From Xanax to Klonopin....Any experience?

[Hensley258]

I am seriously thinking about switching from Xanax to Klonopin.
The Xanax works fine, but the big problem is that it doesn't work very long. The half life is very short and because of this fact I am always on an anxiety roller coaster.

I was told that Klonopin has a much longer half life. My thought was that perhaps this would mean I wouldn't have to take so many small Xanax dosages a day.

I need some advice from people that have used both Xanax and Klonopin. Was the Klonopin effective? Did it offer relief longer than Xanax? Ect ect...

[Hensley258]

Ohh I see what you were thinking.
Not at all. I have a very respected Psychiatrist that I visit once per month.

I want the conversion chart so that I can better consult with him on a game plan for this transition. I take a very pro-active part with my P-doc when it comes to my treatment.

He has not yet been made aware of my difficulties with Xanax. He will upon next visit.
Also, I would NEVER trust a regular MD doctor to treat my severe anxiety dissorder.

[Brenndy]

additionally, if you are being prescribed Xanax by a physician, why do you feel you have to take it upon yourself to find a conversion chart???????

[Brenndy]

Regarding your last sentence in your most recent post; WHY are you speaking in the first person with regard to something so potentially dangerous?  ONLY a physician should be instructing you on the transition.  Please seriously consider not doing this by yourself; conversion chart or not.

[Hensley258]

That's what I wanted to hear. My problem is really more of a constant generalized anxiety rather than massive panic attacks. I just find myself having to medicate so often with that Xanax that I'm afrade I'm going to become addicted.

I'm already at 1Mg twice a day which is borderline addiction with Xanax. 7 hours after I take the Xanax I will come down and then my anxiety shoots thru the roof again.

It's just a nasty cycle like I'm always chasing a dragon away with this Xanax. The withdrawls are nasty too.

I plan to make the conversion slow. I will start by weaning down the Xanax slow and replacing it with the equivilent amount of Klonopin.

Now I just need to find a Xanax to Klonopin conversion chart.

[fltricia]

I agree with everything that cj29 says.  Xanax is best for a panic attack or somethign that comes on rapidly.  But Klonopin is much more steady.  I've had friends switch over with great results.  Longer sleep and much less breakthrough anxiety.  Sometimes they even forget to take the Klonopin where they explained that they would never forget to take the Xanax.

[cj29]

Klonopin is usually prescribed more long term and is very effective in my opinion.  It does take a little while to build up in your system to get the desired full effect, but because of its longer half life it does stay in your system much longer.  I also found it much easier to come off of as well.