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Is klonopin safer than Xanax ?

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Posted Today 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
I've been thinking about startIng klonopin to see if it helps me , I take Xanax on a day where I have a horrible panic attack so I take a .25 mg Xanax so about maybe once a month or so but I want to take something daily just not SSRIs , anyone with suggestions on klonopin.?
Posted Today 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rn.,

Klonopin's half life is more than twice that of Xanax...so it may give you more even coverage, as it would stay in your system longer.

Ask your doctor which he/she would recommend for daily use, as opposed to PRN.

Also discuss the need vs. risks of daily benzo use. It can carry a dependency risk for some, and may be a hard wean, when you decide to discontinue.

Not trying to discourage you at all. Daily use has been a really effective treatment option for many...just be informed! ;)

S.C.
Posted Today 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Klonopin is known as being a commonly abused drug. It's not something that should be used long term and can be very addictive! That's the drug that got Stevie Nicks. Use caution and definitely think about the long term, I know a lot of people have had success with klonopin but there are other things out there to help anxiety. I think that if you're able to handle your anxiety enough to take the lowest dosage of xanax maybe once a month, you're much better off. Of course it is a personal choice that only you and your doctor can make, just be sure to look into the long term effects.

Wishing you well on your journey to recovery and hoping you find what works for you!
Posted Today 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am a big believer in benzos, when used correctly. I've been on a daily dose of xanax, and it worked very well for me. After being on xanax daily for a couple months, I thought of switching over to a longer lasting benzo. But I really like the quick acting property of xanax, as I suffer from panic attacks.

It seems like doctors are less likely to prescribe benzos for a longer period of time nowadays. Some doctors will not prescribe them at all. My GP didn't want to give me more than the minimum dosage (which is hardly effective when you have panic), so I consulted with a psychiatrist who set me up on a treatment plan that I was comfortable with.

Just watch for tolerance issues. Some people tend to build up a tolerance after about a month and have to increase their dose.
Posted Today 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
I second what Mom said. I am on a daily of xanax and while I try to skip if I feel like I can, I am finding it to be very helpful.
Posted Today 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
I agree that benzoes are know to be highly additive, but so are the SSRIN. If your on them you can't just stop them or you can have withdrawals... I know a couple of people that was on Them and tried to stop but couldn't because of the horrible symptoms they felt. So I believe if they help you take them.
Posted Today 3:54 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on both and klonopin lasts longer. I would definitely talk to your Dr first about taking it everyday. I have been on it for 7 yrs and it is hard to come off of. Klonopin definitely has helped with my panic attacks though!!
Posted Today 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you guys , I'm just tired of sitting at home because im afraid to face the panic attacks when I leave somewhere , so I want to take something so that it would take the edge off
Posted Today 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
A benzo will definitely help you do that. When my doctor explained it to me, here's what he said. If I have no history of addiction, it's likely that a benzo will not be a problem for me. He said that I will in fact be relying on the xanax to help get me out of the house, but I will not become dependent on them. I take .5mg 1-3 times a day. Rarely is it only once, but still there are definitely times that I can go without and I do. Just follow your doctors Instructions and you should be alright.
Posted 12/1/2014 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Anything can be "addictive", I have an incredibly addictive personality, and have been addicted to xanax before, I was off of them for years before starting them again, but my anxiety is SO bad that it's either suffer all the time or get some relief, and if and when the time comes for me to get off of them, I will do it the way my doctor tells me to.

People that have cancer or pain are frequently addicted to pain killers, so should they stop taking them? NO!!! If it makes your life more sustainable than I wouldn't worry at all about the addiction part. When I quit years ago, I had to quit cold turkey and that was not the way to do it at all, so with the help of a doctor lowering the dose the proper way, anyone can get off of benzos when the time is right!
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