Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Klonopin Be Taken Instead Of Xanax Safely Without Any Side Effects?
Question: I've been on Xanax for about a year and a half. .5mg-1.5mg a day. they really don't help anymore and I've noticed that klonopin works better. can I just stop taking the xanax and switch to the klonopin or is that not safe?
thank you, I am not quite sure what you mean. how exactly do I contact you directly. I have severe panic disorder and even though the xanax don't work and I am looking to switch, my main goal is to get some therapy and get completely off medication. how long would it take to safely taper off this much medication.
thank you, I am not quite sure what you mean. how exactly do I contact you directly. I have severe panic disorder and even though the xanax don't work and I am looking to switch, my main goal is to get some therapy and get completely off medication. how long would it take to safely taper off this much medication.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It would be safe to switch directly from Xanax to Klonopin, but to avoid withdrawal symptoms, it needs to be an equivalent dose. Xanax 1.5mg daily is equivalent to Klonopin 3mg daily. I would dose this as Klonopin 1mg by mouth every 8 hours. If you are experiencing withdrawal, this dose may need to be increased for a short time. This should be done under the supervision of a doctor, as benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to seizures and death. Be careful, but this switch should be okay if done correctly.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
To ask me questions directly (rather than your question going to a random pool of doctors), go to one of the following links:
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
I do offer text-based therapy via my private link on this website. I consider myself a specialist in the management and therapy of panic disorder.
I think it is a good goal to try to taper off this medication. Are you also on an antidepressant? How long have you been taking benzodiazepines? I can give you a rough estimate of how long it might take.
Dr. Sheppe
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It would be safe to switch directly from Xanax to Klonopin, but to avoid withdrawal symptoms, it needs to be an equivalent dose. Xanax 1.5mg daily is equivalent to Klonopin 3mg daily. I would dose this as Klonopin 1mg by mouth every 8 hours. If you are experiencing withdrawal, this dose may need to be increased for a short time. This should be done under the supervision of a doctor, as benzodiazepine withdrawal can lead to seizures and death. Be careful, but this switch should be okay if done correctly.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
To ask me questions directly (rather than your question going to a random pool of doctors), go to one of the following links:
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
I do offer text-based therapy via my private link on this website. I consider myself a specialist in the management and therapy of panic disorder.
I think it is a good goal to try to taper off this medication. Are you also on an antidepressant? How long have you been taking benzodiazepines? I can give you a rough estimate of how long it might take.
Dr. Sheppe
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
