Posted by Squiggles on September 1, 2001, at 9:34:30
In reply to Re: Clonazepam and other benzos: » Squiggles, posted by Elizabeth on August 31, 2001, at 15:36:12
> > Clonazepam is prescribed primarily as an anticonvulsant.
>
> I'm not so sure about that. It's widely used in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
>
> > This makes it distinct from other benzos.
>
> The distinction is strictly a legal-political one, not a pharmacological one.
>
> Obviously, the benzos are not all the same substance; there are variations, mostly minor, on the molecular level. One distinctive property of clonazepam is its long duration of action. This makes it well-suited to regular use. It is also relatively more potent than most of the older benzos (the "high-potency" benzos include alprazolam, lorazepam, estazolam, and triazolam as well as clonazepam).
>
> > The question interests me because it is important
> > in considering switchover methods for withdrawal,
> > e.g. to Valium which has a longer life.
>
> The elimination half-life of Valium (and its active metabolite) is deceptive. Valium is rapidly taken up into the CNS (so it starts working shortly after you take it) and then redistributed throughout the body (so its central effects are actually pretty short-lived).
>
> -elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,Clonazepam is not a long-acting benzo - it is
a medium acting benzo. It has a half life of
up to 50 hrs; valium for example is 200 hrs.As for its anticonvulsant properties, though
other benzos will substitute, clonazepam is
used for epilepsy -- i know that from reading
and from my doctor who is familiar with its
use on children -- the doctor is an Obst. so
it's pretty good authority.Squiggles
poster:Squiggles
thread:76982
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010828/msgs/77269.html