Posted by Cam W. on May 4, 2000, at 14:20:46
In reply to help me please-panic, posted by tina on May 4, 2000, at 9:06:57
Tina - Xanax (alprazolam) and Rivotril (clonazepam) are both in the benzodiazepine family of anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs).Major Differences:
Half-life:
Xanax - approx. 12-15 hours
Rivotril - approx. 18-80 hoursRivotril has a longer action in the body and less chance of withdrawl effectrs upon discontiuation.
Differing Effects:
Xanax - has antidepressant effects, thought to be due to agonist activity at the GABA-A receptor. Also is used as an anti-panic agent (a little faster acting) and in agoraphobia (high doses).Rivotril - Anticonvulsant activity and also some use in taking the edge off of anxiety.
There are also diffeences in metabolism and activity of metabolites, but I won't bore you with that. Basically, in actual practice, they are interchangeable most of the time. I am told that Xanax is less sedating than Rivotril, but I can't prove it, as I have never taken either of these drugs. The info I have is from patients in my clinical practice. Others on this board could probably give you the differences of the actual "feel" of the drugs.
Ask your doctor about a switch to Xanax, if the Rivotril isn't seeming to help. It may or may not make a difference.
Hope this helps - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:32230
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000429/msgs/32273.html