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Switching from Ativan to Klonopin
Hey guys, I just have a couple questions. I’ve been on Ativan about a month (.5mg twice a day) and I’ve developed some tolerance I believe because the anxiety started breaking through again so my Dr is switching me to Klonopin. I’m just curious about the way she’s doing it. She wants me to continue taking the .5 mg Ativan when I wake up and then take a .5 Klonopin at bed time for 2 weeks and then just stop the Ativan altogether. Is that really needed and is it safe? I’m kinda wondering how it’s gonna work since the Ativan is only gonna last me til the evening and there’s gonna be a fairly large gap before I take the Klonopin. Also, is it safe to cut benzos for tapering if needed? The Ativan doesn’t have lines on it so I’m unsure.
Edit* My pharmacist rolled his eyes at my doctor’s plan and said I could just take 2 Klonopin a day and immediately stop the Ativan. Who would you listen to? lol
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@drekavac Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
While I am not on either one of these medications, I did do some research. As you know, we are not medical professional here, and can only relate our experiences. And, as a gentle reminder, each of us are different. How we may respond to medications when combined with other health concerns, our lifestyle, etc. all may be so different from the next person!@ I am glad you came here to ask.
From Drugs.com, I looked up Ativan, and the dose you have been on for the last month is very low based on what they indicate for initial dosing. https://www.drugs.com/ativan.html I see it is used as a anticonvulsant and to ease anxiety disorders.
From Drugs.com, here is information on klonopin: https://www.drugs.com/klonopin.html I notice the klonopin is maninly as an anticonvulsant and for panic disorders.
My thoughts would be to look at what your doctor has diagnosed you with, and present your concerns to the doctor. I can see why your pharmacist may disagree, seeing the low dose of ativan you are taking. I hope you will consider what to do, and let me know what you decide.
Ginger
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3 ReactionsThis was just my experience but I thought I’d share. I switched straight over from Xanax to Valium, no titration. Didn’t bother me at all. In my opinion as long as the doses are equal, 1 mg. Xanax = 20 mgs. Valium, a benzo is a benzo .
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1 ReactionYou should do your own research on times these drugs stay in your system whether they can overlap and the other issue is how you react to a particular drug like klonopin
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1 ReactionWhen you look up Ativan you will see a dose meant for some hospital situation the dose is way too high it is good for sleep if that is the issue you can try it then take holiday or 3 x a week you can look into elavil used for sleep not addictive and if it works in combination great and seroquel is another drug to study