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Is Clonazepam A Stronger Drug Than Lorazepam?

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Posted on Fri, 31 Jul 2015
Question: I have been taking lorazepam daily with my parkinsons meds. I am having panic attacks right now. Is clonazepam a stronger drug than lorazepam? Should I just stay with lorazepam?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It has almost the double potency

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

clonazepam is twice as potent as lorazepam and its actions last for almost the double time than lorazepam. Because of the longer duration of action, I would recommend lorazepam. If the current dose is not effective enough, you can try to increase it until side effects appear or your symptoms get under control.

Perhaps you could also try other drug classes like antidepressants which are commonly used for panic attacks. The symptoms (like the fast heart and respiratory rate) can also be control with a beta blocker like propranolol.

Your doctor is the right person to decide which of the above is the best for you and if any of the above cannot be used for various reasons (like drug interactions or comorbidities).

I hope you find my answer helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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Is Clonazepam A Stronger Drug Than Lorazepam?

Brief Answer: It has almost the double potency Detailed Answer: Hello, clonazepam is twice as potent as lorazepam and its actions last for almost the double time than lorazepam. Because of the longer duration of action, I would recommend lorazepam. If the current dose is not effective enough, you can try to increase it until side effects appear or your symptoms get under control. Perhaps you could also try other drug classes like antidepressants which are commonly used for panic attacks. The symptoms (like the fast heart and respiratory rate) can also be control with a beta blocker like propranolol. Your doctor is the right person to decide which of the above is the best for you and if any of the above cannot be used for various reasons (like drug interactions or comorbidities). I hope you find my answer helpful! You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information. Kind Regards!