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Re: Xanax vs Klonopin ... for Social Phobia, GAD » JackT

Posted by Viridis on May 26, 2003, at 22:24:31

In reply to Xanax vs Klonopin ... for Social Phobia, GAD, posted by JackT on May 26, 2003, at 12:54:56

Just to echo what some other posters have said, I take both Klonopin (daily) and Xanax (as needed; frequency varies) -- they're quite different.

K (once I got past the initial, mild side effects) is essentially imperceptible, but helps greatly with anxiety and seems to last about 12 hrs for me. I haven't had to increase beyond 1 mg/day after about 2 years of use, and have zero side effects.

X is extremely helpful for "breakthrough" anxiety; typically I take about 0.5 mg. I also find it very helpful for occasional insomnia at 0.5 - 1.0 mg. Although it doesn't cause me any problems, I can definitely "feel" it (no euphoria, just a sense of calm). However, since I take it sporadically, it's unlikely that I've developed tolerance. Some weeks I may take it two or three days in a row, then not take it at all for a week or two. Its effects generally last about three to four hours for me.

I notice a definite lift in mood on days after taking X, and can certainly see how it could act as an antidepressant. I just don't want to take it regularly because there is some potential for dependency. Also, my pdoc prefers to keep the amounts prescribed fairly low on this one, especially since the Klonopin is effective. He considers both very good drugs for those with anxiety disorders, but is particularly cautious with Xanax. He also told me that the higher-ups monitor prescriptions for Xanax (alprazolam) fairly closely, since it has the worst reputation for dependency and abuse among the benzos. I'm quite comfortable with it though, and have never abused it, had cravings etc.

Having both K and X available has helped immensely with my anxiety and reduced my depression greatly.


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