I need some advice (help)

[NetworkAdmin Man]

I have been on xanax for 2 years, prior to that I was on it for 5 years from 2000-2005 and then I got off it until 2007. 2 years ago I got back on it for anxiety and panic atacks. I started at 1mg twice a day, then 1mg 3 times a day, then 1mg 4 times a day. I have built such a tolerance that (AND I AM NOT JOKING) I can take 20mg of xanax at once and still drive , talk to people, basically I get a little buzzed for 2 hours, but I can still function as if I didn't take it. Well taking 20mg at once is not something I do everyday. I am just saying that I did it 2 weeks ago when I filled my script because I wanted to see how hard it wouod hit me. It's gotten to the point where I hate dxanax, I can tell when it wears off and my anxiety goes up. Xanax for me only lasts 3-4 hours. I talked to my Dr. Wednesday and told him I want off xanax, and he said ok so I am taking 1mg Klonopin 3-4 times a day. I can tell the Klonopin stays in my system longer and I feel better on the Klonopin. Does anyone have any experience with switching from xanax to Klonopin (Clonazepam) ?

Reputation Comments on this post:

	Wrong section and self incrimination.
	Do remember to use SWIM or something like it, and try to put posts about benzos in the benzo forum. Welcome to D-F!

[Venusia]

Yes, Swiv does have experience with this exact switch. The clonazepam hits one slower and less hard, but lasts almost all day for Swivy. Alprazolam hits one much faster and harder, but doesn't last very long. Swivy found that she prefers the clonazepam for daytime use because it lasts so long and there is no sleepyness after taking it. Alprazolam was swiv's bedtime benzo of choice. It helps her fall into a nice, peaceful sleep and helps her turn her brain off--not good for daytime use.

If swiyour tolerance is very high, clonazepam might not be effective unless swiy takes loads of it. However, it may help swiy taper down some and then only need a therapeutic dose, rather than a large amount (collectively through the day, not necessarily at once.)
Hope this helps some.

[Ilsa]

^^indeed, the differential effects are due to the respective half-lives of clonazepam (about 24 hours on avereage, but can range from 15 to 50, depending on metabolism, body weight, muscle:fat ratio, etc) and alprazolam (about 12 hours, but has been know to range from 10 to 15).

Reputation Comments on this post:

Nice and concise - great to include info on half-life