Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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tryingtohealAK 09/25/2015

So my new doc wants to switch me from Ativan to Klonopin. I've been taking 2mg Ativan everyday for 5 years, and I'm supposed to switch to .5mg Klonopin 3x daily. My doc said I won't have any withdrawal symptoms as they are both benzos. She said I could take the Ativan for breakthrough panic, but I'm scared I'm taking too much. She said we will look at a long, slow taper off once the lexapro kicks in (been taking it for 3 days).
How she put it was that I was in crisis and we needed to do whatever we could to get me functioning.
So I'm scared to do an abrupt change...and scared to take Ativan with Klonopin.
Anyone go through something similar? No horror stories please...that would just make the anxiety worse.
Thanks!!

sbiiii 09/25/2015

Just listen to ur doc and everything should be ok. One day at a time and get good rest and u will obercome this.

kaylee79 09/25/2015

Hi there! I wanted to let you know I have had great experiences with Klonopin! Unlike you, I couldn't take Ativan (had some sort of weird reaction to it similar to my reaction to benedryl; too tired to function, no relief from anxiety, crying as it wore off, etc etc), so I can't compare, but I honestly don't know anybody who has ever had a bad experience on Klonopin. It's like me, only calmer. I rarely take them but it is so great just to know they are there. At my worst anxiety, I took a .5mg one day and had great relief. I think you will like the switch!!

BonTemps 09/26/2015

I've taken both [not at the same time] and had good success with each.
Klonopin is better if you need it daily because it has a longer half life..stays in your system longer. A lot of people get by on 0.5 mg twice a day , but do what the doc says. You shouldnt have problems withdrawl because they are similar drugs [ both Benzos as you mentioned].Main difference is how long a dose lasts.

kristawolford 09/26/2015

Hello! I take klonopin daily of .25 on bad days I take 1mg. It is a better benzo to be on everyday because it does have a longer half life. For those extremely bad panic I do have Ativan because it is much more quickly acting. You should do great on it and its good you have the Ativan when you really need it!
How much Lexapro are you on?

tryingtohealAK 09/27/2015

Thanks for the replies.
I am on 10mg lexapro that I started 5 days ago, and am supposed to switch to 20mg on Wednesday.
I'm also taking 12.5 mg ambien ER at night, but I'm still not getting a full nights sleep. Dr said if I wake up in middle of the night to take 2mg Ativan. It just seems like a lot of meds :(

kristawolford 09/27/2015

How are you feeling on the Lexapro? I was on it for awhile but it does help. I just recently switched to Prozac. It may seem like a lot of medicine but its not, I have met and been told about people who take more. Its what works for you in this time. Sending positive vibes your way.

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