What to suggest? My Dr. Switched me on to Klonopin (clonazepam) from alprazolam which I took .5 mg for 7 yrs 2x a day, most recently 3x day.Today was my first go with the clonazepam .5 mg 2x a day. I was very nervous and apprehensive as you could imagine switching medicines after being on one so long. After the first dose, the hardest part for me was thinking about the side effects and of course taking only 2 pills instead of 3 with the Xanax. Had nausea off and on as well as the dizziness, dry mouth, blurry vision. I couldn't make it to 12 hrs before taking the other .5 mg as my body was feeling very uncomfortable probably due to being used to taking the Xanax by then. Is it OK to take it sooner? I took the other dose at 10 hrs. I was really scared how I felt and thought Id pass out. I have been doing much better since this 2nd dosage and only hope the progress continues. Anyone have success and encouragement? Thanks!
Switching from Xanax to clonazepam?
Question posted by Baseballguy16 on 18 Aug 2018
Last updated on 7 May 2021
11 Answers
Same happened to me. My doc lowered me from 3mg Klonopin daily to 2mg. I just got my regular dosage back from new doc to 3mg daily, and told her I have been wanting to try out Xanax XR 3mg or 4mg for best effectiveness !
All of the symptoms you were feeling were most likely from the severe anxiety you were feeling. Both Xanax and Klonopin are Benzos, used to treat anxiety and panic. Klonopin is longer lasting, therefore would give more relief that lasts for more hours. Klonopin also tends to feel stronger at the same levels as Xanax. Just make sure you are aware it can be more difficult to come off of Klonopin when going below 1 mg, though it is tough with all Benzos, as the chemicals in the brain adapt to those drugs. Don't worry, you can come back after getting off of Benzos but the process becomes more difficult depending on how long you are on the medications and how much you are taking. Since Klonopin lasts longer it would be preferable to be on Xanax before attempting to discontinue use.
I saw my new Psychiatrist for the 2nd time 4 days ago. I was on 6 medications lol for 8 years, after I had my nervous breakdown. Im only 45 but anyway, we dropped the Ambien and Xanax. I was taking Xanax 1mg, 4x a day. Now I take Clonazepam 2mg, 2x a day. She said it would be a little different because I am physiologically used to taking them several times a day. BUT I take 2 around 8am and 2 around 8pm. And I do not fell the hellish in between, sweaty, heart racing, ear ringing rebound panic that I did when the Xanax wore off and it wasn't time to take it again. Also... I'm trying to come of seroquel so she prescribed bupropion 150 mg a day. I will start that in about a week once I become accustomed to the clonazepam. And well see how it goes. I think the best thing to do is remember you're basically getting the benzos still. There will be an adjustment period... its really just our brains causing what's commonly known as "anticipatory anxiety"...
we expect it so it makes it worse. We get jittery and anxious for that next dose. I'm only on day 4. Just do the best you can. I do get a little psyched out but I just have to breathe and remember... it'll get better. And you're not alone.
I’m just very curious if anyone had sever side effects switching over.. I’ve been on Alprazolam 2mgs 3x’s a day which was upped over 20 yrs and hasn’t helped but my dr. Said I could never get off it due to the fact I’ve been on a high dose for urs so all I do is feel withdrawal symptoms when I need the 2nd or 3rd pill... I’m know seeing a psychiatrist That just wants me to drop my Xanax and start taking clonazepam 2mgs once in the am and once in the pm but in between take Buspirone 10mgs twice a day in between... it has me very nervous doing this due to the fact the high dose of Xanax I’ve been on it being 20 yrs... The psychiatrist Told me I should t feel nothing it be like taking a Xanax it’s hard to believe that... can anyone help and tell me what their experience was...
That’s consider a HIGH dose.. 2mg Xanax Twice daily! Consider switching to XR it’s way better no ups or downs they would give u 6 mg XR with u switching from klonopin to XR xanax
I am very thankful a psychiatrist I saw a long time ago switched me from Xanax to Klonopin. Klonopin has a much longer half life and you don't feel withdrawal symptoms as quick as you do with Xanax. I've also found that I am less moody with Klonopin than Xanax.
Hi to EVERYONE on this particular chain of questions and answers. My question to all those that are switching from Xanax to Klonopin , except the person that though their tolerance to Xanax was building up, why are you switching inthe fitst place? Were you not having success with the Xanax therapy? I'm of the mindset that if a certain medicine is working for me than why try something else. Is this a doctor's advice? I just don't see the need to put yourself through all the anxiety that switching from one working anxiety med to another anxiety med that doesn't have a track record for you and many times the switch brings on MORE anxiety. It defines logic to me. Oh... by the way, my doctor also tried switching me from Xanax to Klonopin too (at my request because I heard so many negative things about Xanax) but it was a total nightmare. I've been on Xanax for 19 years and am doing just fine.
So the bottom line is why put yourself through this "change" if the one medication is doing it's intended job for you?
Best of luck to everyone and best regards,
Kevinb1953
I am switching from alprazolam 1.5mg 2x/day to clonazepam .5mg 2x a day. I used to take the Xanax (alprazolam) at noon and 6 pm. I now take the clonazepam 12 hours apart. I really didn’t have much in terms of side effects — a little bit of sleepiness and no appetite. I needed .5mg alprazolam around 3 pm and then another around 7 pm (I’m on Day 1). My doctor said it was ok to take it for breakthrough anxiety at least until I was used to the clonazepam. So far I feel the clonazepam controls the anxiety much better than the alprazolam — much longer period of calm. If need-be you could take a half or whole Benadryl to ease breakthrough anxiety when switching. I’m most afraid of night time because before I started Xanax I would wake up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding and be awake all night long.
Hi, I know it has been some time since your original post but want to see how you were making out. I just moved and have a new doctor that is switching me from 1mg twice a day of Xanax to same dose of Klonopin. I’m only on day 2 and my anxiety is through the roof, so I am curious if you have had success and also what times do you take the Klonopin and does it make you tired. Thank you and good luck to you also
I am in the same boat moving from Xanax to Klonopin was wondering the same, how everyone made out doing the switch,
Try the XR version first!
Clonazepam is good stuff especially if you get the right generic brand. What brand did you receive if you don't mind me asking. Klonopin is much better in for longer term and also doesn't have the rebound anxiety that comes with xanax.
Thank you GSH76. I have Clonazepam. I am 5 days in and still dealing with the nausea especially in the morning. Its awful and hope it subsides. Not as dizzy as I was a few days ago.
OMG I’m scared. Tomorrow I stop taking the Xanax I’ve been getting x4/day for years to Klonopin x4/day. I’m going to be getting .5 Klonopin but I can’t remember if my Xanax was .5 or 1. Every time I’ve had a med change of any kind in my life (I’m now 70) it’s been a disaster for weeks and I land on the psych ward. The Xanax is totally discontinued as of today. I thought I’d get a little Xanax for the first week or so but no. What should I expect? This change is happening because I’m in a current anxiety/panic attack going on 4 days..
Klonopin is actually better than Xanax. After, a few days you should start to feel better. You may have a bit of a withdrawal since, the dose has changed. It’s not a high dose to change from. But- if, you are sensitive to benzodiazepines withdrawal like myself. Give it about a week or two for your body to readjust. The fact Klonopin has a longer life it may actually benefit you in the long run.
I wish you great success with the change.
Thank you much for your message! And i appreciate your insights and encouragement! Yes ive had some withdrawal for sure. Im on day two and side effects not as bad today. Can only hope for better results tomorrow and yes Ive been hearing that this RX is better than Xanax from what people been saying. Thank you!
Anytime! I know it’s not easy to switch benzodiazepines. I myself have a high sensitivity the smallest dose change. I have been on Klonopin on and off for many years. It helps my panic disorder best for me out of all the comparable drugs in it’s class.
Take care!
Keeps my panic disorder at bay* sorry typos
I think it’s an excellent move to go from Xanax to Klonopin when taking for long term. Klonopin stays in your system so much longer than Xanax so you can take lower doses for longer periods of time. One thing to note is that Klonopin doesn’t work right away (unless you take the ODTs.) It is most effective when taken consistently over a minimum of several days. Even if you start to feel better on any given day, you need to take it as prescribed to keep up its effectiveness. You should notice a lot of improvement in your symptoms after another day or two.
I had a great experience on Klonopin. It made me very social and really helped me squash the panic attacks. I eventually moved to Effexor and found I didn’t need Klonopin anymore. But, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who needs to take a benzodiazepine.
Oh, and to answer your question, it’s ok to take it a little earlier but I wouldn’t make a habit of that. Like I said, Klonopin works best when taken regularly on a consistent schedule. You’ll get the most benefit from having a constant, level amount in your system. Best of luck!!
Thank you so much for your insight! Yes its been quite a bumpy road so far but hope it gets better. Im taking for panic episodes and do feel i need to take it earlier. There's no danger in that? Im glad you had a good experience. Ive only taken one .5 dose today which is day 2.
How did it go? I am in the same situation. Doc is switching me from 1mg 2x per day of Xanax XR to 1mg of Klonopin 2x a day due to the fact that I have been taking Xanax for so long we suspect tolerance and do not wanna up the dose... Just wondering how you did on the transition...
Great answer! Was looking for this, I am also switching to Xanax to Klonopin. I tried Effexor and it was the worst antidepressant I've ever taken - I couldn't sleep at all, was hyped all the time (I HAD to clean my whole pantry at 11pm and was hyper focused for example). I had such high hopes on taking it, everyone had nice things to say about Effexor. The only combo that worked for me is Agomelatine + Lamotrigine + Trazodone AND a Benzo. I have such a hard time on finding the best treatment. My depression is pretty much gone but anxiety is 12 of of 10, I'm literally shaking all the time and the brain fog is unbearable.
Well have you ever tried XR version at 3mg ? Compared to klonopin
Related topics
klonopin, xanax, benzodiazepine withdrawal, panic disorder, alprazolam, clonazepam
Further information
- Klonopin uses and warnings
- Xanax uses and warnings
- Alprazolam uses and warnings
- Clonazepam uses and warnings
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