I didn't take my Xanax for six days and I was in a terrible way. I was trying to quit, but couldn't with all of the things going on in my life. I was taking 0.5mgs of Xanax three times a day and she put me on Klonopin 0.5mgs three times a day. I still feel nauseous and have to use the restroom as soon as I wake up in the morning. My stomach just feels so messed up from nerves. Also, my appetite is not back to normal. Any thoughts? Oh and she switched me from Cymbalta to Pristiq four weeks ago and I was also wondering if my body is still not used to that and it may be aiding in my anxiety. Thank you!
Should I have withdrawal switching from Xanax to Klonopin?
Question posted by TheAnnamal on 8 Oct 2018
Last updated on 25 November 2019
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.
Answers
scottishknight
28 Oct 2018
Hi, I have severe panic, & was on 2mg Xanax 3xs day for many yrs. I also take Promethazine for stomach issues. I actually went off my Xanax by choice, & indeed it was the worst 45 days of my life, as no doctor would help due to my panic attacks & had no insurance. Long story short I was put on a maintence dose of Klonopin, which I'm forced to endure withdrawal from now. Anyway more straight to the point, Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, & Valium are all basically the same, as in the fact, you shouldn't go thru withdrawal from going from Xanax to Klonopin. Xanax does stay in your system longer... a longer half life, but with the switch, you may possibly feel a little shakier but nothing major like you describe. My only thought would be is that considering you were off the Xanax for 6 days, without the Klonopin, your body is trying to recover, however the Klonopin should kick in rather quickly & your appetite should return along with stomach issues subsiding. Mine worked within 24-48 hours. However, I'm not familiar with the Cymbalta or Pristiq... could possibly be that the side effects from that are causing you problems. ~Hope this helps a little, & best wishes for a speedy recovery! I can honestly say, I've been there, & hope the best for you
BoozeBaron
25 Nov 2019
Everything you say is correct accept you have the drugs backwards with their half lives. Xanax is very short (in out or peaks very fast. Whereas Klonopin is 12-14 hours vs 4-6-8 hours with Xanax.
Re: withdrawals. I’ve been in both since 1988 suffering from severe oanic attacks (led to agoraphobia) but after about 5 yrs of counseling and pretty sure at age 19 I wasn’t having a heart attack AND the Xanax worked very well, I too decided to come off but asked for a “back up drug”
That was easier to taper off of? They have me Klonopin and said they were “cousins”. I was a heavy drinker back then (self medicating the anxiety) but they are not 1:1 in any way!!! As soon as I ran out of Xanax I went in a 6 day drinking spree on my boat with friends thinking I could drink now and just stop the RX occasionally taking the Klonopin (don’t recall if I started with the other straight away or after the 6 days) but my gawd the “rebound” and psychological games your mind goes thru (esp at night sleeping for me at least) was the worst ever. I had creatures that not even Wes Craven could dream up gnashing at me in these nightmares and attacks. It lasted about a month but been on Klonopin ever since now I’m away on holiday and Benzo’s are considered “evil” and outdated but are the only thing I’ve found that truly work for me. So held the course but now am out of Xanax but have 2mg Klonopin laying around that I’m trying to counter the Xanax with. Woke in a pool of sweat today. Hence me finding this thread. Everybody’s systems are wired differently and respond differently. I just pray I can make it 4-5 more days and then manage the 1000 mile drive home? Good luck to anyone who has this hell placed on them. Read books!! On the topic. I found that helped hearing others knew what I was going thru coz today’s Docs don’t ahd want you on som P137 blocker that’ll fry your brain. Ugh! Cheers
dmok11
27 Oct 2018
The switch from Cymbalta should not still be causing you withdrawal symptoms after a month. I am also on Xanax and have been on and off for the last five years. I find it terribly irresponsible that your doctor didn't put you on a tapering regimen. I've never been addicted to my Xanax and therefore could always quit cold turkey but I am well aware of the dangers that arise when people that regularly take Xanax and don't taper off. Perhaps you should ask your doctor if you could still taper off when starting the Klonopin?
Related topics
klonopin, xanax, anxiety, panic disorder, withdrawal
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.