what to expect when swiching from xanax to klonopin

[pammy1953]

I have been taking Xanax for about 8 or 9 years. I am at 1mg tabs twice a day. I sometimes take a third about twice a week, but 3 a day is my limit. I feel I am starting to build a tolerance to the dosage and would rather not keep increasing the amount until I am cut off from my doc. Had I known about the alternative Klonopin way back when, I may have just gone with that. Now I would like to switch to Klonopin, but my sister who is a nurse says that no matter which one you are taking, you HAVE TO WEAN off one before going to the other. However, a few posters here have said that their docs just swiched them over without the weaning process.(one gal who ran out of Xanax and her doc gave her Klonopin because he wouldn't let her have any more Xanax)  I would like to know if anyone actually knows the dosage differences between Xanax and Klonopin. On another site, one guys doc gave him the equal of mg to mg when he wanted to go from Xanax to Klonopin. Another said his did the switch to Klonopin with a touch of Xanax to help in the change. I am due to see my doc, and let her know that I would like to switch but am afraid that she will take the Xanax away and make me do the weaning process without even trying the Klonopin which is what I would like -- or almost as bad as weaning, be like another person I read about who's doc took them from 4 mg of Xanax to .5 mg of Klonodin which sounded crazy to me too. What is the protecol dosage wise when swiching from Xanax to Klonopin? -- Equal, more, less? I would like as much info as possible when I do see my doc. Sorry this is so long, but it's my first post. --HELP!

[ricky444]

i have been on .5mg kpin three times a day  for 12 years i lost my job hence insurance i tried to slowly go off the med. and after three days without it i wanted to die ... i was so sick could not do anything,BAD!!! my friend has been on xanax for years so i took .5 mg xanax i went rite back to normal in 20 mins , thank god. benzos are benzos in my opinion and some just stay in your system longer than others.

[MrGreen]

There is a method. Jasus the old memory of mine can't remember it fully. But you step one in as you wean off the other. So you don't just stop the xanax and begin the klonopin. There will be a period of time were you will be mixing and matching. One xanax in the morning, klonopin in the afternoon, xanax at night. Then slowly easing over to the klonopin over a period of time. By taking less of the xanax and more of the klonopin. Your doctor should know the full method. Then comes the the day were you don't take the xanax any more. But this can take up to a month or longer. It is a slow step over. You may feel slight withdrawls. Depending on the amount you are been put on. Probably be given something else with it as needed. It has to be done. So as MMahon said, just go with it. You will get there. And you'll feel the better for it come the end of the day. Just saw the 4mg to .5mg. Is he a mad doctor or what. I think he may need to up the dosage by about another 3.5mg as they are similar in strength. Once you are safely switched over he can begin the lower the dose if he sees fit to do so. But I hope he does it right. So as to lessen any withdrawls.

[MMahon]

This question may be best asked of your treating physician.
I think he/she may be best able to quide you as they have been treating you.
Whatever the decision and methods used, try not to overanalyze it.  Try to go with the flow and expect the best results. Good luck.