Posted by Frankie on February 28, 2002, at 1:16:49
In reply to Re: xanax vs klonopin, posted by Gracie2 on February 24, 2002, at 0:09:16
>
> As I understand it, some people develop a tolerance to Xanax while depending on it's tranqualizing effect to get them through the day, which puts it in the category of an addictive drug. Any drug that you come to rely on for it's mood-altering effects can be considered addictive, and this happens to many people. Any steps you take to secure Xanax beyond the prescribed amount can put you into the unpleasant catagory of being labeled as a patient with "drug-seeking behavior", (or maybe prison), which alerts both your doctor and pharmacist that you are not responsible with your medication.
>
> Klonopin apparently has less abuse potential and you may use this drug to wean yourself from Xanax.
> The idea is that Xanax should be prescribed as a measure to help you deal with a temporary, painful part of your life, as pain-killers are prescribed to help you through physical or emotional problems. It's a temporary fix, not a life-long solution. The only acception are treating patients with severe mental diseases
> and terminal patients suffering from physical pain. Otherwise, your physician is responsible for precribing and weaning you from medication before you form an addiction and cannot function without your medication. The doctors creed is: first, do not harm.
> An interesting note here is that Xanax, in my experience, was unimpressive. No high, no buzz. It just made me tired.
> Anyway, Klonapin is definately a step up from Xanax, and prehaps will be able to wean you from Xanax altogether. Do not everything at once - take pride in those baby steps. At the same time, watch your mental acuity return - a great goal in itself.
> Best of luck - GracieGracie,
Everything you said is very accurate, except the fact that Xanax is not good for long-term use, but Klonopin is. Actually, in this day and age, neither one is considered a good drug for long-term. And, both are addicting. Depending on the person. They are in the same drug class, and both act on the GABA system in the same way. Klonopin is only slightly less addicting because it has a longer half-life. But, not by much. In either case, they both work, and can both be taken for a long period of time with no problems at all, and very few side effects. However, it is not advised that they are taken alone for anxiety because of the body's eventual tolerance to them over time. Klonopin is a little better from what I hear, but as far as getting off of Xanax, Neurontin or Tegretol is the reccommended solution. Not Klonopin.
Frankie.
poster:Frankie
thread:95260
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020222/msgs/95776.html