Klonopin: An Alternative to Xanax

Greetings!

As I have mentioned in earlier posts in this blog, I became addicted to Xanax unintentionally over time.  After all, no one wakes up one morning and plans to become an addict.  But I do have serious issues with panic disorder and anxiety and needed something to alleviate the stress and nervousness that has plagued me over the years.

Finally, with the help of my psychiatrist and family doctor, I have found relief for both my addiction to Xanax and for my panic attacks.  The alternative medication?  Klonopin.

Before I go any further, I must make a disclaimer that I an NOT a physician and am by no means a medical expert.  I am only sharing my experiences, hoping it might help others who are suffering from Xanax use and anxiety disorders.

Klonopin is also a benzodiazepine, the same class of medications that Xanax, Valium, Librium, and Ativan are labeled under.  But Klonopin works in a much different and safer way.

For one, a user of Klonopin does not experience the highs and lows associated with Xanax.  It works slowly and builds up in the body over time, when taken at the correct dosage.  It is significantly less addictive than Xanax and is much harder to abuse.

Unlike Xanax, it is difficult to use Klonopin as a recreational drug.  Instead of a euphoric high, it simply calms down the overactive nervous system that produces General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and panic attacks.

From my studies, it takes approximately two weeks of consistent use to reach maximum results.  Also, it takes between 45 minutes to an hour to begin working after taking the correct dose.

Furthermore, Klonopin is considerably easier and safer to withdraw from than Xanax, if the user needs to be taken off of benzodiazepines for whatever reason.  There is less of a chance of seizures and convulsions that are associated with Xanax withdrawal.

That said, it is wise to have a doctor help with withdrawing from Klonopin.  As with all medications used to treat mental illnesses, tapering the dosage over time under a doctor’s care is the best route to go.

Since I’ve been on Klonopin, I have had more energy, no desire to abuse the medication, and my anxiety is under control.

If you are currently taking Xanax and having difficulties with the medication, please ask your doctor about Klonopin.

Please be safe when using benzodiazepines, including Klonopin.  While they are not the miracle drugs that one had hoped for, they do serve a purpose when used correctly.  Ask your doctor for further advice.

On a side note, I have also augmented my anxiety disorder treatment with Neurotin (gabapentin) and hydroxyzine.  Neither of these medications are benzodiazepines, but they also have a calming effect on the nervous system.

I hope this information helps.

If you would like to read my account of Xanax addiction, please read Little Blue Footballs: Xanax Addiction (Part 1).

With best of wishes,
Shannon