difference between Ativan and Klonopin?

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 3:24 pm

Just curious what the difference is. I am taking ativan about .25 to .5 mg's a day for the last month and a half. . I heard klonopin doesnt work as fast like ativan for panic attacks. .

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 1:54 am

You are correct. Here's what I've come to understand. Xanax works the fastest (15 mins. to 1/2 hour) but is out of your system in a couple hours. It is best used for "emergency" situations like flying, public speaking, etc.

Ativan works for most in about 1/2 hr- 45 mins. and is out of the body in 8-12 hours. My understanding is that it's to be used for shorter-term bouts of anxiety like getting through a divorce, loss of job... whatever.

As for klono., it take the longest in having an effect on anxiety (sometimes over an hour). However, this Rx also stays in the blood longer creating a more consistent level of medication. Of the three, this is what Dr.'s tend to prescribe for longer term use.

Naturally, all three are benzo's and therefore have the risk of addiction and habituation. BUT, if used as prescribed under a trustworthy and responsible MD the chances of this lessen. These drugs were made to be used with caution, but used nonetheless... don't be frightened of addiction/habituation if you're using them correctly.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:07 am

i see. I hear klono is better for people with GAD. I have Panic disorder so i think ativan works well for me. I have never taken anything besides ativan and am too scared too. iv heard some stories about xanax that scared me. . Klono doesn't seem that scary to me. Does Klono make you sleepy like the others?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 11:42 am

Klonopin doesn't make you as sleepy as the others once it's in your system and it lasts longer.

Tweety4_9 · Post by **Tweety4_9** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:05 pm

ooh ok. i'd like something that i can take in the day and not feel tired BUT when i get my oanic attacks i like something that works fast!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:38 am

The Klonopin really stops them from happening but it takes about a week or two. You'll feel tired for the first week but then it should taper off.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:29 am

I have tried klonopin and it made me sleepy and just feel plain strange. I have never tried ativan. I take 1 & a 1/2 .25 3x a day, 8am, 2pm, and 1 .25 at 8pm and that gets me through. it doesn't seem to were off after 2 or 3 hours, I have a strange system. Even my Dr. told me it wears off in a few hours but every six hours and I'm still feeling fine. I have some break through anxity, it is a pretty low dose but I can handle it for the most part. there has been times that I have had to take a extra 1/2 .25 but not much.
God Bless

GE · Post by GE » Thu Jul 03, 2008 12:13 pm

Anyone take Klono now? Started it a week ago at low dose, but can't get a handle on anxiety, so he wants me to go up to 1mg at night and .5 am and afternoon. I hope to stabilize this so that I can start the package and be med free *someday*. This is my second bout with needing meds, when anxiety takes hold, I can't eat and my wt drops like crazy, and then i worry, etc etc etc.......yuk

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:24 pm

Hi!
I take low dosages of klonopin, and it has been a godsend for me. It has allowed me to take that first step in dealing with phobias that really complicated my life. I am free to live again. Hope that helps.

Rick

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:35 pm

so is klonopin more like an ssri? I mean i know its a benzo but it sounds like it works so differently than ativan and xanax. Why does it take a week or two to work??