I have been on Clonazepam for 16 years for anxiety, and it seems like I have developed a tolerance to it (Shocking after just 16 years, I know... ) Ativan was an unpleasant replacement. It made me very lethargic and I had to take it like 3-4 times a day, not as needed like with Clonazepam. I also experienced amnesia within the first 3 days use it. Is Xanax a viable alternative or will i likely already have a high tolerance to it because of the long-term usage of Clonazepam?
I have been on Klonopin for 16 yrs and developed a tolerance is Xanax a viable alternative?
Question posted by Quackvictim on 10 June 2012
Last updated on 30 August 2018
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
8 Answers
slhook
29 Aug 2018
I have been on both Klonopin and Xanax before and what I would suggest is going into your psychiatrist because that is the correct doctor that should be prescribing those type of medications not a primary doctor or any other kind because they more than likely do not understand the pros and cons of benzodiazepines which both of those are obviously. switching to Xanax might be the trick for you because everybody reacts differently with their chemistry to different medications and switching might make the Xanax more effective for you. I agree with what others have said that Xanax is designed to only be a short term solution while they have you on antidepressants that also address anxiety along with depression. I have been on Xanax now for over a year but I do take a low-dose and I also do take an antidepressant with him and do great on both of them.
Like someone else said as well when the problem starts is when you are starting to crave the affects of the Xanax and then begin to misuse it. If you did not start to see that with the klonopin then I doubt you will see that inclination to abuse the Xanax because they’re very similar. I agree with what somebody said before me I would just go into your psychiatrist and just let them know that your tolerance has built up being on that many years which they know happens and is there another benzodiazepine that you could switch to that might be more effective now and let them suggest which one. That way it doesn’t look like you’re coming in and seeking Xanax.
susan27
29 Aug 2018
why do people respond on this like they are know-it-alls? it's annoying I must say. Even doctors don't fully understand how these medications work. For some people, it is a matter of life and death and a benzo is the necessary drug for certain forms of relief.
I personally have been on .25 mg for 25 years.
do you really think I'm going to go through the horrible discontinuation and withdrawals for .25 of a medication?
So, please, contribute to making this a kinder world and exercise tolerance and acceptance.
WildcatVet
30 Aug 2018
Doctors HAVE become more aware of the long term effects of these medications... hence the new guidelines.
WildcatVet
28 Aug 2018
The current recommendation is that the benzodiazepines only be used short term (4-6 weeks) while the patient is adjusting to an appropriate anxiolytic like an antidepressant or buspirone or for the treatment of an acute panic attack.
Long term use can lead to habituation, increased anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, memory loss, and many physical ailments.
susan27
29 Aug 2018
in an ideal world, I'm sure it is
susan27
28 Aug 2018
I have been on for 25 years and am just developing a tolerance now
You just never know
Inactive
11 June 2012
I suggest you read the links I am providing below. Since you did not list your ager group (shich is important in administering any drug) or other history, I believe it is important to read the prescribing info completly. If you have any other questions regarding this I suggest you contact the prescribing physician... Mary
https://www.drugs.com/pro/xanax.html
https://www.drugs.com/pro/clonazepam.html
Inactive
10 June 2012
Hello Quackvictim. Ativan and Xanax are almost identical in nature. As to tolerance no. Xanax is a fast acting drug, your body will be asking for another dose in a few hours after taking it. (just as you were when taking Ativan) Regards pledge
endlessPred
11 June 2012
Sorry pledge, but that only happens with addiction. When taken on a need basis that response does not exist. my experience, my husbands, and others I have spoken with have found this true. Having just talked with my therapist about this, he was very careful to explain an addicted response from a therapeutic. The drug does respond quickly, maybe tweny minutes.
Using Xanax needs to be done as the physician directs and you will be fine. We get in trouble when we self medicate.
Inactive
11 June 2012
I am afraid you are incorrect. It happens as I explained. It has nothing todo with addiction. The drug wears off and is replaced. Be it for the short term or long one. As to "adiction" It depends how one defines the term.
endlessPred
10 June 2012
The half life for Xanax is ten hours. At that point it is not very effective. Though there are lingering effects. I agree with hippie chick that you need to talk with your physician and carefully go through your reasons for change and your expectations. The psychiatrist is the expert. A good conversation will come of this with that doctor. Take notes with you.
Inactive
10 June 2012
As always ... thanks.
Peace sister,
Sweet
Inactive
10 June 2012
I hope a psychiatrist was the prescribing physician for your clonazepam. Being a psych patient for 43 years with GAD, panic attack disorder among others, I was prescribed clonazepam every 12 hours and it has nicely controlled my symptoms for many, many years. I have never heard of a psych patient given clonazepam on an as needed basis. It kind of defeats the purpose of the medication. I was told that, taken on scheduled times, I wouldn't experience the debilitating symptoms Amy longer. That is true.
Clonazepam has a very long half life and also stays quite a while in your system, relieving symptoms for days before you notice anxiety or panic. One the other hand, if you only have symptoms when you experience certain stressors, for a short period of time, a short acting benzodiazapine might be okay. I dunno. But I would talk to your shrink about going on it every day to alleviate symptoms. Xanax is short term, clonazepam is long term ... you've been on it 16 years for a reason.
I definitely would have a heart to heart with my doc. Just sayin',
Peace,
Sweet Hippie
balbanese
10 June 2012
It could be an alternative and yes your tolerance may be an issue. Best bet is to address this with the prescribing physician and let him/her come up with the alternatives. Best not to suggest the alternative yourself let the Doc take the first step. Hope this helps.
Related topics
ativan, klonopin, xanax, anxiety, light anesthesia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, clonazepam, tolerance
Further information
- Ativan uses and warnings
- Klonopin uses and warnings
- Xanax uses and warnings
- Clonazepam uses and warnings
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.