Posted by Alan on February 28, 2002, at 7:49:59
In reply to Re: xanax vs klonopin, posted by Frankie on February 28, 2002, at 1:16:49
> >
> > 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 - Gracie
>
>
>
> Gracie,
>
> 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.
************************************************Please read the two links that I've posted already in this thread. The evidence is there for one to read if they care to.
There is such profound misunderstanding of these drugs that it's really hard to predict if the antiquated misinformation about them will be untangled any time soon. It will undoubetdly be a slow process.
Besides the information in the two articles that I've linked, half-life refers to the amount of time a drug stays in the system, not to the inherent "addictive" quality of any of their compounds. There is NO credible scientific research that shows that this is biologically accurate. Unfortunately, this is one of the myths that have been repeated over and over so much that many begin to believe it. Many will be unnecessarily hesitant to continue or to consider taking these extremely safe medications if these myths are not dispelled.
You stated:
"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."Advised by whom? How is taking a BZD with another compound safer long term in regards to tolerance as opposed to taking it alone? If you have evidence to support this, please post it. Otherwise it is simply urban legend. The fact is that those with legitimately diagnosed and properly managed chronic anxiety disorders maintain their dosages for many years with many actually decreasing their dosage as they get their system out of a viscious state of "hyperarousal" that has been conditioned into their body by the untreated anxiety state for many years.
I am not trying to be accusatory, only that with posting this information as fact carries with it a resonsibility since it is contradicted by decades of scientific research and clinical experience from those specialists that treat anxiety disorders. Incorect information takes away a patients and doctors options and therefore choice to be able to successfully treat their disorder or disease.
Alan
poster:Alan
thread:95260
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020222/msgs/95799.html