Klonopin or Xanax??

[Pianoman1959]

I generally post on the depression board as depression has been my"primary" disorder. I'm not sure whether it's environmental issues or side effects of the Effexor I've been taking...but the level of anxiety I am experiencing is often intolerable. I take 2MG of Klonopin a day. I feel like I'm taking a placebo. It makes me a bit groggy but doesn't seem to be relieving even 20% of the anxiety. Anyone out there have a better experience with another antianxiety med like XANAX? I have a pdoc appt in two days and want to have some idea as to what to say.

[Mushroomie]

Hello,
I take xanax for anxiety 1mg as needed it really helps with my anxiety it takes it all away most of the time. But it is not long lasting. Used to take Atavan but that just didn't seem to be strongh enough But it worked longer. So I had my Pdoc put me on Xanax it sure has helped me takes it away pretty quick. But you have to be really careful because it is highly addictive.


Hope this Helps
Mushroomie

[Pianoman1959]

Thank you Mushroomie. I am leaning toward requesting a switch from Klonopin to Xanax. I noticed that there is now a Xanax XR, which should resolve the problem of the med wearing off too quickly. I have the same problem with Klonopin. It works for about 3 hrs, obviously not long enough to stretch through the day. As far as the addictive problem, that's not a primary concern. What matters to me is feeling and getting better. I'm on Effexor, which is apparently a real monster to quit. I take Adderall, which is certainly addictive.

[ocdengineer]

Pianoman,

In my experience the Xanax XR is just not as good as the regular. The regular version allows you more vesatility so that if you are feeling good one day you can drop your dose a little. The XR version also doesn't last all day as advertised, but maybe 12 hours at best. I only got about 8 hours of use out of it. I took it for a month and ended up taking hte regular Xanax again because it just plain works better.

Just food for though,
OE

[kidd123]

HI Pianoman, This is a bummer--trying to figure out what is going on. I was prescribed Effexor 37.5 mg and I only took half of a tablet the first day.
That night I was up with rolling panic for 4 hours until it wore off. That was 10 years ago & I keep that bottle to verify what it was as I NEVER want to take that med or any other SSRI again. Granted I am sensitive to many things, but these drugs have side effects that need to be monitored.
I now have good luck controlling my panic and anxiety with deep breathing exercises & taking a natural magnesium. Best wishes to you in your struggle to find relief.