and Neurontin (1600-1800mgs). The Lamictal works, but the Klonopin drags down my mood. Tapering off of a benzo is out of the question at this point; I have to get stable before considering it.
5.  I have taken several of my Xanax XR as needed; it raises my mood, but calms me down. I have been debating about talking to me shrink about replacing the Klonopin with Xanax XR as they're equivalent in dosage and both have longer half-lives.In all honesty, I think that, because Xanax XR is more potent, I could end up being on less of it that the Klonopin.

Which has proven to be more addictive; the Xanax XR or the Klonopin? My brother took Xanax XR for four years and only had to make one dose increase; .5mgs to 1.0mgs.

[nursegirl6572]

Of course everyone is different, but as a rule, despite being an extended release formula, Xanax is still Xanax, therefore the dependency and tolerance issues are primarily the same as with regular Xanax.  Understandably, Klonopin increases depressive symptoms in many, as seems to be the case with you, but also, a lot of people that allow themselves an ample enough adjustment period often have success.  This, especially because you are on adjunct meds for your condtions, perhaps consider giving the Klonopin another chance?  Sometimes it's as simple as changing the dosing schedule for some.  Many times, in order to acheive success, we have to try many different regimens and dosages before we get somewhere....as you already know.  It's largely a trial and error process.

Something to consider and discuss with your doctor, but in the long run, despite the Xanax being an extended release forumlation, you still will most likely face the same tolerance and dependency issues.

Good luck!