Benzo Question

I thought that same thing many times Park. He only thing I can think is xanax is a bit more quick acting for panic sufferers. But I am very curious to see what others think.

Hey Park,

You name a Benzo, I have been on it. That being said, I am no doctor and can only give you anecdotal perspectives.

As far as the combo, I would double check with a pharmacist (just call a 24 hour one) or email your doctor. However, I am sure they know what they are doing, and I think I have heard people doing that before.

Now, for my personal experiences;
Xanax strike down my panic like none other. Fast. However, I do feel like the effects wear off quickly and that I am not able to take another one before symptoms resumes if I am having a bad day. However, they are super effective for killing that panic in one stroke.

Klonopin feels almost more preventative. It takes longer (a lot longer) to kick in, but the effects last a long time. Usually one dose carries me well to the next. However, in my personal experience it is extremely sedating. Which at times can be a great thing.

Jolleg, I don't wanna take both at once. I just wanna know if one is better than the other. I take a Xanax right when I wake up to prevent and then keep taking it two other times during the day to prevent. I'm wondering if taking a Klonopin makes more sense.

Trader, I'll let you know what my doc says!

Well, I feel like Xanax ultimately works, but I defintely know around lunch when my anxiety is rising and I need to take it again. So if klonopin would last me until a dinner dose, it just seems like that makes more sense? I'm gonna see what he thinks.

To me klonopin lasts longer but takes longer than Xanax to get into your system. I know that if I'm on klonopin steadily it really takes an extreme situation to make me start to panic.

I did a short course of Xanax a few years back as needed for panic attacks when I was going through a rough patch. I liked how it worked and that it was a really good "as needed" medication. I used it at most a few times a week and found it was very effective mid day for me (when my anxiety starts to rev up). I stopped it and had no problems with withdrawal because I used it as needed only.

If you are routinely taking Xanax then perhaps klonopin would be more effective long term. I say long term because it is very effective at treating anxiety, but it tends to lose effectiveness after awhile and needs to be increasd to achieve that same effect over time ( like tolerance to alcohol increases with regular use). I would not take them concurrently and have never seen them prescribed concurrently.

Personally, I would avoid klonopin at all costs. I have been on it now for about two years and trying to taper for the past 4 months. It is the hardest drug I have tapered from and I've tapered from some doozies. I hope I don't sound all doom and gloom about it. I know it really works well for some. For me, it's been a bad trip.

Hi

I have been on various benzo's over the years and always found the longer acting ones to be more useful but I am no longer allowed them because I started to abuse them and had addiction problems with them which is a shame as I found them really helpful.

Hibee

Anything can be addictive if it has the ability to relieve your symptoms. Alcohol and cigarettes can relieve your tension and can be addictive to some.  I think the 'addiction' problem is all about testing how strong you are as a person. I am on lorazepam for more than a decade and I am not addicted. I don't crave for this med when I forget to take it. The fact that I forget to take it means I am not addicted to it. I think the 'addiction' occurs when you rely on it too much to live a 'normal' life. Without it you feel you can't function properly and the benzo helps you combat the fear and anxiety symptoms. This is why alternative remedies, therapy, meditation, diet, aromatherapy, exercises...are all important. You don't rely on one thing (medication), and you can always turn to the safer alternative remedies to help you overcome the symptoms.

Don't worry Park! You are doing great. I always bring my benzo wherever I go. (I think most us do!)
It makes us feel safe! So it's pretty much the same as bringing your ipad, notebook, lipstick, or favorite gum wherever you go. :D Oh I can't leave my alcohol wipes at home, too. I bring it with me wherever I go. I wipe a lot of things...LOL