Ativan shortage

Posted by missoreo @missoreo, Aug 30, 2023

Hey all,
So another shortage has hit where I am. Just so happens to be my Ativan that y take twice a day. I called my dr, he said to switch just switch to klonopin. Same dose, same time. I’m alittle nervous. Is just switching medications abruptly common? I took my last Ativan this morning. Thanks 🙂

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.... there is quite a bit of info. on Internet under a search for:
Ativan vs Klonopin
Just wondering, as you are, if "the same dose" means the same effect?

Perhaps your pharmacist could be of help?

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I made the switch this year. I was moved from Xanax to Klonopin. I believe that Xanax is a bit more fast acting. But so far, Klonopin is doing the job. I did not experience any withdrawal symptoms symptoms. Hope this helps. What I read is that you should not stop Klonopin abruptly and that it would require a taper over time. I feel less anxious on Klonopin.

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@lisajade4mayo

I made the switch this year. I was moved from Xanax to Klonopin. I believe that Xanax is a bit more fast acting. But so far, Klonopin is doing the job. I did not experience any withdrawal symptoms symptoms. Hope this helps. What I read is that you should not stop Klonopin abruptly and that it would require a taper over time. I feel less anxious on Klonopin.

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I also made an easy switch from Xanax 1mg to Klonopin 1 mg - the only difference I felt was Xanax was faster acting and wore off more quickly as well. Klonopin was a smoother, longer acting benzo. It helped my sleep for many years but I was told by a new psychiatrist that it was a dangerous drug to take long term so I am almost tapered off. It has been really difficult and my sleep was terrible until I was prescribed Remeron. I think I am now ready to stop the 0.125mg I currently take - it was more like a safety net than having any real affect.

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Klonapin/Rivotril: Clonazepam. Long story, been on it almost 20 yrs low dose. 2019 Dr.told me take last five pills broken in half over 10 days then none,back on Zoloft. Didnt work. Back on Zoloft gave me heart pounding at night, no Clonazepam the shakes etc etc. Pharmacist said I was not addicted to it but body dependent on it.. family dr. took over from psychiatrist many years before and just gave me 90 pills every 3 months. Now off Zoloft completely and low does of Clonazepam/Klonapin for life; we can get "addicted" to many meds, even coffee/cigarettes.... alcohol... was never every explained to me all those years ago... by dr., by pharmacist. Were not told back then and din't question. All I can say , to my adult children, is check out meds prescribed and then decide whether or not to take them, but of course, sometimes have no choice. Best of luck. J.

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@lacy2

Klonapin/Rivotril: Clonazepam. Long story, been on it almost 20 yrs low dose. 2019 Dr.told me take last five pills broken in half over 10 days then none,back on Zoloft. Didnt work. Back on Zoloft gave me heart pounding at night, no Clonazepam the shakes etc etc. Pharmacist said I was not addicted to it but body dependent on it.. family dr. took over from psychiatrist many years before and just gave me 90 pills every 3 months. Now off Zoloft completely and low does of Clonazepam/Klonapin for life; we can get "addicted" to many meds, even coffee/cigarettes.... alcohol... was never every explained to me all those years ago... by dr., by pharmacist. Were not told back then and din't question. All I can say , to my adult children, is check out meds prescribed and then decide whether or not to take them, but of course, sometimes have no choice. Best of luck. J.

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I certainly did not understand the dependance issue until my new (very young) psychiatrist told me I had to taper off. Primary care doctors just stopped prescribing benzodiazepines. I considered 1 mg a low dose and had not increased it in 15 years. Only at bedtime and was it a miracle for my insomnia, anxiety and night sweats. I have had a hard time with sleep since getting to about .375mg. I've taken it slowly. I'm thankful the Remeron is working for sleep - it is an old tricyclic antidepressant but dose for sleep is very low.

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My doctor just put me on Klonopin from Ativan. I don't really notice any difference. Both are benzo's and supposedly Klonopin is easier to come off of than Ativan.

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