Posted by Hiba on August 13, 2002, at 0:32:48
In reply to Re: Benzo Potency Question..... » Hiba, posted by Squiggles on August 12, 2002, at 7:54:59
Dear Squiggles,
There are more than twenty equivalency tables available on the net only to make us confused. what I wrote is from experience. I had got an easy accessibility to benzodiazepines years ago while I was working as a volunteer in a detoxification center. I have seen many agitated,overanxious patients effectively controlled on benzodiazepines. See the initial dosage of different benzos used in the center to calm such patients.
Alprazolam 0.5 to 1 mg
clonazepam 1 to 2 mg
Diazepam 10 to 15 mg
Lorazepam 1 to 2 mgApart from benzos chlorpromazine(a phenothiazine) was used intravenously. Diazepam was also given in injections. Lorazepam intravenous preparation is not available in India.
Clonazepam stays in your system for a long time, that is not because of its potency but because of its long half life. Look at the lowest available dosage forms in the market. alprazolam is available in 0.25 mg while lowest available form of clonazepam is 0.5 mg. Doesn't it ring any bell?
Clonazepam has stronger anti-convulsant properties than alprazolam. But not anti-anxiety properties. The amount to make an anxiolysis in anxious patients is the true indication of potency. Because we are discussing about anxiolytic potency. If you are used to alprazolam for anxiolysis, you will have to take twice the amount of clonazepam to get the same effect. Still doubtful? try it yourself.HIBA
poster:Hiba
thread:115651
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020807/msgs/116233.html