[Lemon]

I'm switching from Ativan to Clonazepam (Klonopin) for anxiety. Wondering if anyone else has tried both and what were your experiences? Pluses and minuses?

[splitimage]

I was on Ativan and am now on Clonazapam (Klonopin). Ativan is much faster acting but it doesn't stay in your system as long, so I found I tended to have more ups and downs with it. With the clonazapam, I don't get the immediate hit, but it lasts longer in my system so I stay calm on it longer.

Also I had started getting hooked on Ativan and was starting to abuse it, whereas with the clonzapam, I'm able to take it exactly as prescribed and feel no desire at all to abuse it. If anything I'm slowly weening myself off ot it, as I frequently forget to take my prescribed dosages throughout the day.

I like it a lot better than the Ativan.

--splitimage

[MyBestKids2]

I've taken both, and prefer Klonopin. Like splitimage said it stays in your system longer, which I really need!

Good luck and keep us updated.


Dee

[Lemon]

Thanks for your opinions. I am finding the same thing....the quick hit of Ativan was nice, but it just wore off too quickly. The Klonopin doesn't have as noticeable effect, but I think it is more consistently stabilizing throughout the day.

Splitimage - every time I read one of your posts I mean to tell you that I love your signature. That quote is from one of my favorite hymns.

[Broken69]

I was on Klonopin for a while, and it's the only drug that actually helped me. Unfortunately, the VA doesn't allow the drug, so I'm back to being anxious as ever. There were also no side effects for me.

[nonightowl]

Originally Posted by MyBestKids2

I've taken both, and prefer Klonopin. Like splitimage said it stays in your system longer, which I really need!

Good luck and keep us updated.


Dee

Like BestKids, I've taken both. For me, Ativan works faster, about 20-30 minutes, where as with Klonopin, it takes an hour to work. But Klonopin seems to be stronger....But Ativan is also okay. I guess I prefer Ativan because it is quicker in acting. If I'm really climbing the walls with anxiety, I want fast relief, not an hour of waiting.

Ativan was prescribed to me first. A different doctor prescribed Klonopin to see if it worked better.

I am only supposed to take them "as needed" and certainly not daily. I worry about dependence or tolerance, which probably increases my anxiety. Then, it's a vicious cycle. I have this conversation with myself, "Am I anxious enough?" "Should I take it"?

Anyway, I take either/or...depending on how bad my insomnia or anxiety is. One thing I can say is that I CANNOT take either in the middle of the night, only at bedtime. They both knock me out, and I need at least 7 hours to "sleep it off". The both leave me with a slightly groggy feeling in the a.m, but it wears off in about 5 minutes!

I don't notice any side effects, except maybe occasional short term memory loss??? I don't know. That could just be my age.

By the way, the dosage is only 1/2 milligram in each tablet, and just one tablet knocks me out.