Posted by tedar on January 19, 2004, at 22:55:44
In reply to Re: Xanax XR vs Klonopin, Need input. » tedar, posted by Viridis on January 19, 2004, at 22:19:27
> My pdoc prescribes both Klonopin and Xanax for me -- Klonopin for daily use, and Xanax for especially stressful situations. I've had no problems taking both at the same time, but do limit use of Xanax since I developed some tolerance and don't want to give up the utility of this med. I've had no trouble with abuse, "addiction", etc. ,although I wouldn't want to quit the Klonopin suddenly. I use the Xanax so infrequently that going on and off it is no problem.
>
> Xanax definitely has a mood-lifting effect -- not euphoria, just anti-depressant. Klonopin is essentially neutral in that it relieves the anxiety with no discernible "feeling" or side effects -- but it certainly reduces the depression that results from anxiety, and this is my main source of major depression.> It is good to see that you have an open minded Psych. The literature would certainly suggest the two be used in combination as necessary. I do believe one of the slight potential problems with Xanax is that it has been known to induce hypomania, although this is not significantly reported, but the disinhibition that one can feel on Xanax is often mistaken for, or feels like euphoria. I think both benzos have their place. It could be argued that Klonopin could be as beneficial to bipolar patients especially Bipolar 2, as it seems to calm and stabilize mood, without all of the burdensome side effects of say Depakote, topomax,tegretol etc. if and when it is dosed aggressively enough.
poster:tedar
thread:301334
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040118/msgs/302994.html