Klonopin lasts longer in the system than Xanax does. It can take a little while to build up in your system. Some people feel the effects the first day while others need more time.
What is the differance between Xanax and Klonopin. I have taken Busbar and had a bad side effects. Does Klonopin work better in controlling anxiety?
Here is one of Ryans posts concerning the topic. Just up the dose amount to your own dose and do exactly what it says in the post if are making the switch over. So with you it would be 4mgs. Were in the example below it is 0.5mg.
Ideally, you shouldn't be on the full dose of Xanax while simultaneously implementing Klonopin as a substitute. Likewise, the Klonopin should NEVER be directly substituted for Xanax, as this induces a temporary withdrawal syndrome that may last for up to two weeks.
In order for Klonopin to replace Xanax, it must accumulate. Klonopin accumulates to steady-state within two weeks, at which point it will fully replace the Xanax from a potency standpoint. Xanax doesn't accumulate, therefore, simultaneously replacing it with Klonopin would lead to withdrawal phenomena. The Xanax plasma level would trough sharply, and there would be nothing to replace it.
Therefore, it would be advisable to "step" the Klonopin in, while simultaneously stepping out the Xanax. This is best done in 0.25 mg increments.
*Example* - You were formerly taking 0.5 mg of Xanax three times daily, and the goal is to transition to Klonopin, 0.5 mg, t.i.d....
Days 1-3: Take 0.5 mg of Xanax in the morning and afternoon. Take 0.25 mg of Xanax and 0.25 mg of Klonopin nightly.
Days 3-6: Take 0.5 mg of Xanax in the morning, and 0.25 mg of Xanax and 0.25 mg of Klonopin in the afternoon and nightly.
Days 6-9: Take 0.25 mg of Xanax and 0.25 mg of Klonopin in the morning, afternoon, and nightly.
Days 9-12: Take 0.25 mg of Xanax and 0.25 mg of Klonopin in the morning and afternoon. Take 0.5 mg of Klonopin nightly.
Days 12-15: Take 0.25 mg of Xanax and 0.25 mg of Klonopin in the morning. Take 0.5 mg of Klonopin in the afternoon and nightly.
Day 18: Take 0.5 mg of Klonopin, t.i.d. The Xanax is discontinued.
This is the accelerated method of transitioning from Xanax to Klonopin. The three day intervals may be extended to one or two weeks if necessary. This is rarely necessary.
You can discuss a similar schedule with your doctor. It is absolutely crucial that the Klonopin be taken at least twice daily. It depends on how many times/day you take Xanax. If you take it three or four times daily, the Klonopin should also be taken three or four times daily initially.