Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Klonopin Or Xanax Better For Anxiety?
Question: Damn, talk about accuracy LOL. {Dr. Galamaga]. What about klonopin to xanax? i know klonopin has a longer half life but im getting different answers about the equivalency. mg. to mg,
Brief Answer:
Discussion about equivalents
Detailed Answer:
thanks again for the additional question.
This is actually a very difficult question to answer. Benzodiazepines have a narrow therapeutic index and sometimes the half-life in blood plasma for certain benzodiazepines is very short. alprazolam or Xanax tends to be a very short acting medication.
Clonazepam tends to be a bit longer acting.
To answer your question 1 mg of clonazepam would be roughly equivalent to 0.5 mg of Xanax. these medications have different durations of action so therefore it is nearly impossible to calculate a true equivalent.
Thanks again for sending your question and I hope you do understand the true difference between these two medications and very difficult task of establishing equivalency of those.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Discussion about equivalents
Detailed Answer:
thanks again for the additional question.
This is actually a very difficult question to answer. Benzodiazepines have a narrow therapeutic index and sometimes the half-life in blood plasma for certain benzodiazepines is very short. alprazolam or Xanax tends to be a very short acting medication.
Clonazepam tends to be a bit longer acting.
To answer your question 1 mg of clonazepam would be roughly equivalent to 0.5 mg of Xanax. these medications have different durations of action so therefore it is nearly impossible to calculate a true equivalent.
Thanks again for sending your question and I hope you do understand the true difference between these two medications and very difficult task of establishing equivalency of those.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanx, doc. I asked this because my doc switches me between these 2 every 3 mos. Since ive been on xanax for almost 30years and built up a tolerance to it, he says switching will give the xanax a chance to 'rest'. but isnt a benzo a benzo in the correct proportions? And he gives me 1mg. of each, well not each but what ever one its time for. So you see the math dont make sense.
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
I completely understand your concern.
It really sounds like your doctor is trying to do the best for you. Since you have been on this particular class of medications over 30 years he can sometimes be difficult to establish equivalency between two medications.
I think your doctor is doing an excellent job so far. While you may perceive some degree of lack of efficacy as you switch from one medication to another important that you communicate that with your doctor so thathe might consider adjusting the dosage.
Thanks again for sending your question. Please let us know if you have additional concerns in the future. I wish you excellent health and a long and prosperous life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
I completely understand your concern.
It really sounds like your doctor is trying to do the best for you. Since you have been on this particular class of medications over 30 years he can sometimes be difficult to establish equivalency between two medications.
I think your doctor is doing an excellent job so far. While you may perceive some degree of lack of efficacy as you switch from one medication to another important that you communicate that with your doctor so thathe might consider adjusting the dosage.
Thanks again for sending your question. Please let us know if you have additional concerns in the future. I wish you excellent health and a long and prosperous life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I would discuss continuation of your medication with your psychiatrist. I'm going discussion with your psychiatrist will help you make good decisions together.
I wish you all the best and continued good mental and physical health.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
I would discuss continuation of your medication with your psychiatrist. I'm going discussion with your psychiatrist will help you make good decisions together.
I wish you all the best and continued good mental and physical health.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I reduced from 40-50mg vicodin to 10 in 2 months. it was hell but i did it. iam now trying to reduce my benzos. but if i wait too long i get terrible panic attacks and my heart races , bp sky rochets, and am on the verge of calling 911. how do i know what to do? I have also reduced to just over my prescribed dosage 1mg. tid. I was up to 6-8. am i going too fast?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I would say focus more on the long term goal. If you have been on these meds for ages then it may take months or a year or more to wean down.
Please do this with the help and supervision of your doctor,
You are doing an amazing job so far!! Keep with it and stay optimistic and you will achieve not only this goal but any goal you might set in your life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Followup
Detailed Answer:
I would say focus more on the long term goal. If you have been on these meds for ages then it may take months or a year or more to wean down.
Please do this with the help and supervision of your doctor,
You are doing an amazing job so far!! Keep with it and stay optimistic and you will achieve not only this goal but any goal you might set in your life.
Sincerely,
Dr. Galamaga
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
