Clonazepam vs ???

[Richaf]

This is directed to people who have taken Clonazepam or other benzos for a long period of time and switched to something else.
I've been taking Clonazepam (Klonopin) 3mg daily since 1988. I hear/read that getting off of it can be tricky and unpleasant. And to be honest, my tolerance level is where 3mg isn't quite cutting it.
My new Primary Care Doc isn't thrilled with the fact that I've been popping 6 1/2 mg tabs daily and wants me to consider switching to a non benzo option.
From what I understand there are many new drugs out there.
Anyone out there that has been through this?
What was your experience?
Thanks for any replies!

[superchick22684]

I've never been on benzos, mainly because my doc isn't huge on prescribing them and I'm concerned about the possibility of getting hooked on them. However, I have been prescribed Buspar (buspirone) since December. Its usually prescribed for general anxiety disorder but my doctor prescribed it to manage my panic disorder and depression. Its an anxiolytic but is not a benzo so does not carry the risk of physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms that a benzo would.

I've heard from some people that Buspar was basically a placebo for them but I've seen some improvement on it. Since starting it I've had fewer panic attacks and overall feel calmer. I'm on a fairly low dosage as well, I take 10 mg three times a day. Best of luck to you with figuring out your meds.

[Richaf]

Hi Superchick and thanks for the reply.
I've heard of Busbar but never really looked into it so, I did before this reply.
One forum that I was looking at showed that Busbar has helped a lot of people. Though many said that for the 1st week or so they felt weird or tired. That said, I doubt if it is a Placebo( its been around since the 70s) as you stated people have told you.
I also know that psych meds affect everyone differently, that is why I posted this. Hopefully to get some good testimonials such as yours!
I will defiantly look closer into Busbar. Hey, even if I can lower my Clonazepam dose while taking something else it would be worth it to me.
Thanks again!

[MainerMikeBrown]

I was on Benzos a number of years ago. But I am no longer on them. Benzos would calm me down for a few hours. But I decided that I want to be on a pill that keeps me calm 24 hours a day. Hence, now I'm on a medication called Clozaril, which is not a Benzo.

[Richaf]

I was on Benzos a number of years ago. But I am no longer on them. Benzos would calm me down for a few hours. But I decided that I want to be on a pill that keeps me calm 24 hours a day. Hence, now I'm on a medication called Clozaril, which is not a Benzo.

How long were you on the Benzo and how was the transition?
Do you have GAD? I have both GAD and panic disorder.
As stated above, I've been on Klonopin since 88. Who knows what if any effect it has on me know. I'd be psyched to hear that it is doing very little for me at this point and I've been dealing!
I'll have to look into Clozaril. Never heard of it.

[gypsylee]

Clozaril is an anti-psychotic, be careful.

[Richaf]

Clozaril is an anti-psychotic, be careful.

Yeah, I researched Clozaril. It doesn't seem like it is for me. I didn't come across any articles in which this drug is used to treat anxiety.