xanax vs. klonopin

[snowgirl]

For those who have taken both give me your input on how it made you feel and if it helped your anxiety . I know xanax is shorter acting lasts about 4 hours. Klonopin is longer acting. Any response would be appreciated. Vicky

[mlzippy7]

I have been on both xanax and klonopin and it really depends if you want a long lasting or short lasting. My primary doctor really wanted me on klonopin but my stomach couldn't take it. I would have chosen that one if my stomach could have handled it. My doctor said I need to take something to help me through all this mess!! Have you thought of Ativan? I took that for some time and had good results with that.

[snowgirl]

Hello my friend

I have only taken xanax. Over the years I just took xanax 0.25mg prn as needed. Like 8 years ago yesterday when my Dad had open heart I was on xanax all day long that day . when I had a breast biopsy and had to wait 6 weeks to get on surgery schedule. Ok now I am years later and 0.5mg it is now with going on SS?LTD and having to resign. I am taking 0.5mg twice a day. I don't want anymore dosage or frequency then that. xanax they say can be hard to wean off of............... . Klonopin is longer acting. Xanax will stop the panic attacks I think quicker then the Klonopin I think. VIcky

[hdb1982]

I have taken xaxan klonopin and ativan. I think it depends what you are using it for. If it is for all over refief from stress the longer acting klonopin would be better IMHO but if panick attacks are your issue I think xanax works quicker to get them under control. I currently take xanax 1mg 2 x day for bladder spasms and anxiety attacks. I used to take it just when I felt an attack coming now I take it 2 x day for spasms and it has kept any panic attacks at bay. I have not had one in months, despite tremendous stress, I think it is b/c the xanax is always in my system. Klonopin made me very moody, ups and downs. There is another similar drug called BuSpar. Here is the info on it:
This medication is used to treat anxiety. It may help you think more clearly, relax, worry less, and take part in everyday life. It may also help you to feel less jittery and irritable, and may control symptoms such as trouble sleeping, sweating, and pounding heartbeat. Buspirone is a medication for anxiety (anxiolytic) that works by affecting certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).

BuSpar also comes in a dividose like xanax bars. The tablet can be split into quarters to adjust the amout of medicine in each dose.

[snowgirl]

Thanks for the reply. I was taking xanax 0.5mg twice a day. ).5mg was not doing it somedays. I don't want to go higher on the xanax. 0.5mg kept the panic attacks at by as well.

Buspar tried it and can't take it. It made me very nervous - caused apprehension. Also, I could not pee Bupsar gave me urinary retention. Vicky

[tjm0852]

I have been using Klonopin. I found that the xanax comes on faster but leaves just as fast, I found it to make me feel 'stoned out' I prefer the klonopin personally, they may take a little while to start to work but they can last from 12 to 50 hours according to my Dr.

I try to take one as soon as I feel the need, I always keep a few in a Listerine Pocket Pack. They fit nicely into the small pocket on your jeans. Even if you do not need it, it is nice to know it is just within reach.

You have to find what works best for you, which unfortunately means trying different things until you hit on something that works.

Good Luck to you!

[snowgirl]

exactly xanax is very short acting and they say more addicitive. I have been taking the Klonopin for almost a week. It stays in your bloodstream up to 16 hour very long acting. The problem I am having with the Klonopin is it is increasing by far my night time urinating, more frequency and retention at night. I am getting up every 45 minutes- 1hour. So, after one week which is too bad as I feel this is less sedating then xanax and lasts longer. Due to the increase in my nightime urinating I am going to stop it. I did look up the sideeffects and they were there everyone of them I am experiencing. My nights are rough anyways but I can't go back to everynight like this because of a drug. I thought my bladder would adjust and it has not. It has made night time unbearable with no sleep. Too bad because minus the urinary problems I feel it is a better more calming, less sedating drug then xanax. I could see eventually weaning off the klonopin all together in time. So, this means back to the xanax and that is the one hard to come off of. I take it twice a day and I do get the rebound anxiety from it. Vicky

[tjm0852]

Been taking Lexipro for 3 weeks and my nighttime having to pee dreams are basically gone:woohoo:

I have actually splet thru the night several times, which for me is a miracle if and of itself. I do have some retention when waking in the morning, but slepping thru the night is worth it!

[snowgirl]

Lexapro I took for 9 months however it increased my anxiety 10mg no way 5mg still had anxiety,,,,,,,,,,,, weaned myself off ot it. Vicky

[harleybluz]

I've been on both. After a short while the Xanax will drop you about 3 hours into it and it's terrible. The Klonopin does not do that. I had a hell of a time getting off Xanax and will never take it again. Klonopin works just as well and you don't feel the drop from it which means you don't have to take it every 4 hours. Good luck.

[snowgirl]

I've been on both. After a short while the Xanax will drop you about 3 hours into it and it's terrible. The Klonopin does not do that. I had a hell of a time getting off Xanax and will never take it again. Klonopin works just as well and you don't feel the drop from it which means you don't have to take it every 4 hours. Good luck.

exactly. I get the rebound anxietyfrom the xanax. The klonopin works so much smoother for the anxiety> I I can see how one could wean right off the xanax on klonopin. The problem is klonopoin is so long acting that it is affecting my bladder it has increased my nightime urinating, retention and it lasts in the bloodstream 16-30 hours half life. I have even tried 0.25mg scoring into half still can't pee or up all night every 45 minutes. I see the md who prescribed that for me today at 100pm. Vicky

[elamar]

Please read my numerous posts about this medication. It has helped me alot. I'm just tired of retyping all the info about it. It sounds like something that might help you. Have a good day.

[snowgirl]

I have read all of your posts and glad it works for you. Librax can also cause urinary retention. I would have to look up it's half life. I know all about Librax as I have given and taken care of one or more patients on it. Thanks for your reply.