I'm in the process of switching to Klonopin from Xanax XR & Lorazepam using a step-out method. From

15 Nov 2009

It is different for everyone. My personal experience with Klonopin was that it made me very depressed, and that it didn't help to cover panic attacks unless I took over 4 mg. Xanax works at just 1mg. So no, they don't feel the same for most people, but it's possible it will work well for you, maybe better.

Tapering is always difficult. If it gets too overwhelming, you can always ask your doc to taper you more slowly, or that you prefer Xanax because it's more effective. Don't fear the tapering... it's just a trial, and you can always go back and change it if it doesn't work.