klonopin or lexapro

[joe504]

I've been taking clonazepam (0.5 mg twice daily) for 3 weeks now and it seems to be working very well.  Does Lexapro work just as well?  I have panic disorder and was wondering what the best medication for this would be.  I'm just afraid that the lexapro won't be as effective.  Anyone have any thoughts?  Thanks.

[joe504]

bump

[level]

If you just have panic disorder but no chronic anxiety then a med like lexapro, zoloft, or paxil will stop the panic attacks and you will not need klonopin anymore. My uncle was having severe panic attacks and they put him on zoloft 50mg and klonopin for the first month until the zoloft kicked in. He finally went up to 75mg zoloft since 50mg was not stopping the panic attacks. He went off the klonopin after a month and hasn't had a panic attack since he's been on the zoloft for the last 2 years. Benzo is not good for long term use except for people with chronic anxiety such as me. If your just having panic attacks-I would and most doctors would recommend and ssri and a benzo handy just in case you have a panic attack.

[uphill7584]

I was on clonazepam 1mg 3 times daily for panic and anxiety. It helped, but I didn't like feeling out of it. And benzos make me forgetful. So anyways...my Dr. put me on Lexapro. 15mgs a day. After about 6 weeks I felt great. I took my clonaz while I was getting used to the lexapro, but now I dont really use the clonaz at all. Sometimes to sleep at night but thats it. I would give it a shot if I were you. The clonazepam gave me stomach problem too so I was happy to stop taking them. I havent had any side effects from the lexapro.