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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jms600 on December 31, 2003, at 14:52:50
Hi,
I have noticed that alot of people here say how good Klonopin is in treating anxiety. I have never tried Klonopin, but I have taken Valium to help my anxiety. Its really helped me, and without it, I don't know how I would have coped!
The big downside to taking Valium is that I have grown tolerant to its effects, even though I take it on average only once a fortnight/three weeks. I now have to take around 30mg for it to have any real effect on me.
Which do people find to be the more effective in treating their anxiety - Klonopin or Valium?
I would imagine, that as they are both Benzodiazepines, the effects would be very similar (depending on the dose).
My doctor claims that Klonopin has a higher risk of habit forming than Valium, has anyone found this to be true??
Has anyone found that they have developed less of a tolerance to Klonopin than to Valium, over time?
Thanks for reading!
Posted by brussell on December 31, 2003, at 15:52:30
In reply to Klonopin vs Valium, posted by jms600 on December 31, 2003, at 14:52:50
I use lorazepam (Ativan) to control my anxiety. I usually use some every day, though not always. I have never had a problem with it not working. It also doesn't seem to cause the sedation or cognitive problems that I have heard people associate with Klonopin and Valium.
I personally have never experienced a drug being "habit-forming." Sometimes my anxiety goes away and I quit taking the lorazepam and don't miss it at all. Some people have a terrible time with benzos, though. I really think it depends on the person more than the drug.
I find it interesting that you are developing a tolerance to the Valium, especially considering how infrequently you use it. I haven't heard of this happening before.
Maybe others can advise you on Klonopin (I haven't taken it), but you might have good results with either lorazepam or Xanax. They are effective at much lower dosages than Valium.
Posted by Siraris on December 31, 2003, at 16:59:13
In reply to Re: Klonopin vs Valium, posted by brussell on December 31, 2003, at 15:52:30
Klonopin is a life saver if you need it. If your doctor is suggesting it, I would try it. I have been on 1mg for 7 years and it's honestly a life saver, but it's different for everyone. I worried that it was causing me cognitive issues lately, but it's just anxiety issues and also my ADHD.
Anyways if you have anxiety attacks you can't control Klonopin is fantastic. At least for me.
Posted by Viridis on December 31, 2003, at 23:41:46
In reply to Re: Klonopin vs Valium, posted by Siraris on December 31, 2003, at 16:59:13
Klonopin is a very effective med, and many people take it for years without changing the dose. I've tried Valium and found it quite disorienting -- I don't like it at all. But everyone responds differenty. Overall, the relief from anxiety that benzodiazepines provide almost certainly outweighs other health concerns -- anxiety is extremely hard on your mental and physical systems and benzos have proven safe and effective for decades.
Posted by btnd on January 2, 2004, at 18:31:54
In reply to Klonopin vs Valium, posted by jms600 on December 31, 2003, at 14:52:50
> Which do people find to be the more effective in treating their anxiety - Klonopin or Valium?
For social anxiety - Klonopin is the best benzo.
For GAD - Xanax.
This is what the studies show.
> I would imagine, that as they are both Benzodiazepines, the effects would be very similar (depending on the dose).Similar yes, but not identical. For example, I like Klonopin the best because it doesn't sedate me, it relieves me from anxiety and I can function normally while on it. Valium sedates me more, Xanax lasts too short (IMO).
> My doctor claims that Klonopin has a higher risk of habit forming than Valium, has anyone found this to be true??I'd say that Valium is right after Xanax when it comes to habit-forming benzos. Klonopin has long half-life and it works for a whole day.
> Has anyone found that they have developed less of a tolerance to Klonopin than to Valium, over time?Been using Klonopin for around 9 months, 2mg/day for social anxiety. No need to increase the dose, no tolerance, no withdrawal problems when I stopped using it. YMMV
Take care
Posted by theo on January 3, 2004, at 12:22:29
In reply to Re: Klonopin vs Valium » jms600, posted by btnd on January 2, 2004, at 18:31:54
This is the end of the thread.
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