![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by karaS on October 30, 2004, at 0:32:28
My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Kara
Posted by Sad Panda on October 30, 2004, at 1:30:26
In reply to Valium vs. other benzos?, posted by karaS on October 30, 2004, at 0:32:28
> My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
>
> The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
>
> Kara
>
>Hi Kara,
I think the bezos are pretty much a matter of personal preference. Valium works as well as anything. It is fastest across the blood brain barrier & has the longest half life. If you intend to use a benzo as a permanent solution I would probably try Ativan, Klonopin & Xanax.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by karaS on October 30, 2004, at 15:27:53
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » karaS, posted by Sad Panda on October 30, 2004, at 1:30:26
> > My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
> >
> > The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
> >
> > Kara
> >
> >
>
> Hi Kara,
>
> I think the bezos are pretty much a matter of personal preference. Valium works as well as anything. It is fastest across the blood brain barrier & has the longest half life. If you intend to use a benzo as a permanent solution I would probably try Ativan, Klonopin & Xanax.
>
> Cheers,
> Paul.
>
>Panda,
Why would Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax be better for long-term use? If Valium is so long-acting, I would think that it would be the best for long-term use.K
Posted by Newwife on October 30, 2004, at 15:33:45
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » Sad Panda, posted by karaS on October 30, 2004, at 15:27:53
i am on klonopin and i love it. it does not make me tired and whenever i feel panicky (spelling?) i take one and it really calms me down. zanax made me groggy and grumpy. so my pick it klonopin. i have never tried valum. i always assumed it would make you tired. am i wrong?
Posted by karaS on October 30, 2004, at 22:54:37
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? i pick klonopin!, posted by Newwife on October 30, 2004, at 15:33:45
> i am on klonopin and i love it. it does not make me tired and whenever i feel panicky (spelling?) i take one and it really calms me down. zanax made me groggy and grumpy. so my pick it klonopin. i have never tried valum. i always assumed it would make you tired. am i wrong?
Good to know about your success with Klonopin. I really wanted Klonopin for my mother. I don't know yet how she will respond to the Valium. I have never tried Klonopin or Xanax myself. I think I took Valium a couple of times many years ago but don't really remember it. I once took Ativan and I very quickly (and only on small dose at night for sleep) developed tolerance - so I have stayed away from all benzos since then.Thanks for your input.
Kara
Posted by awatts on October 31, 2004, at 8:41:58
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? i pick klonopin! » Newwife, posted by karaS on October 30, 2004, at 22:54:37
> > i am on klonopin and i love it. it does not make me tired and whenever i feel panicky (spelling?) i take one and it really calms me down. zanax made me groggy and grumpy. so my pick it klonopin. i have never tried valum. i always assumed it would make you tired. am i wrong?
>
>
> Good to know about your success with Klonopin. I really wanted Klonopin for my mother. I don't know yet how she will respond to the Valium. I have never tried Klonopin or Xanax myself. I think I took Valium a couple of times many years ago but don't really remember it. I once took Ativan and I very quickly (and only on small dose at night for sleep) developed tolerance - so I have stayed away from all benzos since then.
>
> Thanks for your input.
>
> KaraMany folks are less likely to develop tolerance to Klonopin than to Valium or especially Xanax. I've tried most of the benzos, and have ended up with Klonopin.
I've been taking 0.5 mg of Klonopin twice a day for quite a while and have not needed to increase the dosage. It works and is my choice for long term use.
Posted by karaS on October 31, 2004, at 14:17:14
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? i pick klonopin!, posted by awatts on October 31, 2004, at 8:41:58
> > > i am on klonopin and i love it. it does not make me tired and whenever i feel panicky (spelling?) i take one and it really calms me down. zanax made me groggy and grumpy. so my pick it klonopin. i have never tried valum. i always assumed it would make you tired. am i wrong?
> >
> >
> > Good to know about your success with Klonopin. I really wanted Klonopin for my mother. I don't know yet how she will respond to the Valium. I have never tried Klonopin or Xanax myself. I think I took Valium a couple of times many years ago but don't really remember it. I once took Ativan and I very quickly (and only on small dose at night for sleep) developed tolerance - so I have stayed away from all benzos since then.
> >
> > Thanks for your input.
> >
> > Kara
>
> Many folks are less likely to develop tolerance to Klonopin than to Valium or especially Xanax. I've tried most of the benzos, and have ended up with Klonopin.
>
> I've been taking 0.5 mg of Klonopin twice a day for quite a while and have not needed to increase the dosage. It works and is my choice for long term use.
>
>Thank you. Again, I wish her doctor had given her Klonopin. He refused to even consider it. (probably because she asked about it and he had to show who was in charge). I wish I could have been there with her to ask him why he chose to give her Valium instead. Oh well, maybe the additional Effexor and an occasional Valium will take care of her problem - though I doubt it.
K
Posted by ed_uk on October 31, 2004, at 15:06:12
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? i pick klonopin! » awatts, posted by karaS on October 31, 2004, at 14:17:14
Personally, I like Valium or Ativan for anxiety. Valium is a very good muscle relaxant. Very good for relieving physical tension. Ativan seems to cause me less drowsiness. For me, a benzo is a benzo though..... there are many more similarities between them than differences.
Ed
Posted by karaS on October 31, 2004, at 16:35:03
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? i pick klonopin!, posted by ed_uk on October 31, 2004, at 15:06:12
> Personally, I like Valium or Ativan for anxiety. Valium is a very good muscle relaxant. Very good for relieving physical tension. Ativan seems to cause me less drowsiness. For me, a benzo is a benzo though..... there are many more similarities between them than differences.
> Ed
Hmmm, maybe the physical tension aspect is what the doctor had in mind. Thanks.K
Posted by Newwife on November 1, 2004, at 1:45:08
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? i pick klonopin! » Newwife, posted by karaS on October 30, 2004, at 22:54:37
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 1, 2004, at 9:32:50
In reply to Valium vs. other benzos?, posted by karaS on October 30, 2004, at 0:32:28
> My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
>
> The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
>
> KaraHi Kara
In the practice where I was working the benzodiazepins wre prescribed very carefully out from what symptoms you had. Valium was used towrads anxiety, mostly. The benzos are varying in their effect; some are slow, some are fast, some work long, some work short, wome work best on anxiety, some work best for sleepingproblems.In either way, not to critizize, but personally I would use benzoz as the absolute last option, whatsoever... whether it was anxiety, sleeping problems or anything else. I know that for some people it is the only thing that has effect, so it is a choice of the doctor and the patient
Good luck for your mother :-)
Posted by karaS on November 1, 2004, at 12:32:03
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos?, posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 1, 2004, at 9:32:50
> > My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
> >
> > The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
> >
> > Kara
>
> Hi Kara
> In the practice where I was working the benzodiazepins wre prescribed very carefully out from what symptoms you had. Valium was used towrads anxiety, mostly. The benzos are varying in their effect; some are slow, some are fast, some work long, some work short, wome work best on anxiety, some work best for sleepingproblems.
>
> In either way, not to critizize, but personally I would use benzoz as the absolute last option, whatsoever... whether it was anxiety, sleeping problems or anything else. I know that for some people it is the only thing that has effect, so it is a choice of the doctor and the patient
> Good luck for your mother :-)
Thanks. What was Klonopin used where you were working? I bet my mother's small town doctor hadn't even heard of it but perhaps I am too cynical.K
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 1, 2004, at 13:07:06
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos?, posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 1, 2004, at 9:32:50
I am not sure actually, since I worked in Norway, and we have slightly different names on the drugs there than in the US. But I guess it is the same as Klonazepam in Norway, and then we used it. Since I haven't taken it myself, I can't really give any pros or cons. The effect varied greatly from person to person, often it was a matter of try and fail to find the right one.
In nOrway klonazepam is mainly valued as an epileptic medicine, since it is a very profound anti convulsive. With anxiety it was mainly used with panick attacks that did not respond to any other treatment. But up to 20& has to stop the medication becaus eof the feeling of being sedated or lack of effect. Klonazepam has a longer working time, and is thereby viewed as easier to quite... I'm not so sure I always agree on that, but I only have my own observations to rely on there... I would have to do a proper study to claim anything. BUT, studies sho wthat the effect of it in general is not any better than any other benzo... as I said, it simply varies from person to person what is the best medication for them.
I hope that said something valuable :-) I think the doctor should have heard about it... it's a quite regular benzo. The medicine is called Rivotril in Norway.
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 1, 2004, at 13:08:21
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » Crazy_Charlie, posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 1, 2004, at 13:07:06
I meant "up to 20%" and NOT 20&! Sorry!
Posted by karaS on November 1, 2004, at 15:49:04
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » Crazy_Charlie, posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 1, 2004, at 13:07:06
Posted by Sad Panda on November 2, 2004, at 6:04:06
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » Sad Panda, posted by karaS on October 30, 2004, at 15:27:53
> > > My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
> > >
> > > The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
> > >
> > > Kara
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Hi Kara,
> >
> > I think the bezos are pretty much a matter of personal preference. Valium works as well as anything. It is fastest across the blood brain barrier & has the longest half life. If you intend to use a benzo as a permanent solution I would probably try Ativan, Klonopin & Xanax.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Paul.
> >
> >
>
> Panda,
> Why would Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax be better for long-term use? If Valium is so long-acting, I would think that it would be the best for long-term use.
>
> K
>
>Hi Kara,
Sorry for my extreme tardiness in replying.
Valium does the job, but it has more side effects. It is the most inebriating & it's extremely long half life can cause a gradually buildup in poor metabolizers & the elderly which makes them more accident prone.
Xanax is the best & has modest activity as an antidepressant, but it's the hardest benzo to quit.
Klonopin I have not tried, but it is said to have the least side effects. I haven't tried Ativan either, but it seems very popular & both it & Klonopin have the best half life for useage with GAD.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by Sad Panda on November 2, 2004, at 6:11:20
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » Crazy_Charlie, posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 1, 2004, at 13:07:06
> I am not sure actually, since I worked in Norway, and we have slightly different names on the drugs there than in the US. But I guess it is the same as Klonazepam in Norway, and then we used it. Since I haven't taken it myself, I can't really give any pros or cons. The effect varied greatly from person to person, often it was a matter of try and fail to find the right one.
>
> In nOrway klonazepam is mainly valued as an epileptic medicine, since it is a very profound anti convulsive. With anxiety it was mainly used with panick attacks that did not respond to any other treatment. But up to 20& has to stop the medication becaus eof the feeling of being sedated or lack of effect. Klonazepam has a longer working time, and is thereby viewed as easier to quite... I'm not so sure I always agree on that, but I only have my own observations to rely on there... I would have to do a proper study to claim anything. BUT, studies sho wthat the effect of it in general is not any better than any other benzo... as I said, it simply varies from person to person what is the best medication for them.
>
> I hope that said something valuable :-) I think the doctor should have heard about it... it's a quite regular benzo. The medicine is called Rivotril in Norway.
>
>Hi Charlie,
Greetings from Australia, our Klonopin is called Rivotril here too.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by Crazy_Charlie on November 2, 2004, at 6:34:24
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » Crazy_Charlie, posted by Sad Panda on November 2, 2004, at 6:11:20
>
> Hi Charlie,
>
> Greetings from Australia, our Klonopin is called Rivotril here too.
>
> Cheers,
> Paul.Hi Paul
Ya, I checked it up on the internet.. I mean, I'm online anyway, and google is easy, hehe.Greetings back, now not longer in Norway but in the Netherlands :-)
Charlie
>
>
Posted by karaS on November 2, 2004, at 22:31:17
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » karaS, posted by Sad Panda on November 2, 2004, at 6:04:06
> > > > My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
> > > >
> > > > The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
> > > >
> > > > Kara
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > Hi Kara,
> > >
> > > I think the bezos are pretty much a matter of personal preference. Valium works as well as anything. It is fastest across the blood brain barrier & has the longest half life. If you intend to use a benzo as a permanent solution I would probably try Ativan, Klonopin & Xanax.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > > Paul.
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Panda,
> > Why would Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax be better for long-term use? If Valium is so long-acting, I would think that it would be the best for long-term use.
> >
> > K
> >
> >
>
> Hi Kara,
>
> Sorry for my extreme tardiness in replying.
>
> Valium does the job, but it has more side effects. It is the most inebriating & it's extremely long half life can cause a gradually buildup in poor metabolizers & the elderly which makes them more accident prone.
>
> Xanax is the best & has modest activity as an antidepressant, but it's the hardest benzo to quit.
>
> Klonopin I have not tried, but it is said to have the least side effects. I haven't tried Ativan either, but it seems very popular & both it & Klonopin have the best half life for useage with GAD.
>
> Cheers,
> Paul.
>Thanks Paul,
Now I'm convinced that my mother would be better off with Klonopin. The only one I've taken for any period of time is Ativan and I know that Klonopin has a longer half-life so I'd prefer that one for her. Klonopin has the potential to be somewhat of a depressant over time with consistent usage though, doesn't it?
K
Posted by Sad Panda on November 3, 2004, at 2:40:11
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » Sad Panda, posted by karaS on November 2, 2004, at 22:31:17
> > > > > My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
> > > > >
> > > > > The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
> > > > >
> > > > > Kara
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > Hi Kara,
> > > >
> > > > I think the bezos are pretty much a matter of personal preference. Valium works as well as anything. It is fastest across the blood brain barrier & has the longest half life. If you intend to use a benzo as a permanent solution I would probably try Ativan, Klonopin & Xanax.
> > > >
> > > > Cheers,
> > > > Paul.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > Panda,
> > > Why would Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax be better for long-term use? If Valium is so long-acting, I would think that it would be the best for long-term use.
> > >
> > > K
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Hi Kara,
> >
> > Sorry for my extreme tardiness in replying.
> >
> > Valium does the job, but it has more side effects. It is the most inebriating & it's extremely long half life can cause a gradually buildup in poor metabolizers & the elderly which makes them more accident prone.
> >
> > Xanax is the best & has modest activity as an antidepressant, but it's the hardest benzo to quit.
> >
> > Klonopin I have not tried, but it is said to have the least side effects. I haven't tried Ativan either, but it seems very popular & both it & Klonopin have the best half life for useage with GAD.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Paul.
> >
>
> Thanks Paul,
>
> Now I'm convinced that my mother would be better off with Klonopin. The only one I've taken for any period of time is Ativan and I know that Klonopin has a longer half-life so I'd prefer that one for her. Klonopin has the potential to be somewhat of a depressant over time with consistent usage though, doesn't it?
>
> K
>With the possible exception of Xanax I think that applies to all Benzos.
Cheers,
Paul.
Posted by KaraS on November 3, 2004, at 12:23:43
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » karaS, posted by Sad Panda on November 3, 2004, at 2:40:11
Posted by jujube on November 3, 2004, at 16:45:54
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » karaS, posted by Sad Panda on November 3, 2004, at 2:40:11
> > > > > > My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Kara
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi Kara,
> > > > >
> > > > > I think the bezos are pretty much a matter of personal preference. Valium works as well as anything. It is fastest across the blood brain barrier & has the longest half life. If you intend to use a benzo as a permanent solution I would probably try Ativan, Klonopin & Xanax.
> > > > >
> > > > > Cheers,
> > > > > Paul.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > Panda,
> > > > Why would Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax be better for long-term use? If Valium is so long-acting, I would think that it would be the best for long-term use.
> > > >
> > > > K
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > Hi Kara,
> > >
> > > Sorry for my extreme tardiness in replying.
> > >
> > > Valium does the job, but it has more side effects. It is the most inebriating & it's extremely long half life can cause a gradually buildup in poor metabolizers & the elderly which makes them more accident prone.
> > >
> > > Xanax is the best & has modest activity as an antidepressant, but it's the hardest benzo to quit.
> > >
> > > Klonopin I have not tried, but it is said to have the least side effects. I haven't tried Ativan either, but it seems very popular & both it & Klonopin have the best half life for useage with GAD.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > > Paul.
> > >
> >
> > Thanks Paul,
> >
> > Now I'm convinced that my mother would be better off with Klonopin. The only one I've taken for any period of time is Ativan and I know that Klonopin has a longer half-life so I'd prefer that one for her. Klonopin has the potential to be somewhat of a depressant over time with consistent usage though, doesn't it?
> >
> > K
> >
>
> With the possible exception of Xanax I think that applies to all Benzos.
>
> Cheers,
> Paul.
>
>
> I don't want to scare anyone here, and this could well have been an isolated, rare case. A friend of mine was on Valium long-term (probably part of the problem), and she began experiencing this uncontrollable rolling of her eyes. They would literally roll back, and she couldn't do anything about it. This would sometimes last for a number of minutes. If she was out somewhere, she needed someone to help her walk because, obviously, she couldn't see a thing and was unsteady. As I said, that was probably a result of long-term use and a rare side effect.Tamara
Posted by darkhorse on November 5, 2004, at 4:55:16
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » Sad Panda, posted by jujube on November 3, 2004, at 16:45:54
Hi,
Just want to tell you that I took all benzos you are talking about and this is my opinion :
_ Klonopin is very depressing and caused DEPRESSION and tiredness.
- Ativan : is a milder one,excellent for GAD (my dose 1mg twice).no depression,but a little hard to get off.
- Xanax : another excellent one. Main difference with Ativan is that it gives you a euphoric/antidepressant effect while Ativan more "stable " effect.Also X causes less memory impairment than Ativan,but it is relevant + very hard to get off if taken regularly for long period but can be substituted (in my case) with bromazepam.
Valium : gives a disinhbited effect,but tend to accumulate in the body and gives undesirable sedation...so what seemed a good dose in the begining was more that it should have with extended use..
Bottom line,IMHO,I think the top 3 for GAD are Ativan,Xanax and Bromazepam (Lexotan) which is a potent,intermediate acting,less sedating and easy to get off than all the others...
Posted by Smeegle on November 7, 2004, at 22:31:13
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos?, posted by darkhorse on November 5, 2004, at 4:55:16
My preference (though not always my drs) leans more towards Ativan. I have been on Xanax and Ativan longterm (about 9 months...consistently, longer occasional use) and didn't develop any dependence issues. Have only used Valium a handful of times and it never took the edge off enough (anxiety). Ativan took the edge off so I could sleep (all night) and didn't wake up feeling drugged. Just my 2 cents.
Smeegs
Posted by KaraS on November 10, 2004, at 18:15:28
In reply to Re: Valium vs. other benzos? » karaS, posted by Sad Panda on November 3, 2004, at 2:40:11
> > > > > > My mother has been having a lot of problems with her GAD lately. She usually deals with her high level of anxiety with a lot of action. Now she has broken her foot and has not been able to release anxiety in the way that she is used to. She was taking 75 mg. of Effexor and nothing else. She went to her doctor today (GP) asking for Klonopin or Xanax. Her doctor upped her Effexor to 150 mg. and gave her a few Valium pills but begged her to take them very infrequently. Why Valium I wonder? How does it stack up against some of the other benzos?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The doctor told her that he didn't think she really needed anything for anxiety. She is the most anxious person I've ever met in my entire life (and that's even without her broken leg). This doctor must be a total moron. Anyway, I'm concerned that she's not being adequately treated. Any feedback would be appreciated.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Kara
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > Hi Kara,
> > > > >
> > > > > I think the bezos are pretty much a matter of personal preference. Valium works as well as anything. It is fastest across the blood brain barrier & has the longest half life. If you intend to use a benzo as a permanent solution I would probably try Ativan, Klonopin & Xanax.
> > > > >
> > > > > Cheers,
> > > > > Paul.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > Panda,
> > > > Why would Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax be better for long-term use? If Valium is so long-acting, I would think that it would be the best for long-term use.
> > > >
> > > > K
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > > Hi Kara,
> > >
> > > Sorry for my extreme tardiness in replying.
> > >
> > > Valium does the job, but it has more side effects. It is the most inebriating & it's extremely long half life can cause a gradually buildup in poor metabolizers & the elderly which makes them more accident prone.
> > >
> > > Xanax is the best & has modest activity as an antidepressant, but it's the hardest benzo to quit.
> > >
> > > Klonopin I have not tried, but it is said to have the least side effects. I haven't tried Ativan either, but it seems very popular & both it & Klonopin have the best half life for useage with GAD.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > > Paul.
> > >
> >
> > Thanks Paul,
> >
> > Now I'm convinced that my mother would be better off with Klonopin. The only one I've taken for any period of time is Ativan and I know that Klonopin has a longer half-life so I'd prefer that one for her. Klonopin has the potential to be somewhat of a depressant over time with consistent usage though, doesn't it?
> >
> > K
> >
>
> With the possible exception of Xanax I think that applies to all Benzos.
>
> Cheers,
> Paul.
I know you can't post yet Paul but please keep this question in mind when you come back:My mother went to see a specialist today and he gave her Ativan. I developed a tolerance/addiction problem with this benzo so I'm not happy about it being prescribed for her. Maybe she'll be fine. We haven't reacted the same way to a lot of other medications so there's no need to assume that she'll have the same problem I did. I did tell her that was the medication I had trouble with. She answered that the doctor is a specialist in anxiety treatment and she trusts his judgement. I didn't say any more - but I know who she'll come crying to when she's in trouble...and it won't be dr. anxiety specialist!
I really wish that he had given her a low dose tricyclic like doxepin or trimipramine but maybe they don't consider it for people in their mid 70s for fear of the cardio effects.
I don't know where the question is here. I'm just worrying and rambling.
Kara
This is the end of the thread.
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