Posted by Cam W. on November 28, 2001, at 8:08:22
In reply to tranxene, posted by kersam on November 28, 2001, at 7:04:25
Kersam - Tranxene™ (chlorazepate) is a long acting benzodiazepine, used as an anxiolytic (to decrease anxiety) or as a hypnotic (sleeping pill). The elimination half life (the time it takes for half of the drug to leave the body) of Tranxene (and it's active metabolites) is more than 100 hours, so there is little risk of withdrawl syndrome occuring with a missed does, and it historically carries a lower risk of addiction potential than shorter acting benzodiazepines (like Xanax™ - alprazolam; Halcion™ - triazolam; or Ativan™ - lorazepam).
When coming off of Tranxene, your dose should be tapered over a week or two, especially if you are taking 15mg or more a day. The relative potency of Tranxene is 7.5mg = 5mg of diazepam (Valium™); 1mg of clonazepam (Rivotril™ or Klonopin™); or 0.5mg of alprazolam (Xanax™).
My experience with Tranxene is that it is fairly sedative, but does take the edge off of severe anxiety. It can cause some next day drowsiness (hangover effect) when used as a hypnotic, especially at higher doses. As with the other benzodiazepines (except perhaps for alprazolam) Tranxene has no direct antidepressant activity, but it does help with the depressvie symptoms of insomnia and anxiety.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:85379
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85382.html