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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by IsoM on March 25, 2002, at 20:15:33
I have from time to time, used benzodiazepines, but the only two I know much about are Xanax (alprazolam) & Ativan, sublingual (lorazepam). I had heard that Ativan was much milder in effect than Xanax but when I've taken Xanax, I feel alert, clear-headed but calm & relaxed. When I take Ativan (very infrequently), I'm sssooo drowsy, a little goofy, & feel more like a drunk - I'm definitely not as in charge of my faculities as I am with Xanax.
Anyone's opinion? Is the comparison I've previsouly heard correct even? Or do diff folks react diff to diff benzos. Hoo boy, I'm sitting here with my eyes half-closed. Don't want to sleep but I feel like what a nice drunk must feel like to many. I'm uninhibited enough to go put on a chicken suit & run up & down the street clucking. Oh, wait... I guess I'd do that most times anyway. Well, I'm closer to doing it now than before. Anyone want to join me?
Posted by andyboy on March 25, 2002, at 22:32:38
In reply to To Those with Frequent Flyer Miles on Benzos, posted by IsoM on March 25, 2002, at 20:15:33
I am on Klonopin (clonazepam), a very popular benzo, and yes for the first month or so, I felt "drunk" and "disinhibited", which was kind of a relief considering how tense and fearful I was for the 4 years previous to taking them. After this time, the giddiness, slurred speech, ataxia wore off, but the theraputic benefits have stayed the same. I repeat STAYED THE SAME. (This is directed to all those who swear that tolerance develops. We'll see...)
Posted by IsoM on March 26, 2002, at 0:04:08
In reply to Re: To Those with Frequent Flyer Miles on Benzos » IsoM, posted by andyboy on March 25, 2002, at 22:32:38
I never did feel sedation with Xanax (alprazolam) - just calmness, but Ativan (lorazopam) sure puts me to sleep. If I wanted to use it for sleep, it would be fine, but I was given Ativan for calming me for some root canal work I need. But I find I'm so zonked, I couldn't possibly drive home on them. They weren't supposed to make me like that which is why I'm curious. My doctor distrusts Xanax but I'm going to have to get them from him as Ativan just won't do.
Posted by christophrejmc on March 26, 2002, at 1:45:44
In reply to Only Need to Use Benzos rarely » andyboy, posted by IsoM on March 26, 2002, at 0:04:08
> My doctor distrusts Xanax
Why?
I get the same thing from Xanax -- no noticeable sedation (unless I take a few), and no adverse effects on cognition. I can't wait until Xanax ER!
Maybe you could try to swallow the Ativan instead of taking it sublingually?
Posted by IsoM on March 26, 2002, at 3:41:16
In reply to Re: benzometrics » IsoM, posted by christophrejmc on March 26, 2002, at 1:45:44
Yep, Chris, swallowed it instead already & with food in my stomach too.
My doctor's so nice but hard=headed. He's read too many papers telling of Xanax being more addictive than other benzos. Nonetheless, I'm not going to be on them steadily, so I'll go back & strong arm him tll he gives me some. That's what's nice about him - if I'm stubborn, he'll generally smile & give in to humour me. He doesn't with other patients but he does trust my judgeent.
Posted by Zo on March 26, 2002, at 3:43:50
In reply to To Those with Frequent Flyer Miles on Benzos, posted by IsoM on March 25, 2002, at 20:15:33
What a great line. Hey, I'd compare my Benzo miles with you anyday!
And yes, they are as different as. . .apples are to oranges. Any benzo that gives you *clarity*, that's your drug, honey. . . .Ativan is, for the nonce, mine.
Zo
Posted by fachad on March 26, 2002, at 9:25:17
In reply to Re: To Those with Frequent Flyer Miles on Benzos » IsoM, posted by Zo on March 26, 2002, at 3:43:50
Zo,
I'm trying to switch from Ambien, which costs too much and wears off too quickly, to a cheaper, generic benzo that will keep me asleep all night.
My pdoc is fairly open - but there are SOOOO many different benzos and to try them one by one would take forever.
So if you've taken quite a few, and maintain that they are as different from each other as "apples and oranges", could you please share some of your experiences as to the qualitative differences between the different benzos?
From textbook descriptions, they talk as if all benzos are the same and the only thing that differentiates them is onset, half-life, and active metabolites. They imply that there are not qualitative differences, only quantitative differences. If your experience is that they are different, that would be really good info for us PSBers to have.
I tried temezapam, and it does nothing. NOTHING. I could take 2 15mg tablets with my OJ for breakfast and not even notice the whole day.
I'm thinking of trying Ativan or estazolam (ProSom) next. Do you have any suggestions as to what the best benzo would be for sleep maintenance insomnia? I see my pdoc on Thursday (3/28), so if you could provide any input before then it would be really appreciated.
Thanks.
-fachad
> What a great line. Hey, I'd compare my Benzo miles with you anyday!
>
> And yes, they are as different as. . .apples are to oranges. Any benzo that gives you *clarity*, that's your drug, honey. . . .Ativan is, for the nonce, mine.
>
> Zo
Posted by Zo on March 26, 2002, at 18:13:41
In reply to Zo - Could you Summarize Your Benzo Experiences » Zo, posted by fachad on March 26, 2002, at 9:25:17
Posted by andyboy on March 26, 2002, at 19:22:29
In reply to one word: KLONOPIN (nm) » fachad, posted by Zo on March 26, 2002, at 18:13:41
Posted by fachad on March 26, 2002, at 20:09:44
In reply to one word: KLONOPIN (nm) » fachad, posted by Zo on March 26, 2002, at 18:13:41
Why Klonopin?
Why not Ativan, or ProSom, or Doral?
It seems like a short acting compound would make more sense because of minimized possibility of daytime sedation.
But I HAVE heard all these things about the magical properties of Klonopin. So what are the magical properties of Klonopin? Why is it different from any other benzo with a comparable half-life?
And if I did take Klonopin, how much do you need for insomnia? I read that the average dose for social phobia is 2.5 mg/day.
How does Klonopin differ from Ativan?
Sorry I have so many questions, but this information is REALLY hard to come by. Just about anything else I can research in a medical library. But subjective impressions of benzo differences...that’s not easy info to come by.
Any comments would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
fachad
Posted by Mr.Scott on March 26, 2002, at 22:10:02
In reply to To Those with Frequent Flyer Miles on Benzos, posted by IsoM on March 25, 2002, at 20:15:33
No question. I've the same experience as you with Xanax versus other benzos.Xanax was almost approved by the FDA for the treatment of Depression, so I don't think anyone should doubt it has unique qualities. To lump all benzo's together is like lumping all SSRI's together...Good for Managed Care booklets and thats about it!
To me Xanax is the the single greatest Emotional painkiller on the planet. Nothing is better. It can can take me from the depths to a pretty good place in 25 minutes.
Ativan is more of an simple calm me down drug for me than a feel good lifesaver drug. Same with Klonopn and the rest. Nothing could get me out of hell faster than than Xanax. Haven't used it in many years.
Scott
Posted by IsoM on March 27, 2002, at 0:12:43
In reply to Re: To Those with Frequent Flyer Miles on Benzos » IsoM, posted by Mr.Scott on March 26, 2002, at 22:10:02
It's good to hear from you, Scott. I know you've been steadily posting oof & on but hadn't 'talked' with you for a while.
Personally, I'd like to be back on Xanax again, not continuously, but a few times a week as needed. But doctors are reluctant, & for me, it's not crucial. I've got strategies that work fairly well most time so perhaps it's better not to have to rely on them. Xanax really doesn't make me any sleepier than normal, which is unusual considering my narcolepsy.
Posted by Zo on March 27, 2002, at 4:39:14
In reply to ZO: WHY KLONOPIN? » Zo, posted by fachad on March 26, 2002, at 20:09:44
> Why is it different from any other benzo with a comparable half-life?
Because it just is. JohnX2 could probably come up with the science of it--and where is Cam?--but I, stuck in my right brain for all of eternity, have to rely on my pdoc's vast experience and knowledge and interest in the cutting edge of meds. . .and my own bodily experience as well. .plus all I hear too, like you. I am old. I am very smart. .. . Can't you just take my word for it? [insert emoticon for wry humor]
I've been on most, not all, of the benzos. Xanax was pretty great, but it was also all I had for survival, in the '80s.
And I was in a hurry last night, and you seemed to need the info like now. . .There's just something about Klono that actually improves cognition for those who don't get ADD-hung over, like me. . .and most don't.
She of the stream of consciousness,
hope this in any way helped,
Zo
Posted by Zo on March 29, 2002, at 0:14:36
In reply to Re: BECAUSE I SAID SO. » fachad, posted by Zo on March 27, 2002, at 4:39:14
but write me and we'll keep up the Q&A!Warmly,
Zosee mt post on PBA or Social for details / email address
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