Posted by awatts on March 22, 2005, at 20:06:20
In reply to Re: Xanax XR: Worth the $$$?? Really once daily? » dms777smd, posted by CareBear04 on March 22, 2005, at 16:57:06
> dms-- hey. i've never tried valium. can you maybe compare it to how the other benzos feel? i've heard mixed things about it, and it doesn't seem like doctors prescribe it much anymore. i've also heard mixed things about how long it lasts. some have said that it is quick about working out of your system, while others have said that it has a long half-life. how long does it take to start working? is valium as sedating as klonopin or as strong as xanax? how many times a day do you take it? thanks!
All three are prescribed a lot in the US. I can tell you how they effect me:
Xanax - takes effect in 20 minutes - best thing in the world to stop a panic attack - works for only 2 or 3 hours and then I feel really down - if you abuse it you can get high on it, but develop a tolerance very quickly and rapidly need more and more for the same effect - avoid it except for full-blown panic attacks
Xanax XR - that stuff does nothing for me, and I've taken as much as 3 mg twice a day - I don't understand this
Valium - works in about 45 minutes - mentally and physically relaxing - makes me feel the most normal of the three - great for anxiety - I'd still be taking it, but I develop a tolerance to it - a great choice for anxiety if you are only going to need it for maybe 3 or 4 months
Klonopin - it doesn't really "kick in" like the others - when you first start taking it you may start to feel a reduction in anxiety in a few hours - sedating for 2 or 3 weeks of regular use, then sedation goes away and it's very effective for anxiety - got to take it at least twice a day unless you use it as a sleep aid for only the 2 or 3 weeks that it works as one - Klonipin is the best choice for me. I've taken it for years and not become tolerant. In fact, I've been able to reduce my dosage several times. I take only 0.25 mg twice a day, now.
Just a few things about how benzos effect me. It may be different for you.
Side note: SSRIs and Effexor/Cymbalta all suck for anxiety. Benefit only the drug companies when taken to treat anxiety disorders.
poster:awatts
thread:472221
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050322/msgs/474259.html