What to expect when switching from Xanax to Klonopin?

BetaChiAngel · 02-01-2003, 08:18 PM

I am so terrified because I ran out of xanax in the middle of the month and my doctor wouldnt give me anymore, so he gave me klonopin instead. All I really know about it is that it has a longer half-life so you dont have to take it as often, but will it give me the same effect as xanax does? I tend to get social phobia, and mainly stomach problems due to my anxiety. I would really appreciate a response from anyone who's made the switch, or is familiar with klonopin and its effects.
Thanks, Pam

Mrs.romano · 02-01-2003, 08:43 PM

i use klonopin(clonazepam) for when i have an attack or if i just feel like POOP that day and it works wonders i have a problerm with shakiness and it cures that ... even half a pill works great for me ...
what kinda stomach problems do u get with anxiety ?
i have been having stomach probs to but dont know if it had to do with anxiety..
please tell me what kinda probs u have with ur stomach ..? i have just started paxil..

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stacy

Jennita · 02-01-2003, 08:55 PM

The Ashton Manual, an informative manual about benzodiazepines is now free online.

pjo · 02-01-2003, 11:12 PM

To BetaChiAngel, I was on klonopin for several months and finally decided to wean myself off of it because I was building up a tolerance to it and my doctor didn't want to increase my dosage. I've been tapering off of it slowly, and I'll tell you, it's not easy. Klonopin is addictive and you can't just quit taking it. The withdrawal symptoms I have now are even worse than the anxiety I was taking the Klonopin for. If I were you, I wouldn't take it. Take care.
Pam

BetaChiAngel · 02-02-2003, 11:51 AM

Thanks to all of you who replied. To Stacy, I'm so glad the klonopin works for your attacks, that's really encouraging to me. As for my stomach problems, the main symptom I have is loss of appetite. I've lost about 30 lbs in the past 8 months or so because my once large appetite just dissapeared. I also suffer from acid reflux attacks every once in awhile, which causes me to have an anxiety attack. Taking pepcid complete and xanax was the only thing that would give me relief. I also just have nausea in general, alot of times in the morning when I first wake up.

pjo, unfortunately I'm already addicted to benzo's (I've been taking a high dosage of xanax every day for about 4 months) so basically my doctor just refused to give me more xanax and gave me klonopin as a substitution to help wean off benzos completely. I don't have a choice, I HAVE to take them, because I have no xanax left and will go into serious benzo withdrawl, which can cause seizures and even death. It's a horrible mess I've gotten myself into, but I'm determined to get out of it!

Taking my first dose of klonopin today, wish me luck!
Pam