![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by libbyann on December 7, 2004, at 13:03:27
I may have spelled that wrong, but does anyone know the difference? I have Klonopin on hand for panic attacks because I can feel the calming almost immediately. Is that the purpose of Xanax too? I am using Klonopin until the Paxil kicks in for anxiety, but my psychologist also suggested Xanax. Are they just about the same thing?
Posted by Glydin on December 7, 2004, at 13:39:27
In reply to Xanax vs. Klonopin, posted by libbyann on December 7, 2004, at 13:03:27
They are both in the class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines. Xanax (regular version not extended release) is a short acting med that goes to work quickly and is eliminated quickly - the regular version "hits" fast and lasts most folks around 4ish hours. Klonopin is a longer acting med and some find it does not "kick in" as quickly as Xanax does.
As a general practice, Xanax is used to stop panic attacks when taken at their onset and Klonopin is used as maintance dosing of a benzo for generalized anxiety states and to prevent panic attacks.
Due to the similar action, these drugs can have interchangable uses. This decision is usually based on the individual and what a particular doc has found in their practice.
Is the above helpful?
Posted by libbyann on December 7, 2004, at 13:43:06
In reply to Re: Xanax vs. Klonopin, posted by Glydin on December 7, 2004, at 13:39:27
Yes! Thank you! I have Klonopin and have been quite happy with it. I feel panicky and then take it and I'm usually OK for a bit afterward.... I can only take 1/2 because a whole one would put me to sleep! At least I'm relaxed and not jittery and anxious! Thanks for your reply. It was really helpful.
Posted by anneL on December 7, 2004, at 14:04:33
In reply to Xanax vs. Klonopin, posted by libbyann on December 7, 2004, at 13:03:27
Hi libbyann,
I have taken both Xanax (alpralozam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) during the past five years. As the previous babbler indicated, both are classified as benzodiazepines. Regular release Xanax (now available as an extended release version) works in approximately 20 to 30 minutes and for many "breaks" an anxiety attack dead in its tracks. Some persons find that Xanax does not last long enough (about 3 to 4 to 6 hours - depending on the person) and some persons find that they may experience "rebound" on this short-acting medication (meaning that as the drug leaves the system, the body responds with anxiety).I find Xanax to be the med of choice in an "immediate" need situation - acute anxiety attack. However, if I take it for more than 3 days, I will begin to experience "rebound" and start getting more anxiety attacks. For this reason alone, I take Klonopin at bedtime which cured my nocturnal panic attacks and I have absolutely no rebound. The same dosage (1 mg.) has worked for me without need to increase for the last 5 years. Best Wishes,
:) AnneL
Posted by smokeymadison on December 7, 2004, at 16:31:23
In reply to Re: Xanax vs. Klonopin » libbyann, posted by anneL on December 7, 2004, at 14:04:33
i agree with what everyone has said. Xanax works quicker, but it lasts so short a time and as it wears off, you might experience more anxiety (the rebound). Klonopin, on the other hand, lasts longer and hasn't caused the rebound effect for me, at least. i feel better, more calm and sort of happier on klonopin than on xanax. just thought that i would add my own two cents--everyone else had great things to say already.
Posted by Glydin on December 7, 2004, at 19:40:17
In reply to Re: Xanax vs. Klonopin, posted by libbyann on December 7, 2004, at 13:43:06
>Thanks for your reply. It was really helpful.
~~~Good, I'm glad to be helpful. Good Luck to you.
Posted by awatts on December 8, 2004, at 8:34:47
In reply to Xanax vs. Klonopin, posted by libbyann on December 7, 2004, at 13:03:27
I also agree with the above posts. Xanax works to stop a panic attack in about 20 minutes, but I pay for it in 3 or 4 hours with increased anxiety. Klonopin takes about 2 hours before I feel reduced anxiety.
I take .5 mg of Klonopin twice a day for GAD. I always carry 2 mg of Xanax to take only for panic attacks.
Posted by libbyann on December 8, 2004, at 8:38:07
In reply to Re: Xanax vs. Klonopin, posted by awatts on December 8, 2004, at 8:34:47
Does Klonopin make you sleepy? I feel very relaxed, like I could just sleep like a baby at any minute. And I feel like it's just holding the anxiety at bay, not completely getting rid of it. I only take 1/2 a tablet, but if I took a whole one, i would for sure go to sleep - not good at work!
Posted by Glydin on December 8, 2004, at 8:47:29
In reply to Re: Xanax vs. Klonopin, posted by libbyann on December 8, 2004, at 8:38:07
How long have you been taking Klonopin?
Sedating effects tend to diminish over time and retain the antianxiety effects. On startup, it took about two weeks for the sedating effects and foggy brain effects to go away for me.
When you say 1/2 a pill, are you referring to a .5 mgs or higher? The key, once the startup effects have waned, is to use the lowest dose for symptom control. That mode of taking it will yield the best results with the least amount of difficulties.
Klonopin is the only med I take. My dose is very low. I take it daily (for the most part) and have for 3 years. It's a great med for me.
Posted by libbyann on December 8, 2004, at 8:56:24
In reply to Question » libbyann, posted by Glydin on December 8, 2004, at 8:47:29
I was prescribed .5 mg tablets for anxiety attacks, but I usually only take 1/2 of one. They have quite an effect on me, so I don't see the need to take any more than that. I don't take them at a specific time each day or anything - just as needed until the Paxil kicks in, but I've been using Klonopin for about six months now as we've tried other meds for GAD. It just helps keep the anxiety from being so extreme.
Posted by Glydin on December 8, 2004, at 9:23:31
In reply to Re: Question, posted by libbyann on December 8, 2004, at 8:56:24
> I've been using Klonopin for about six months now as we've tried other meds for GAD. It just helps keep the anxiety from being so extreme.
And that would be a good thing!!! It seems to be working well for you. I actually use .125 mgs twice a day (normally, but my doc does allow me to titrate and rare times, I do use a little higher dosing), which is a quarter of a .5mg tab. Seems like Klonopin "dust", but, hey, works for me and I don't argue with success.
For me, anxiety issues were very life impacting and finding a treatment that worked was a Godsend. I hope for your every success in treating the emotional matters you deal with.
Glydin
Posted by libbyann on December 8, 2004, at 9:35:02
In reply to Re: Question » libbyann, posted by Glydin on December 8, 2004, at 9:23:31
Thank you so much for your words. I find it amazing that this "dust" - such an itty bitty part of an already itty bitty tablet can have such an effect on me, but like you, I don't argue with success. Yes, anxiety can be very taxing - emotionally, mentally, and in life issues. It has cost me precious time with those I love and I welcome the day when it no longer has a hold on me! Let's pray this Paxil stuff is the juice! I find great comfort on this site - knowing I'm not alone and knowing I'm not crazy!! I told my boyfriend once, "sometimes I just need you to hold me and tell me I'm not crazy!" :) He's very patient, understanding, caring, etc., as are my parents, so I am blessed with support. And this site has been another blessing! Again, thanks for your reply!
Posted by awatts on December 8, 2004, at 17:44:26
In reply to Re: Xanax vs. Klonopin, posted by libbyann on December 8, 2004, at 8:38:07
> Does Klonopin make you sleepy? I feel very relaxed, like I could just sleep like a baby at any minute. And I feel like it's just holding the anxiety at bay, not completely getting rid of it. I only take 1/2 a tablet, but if I took a whole one, i would for sure go to sleep - not good at work!
If I take more than 1 mg a day it does make me sleepy. If you are taking 1/2 tablet once a day try 1/4 table twice a day. A friend of mine does best on 0.25 mg twice a day. You can get a pill cutter at most pharmacies.
For most people, the sedation is gone or much reduced after 2 or 3 weeks, so give it time.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.