08-05-2016, 02:48 AM
Hello! Verdict is in. Yay! Now just for a little more "food for thought" for the next question to the next person who might have other questions...
Self-Analysis and speaking from experience here.
Been on benzodiazepines for over 15 years.
Not proud to say it either. Just saying that may have some experience to share.
On that note:
The Benzo-comparison chart is a generalized, conceptualized, marker of data that neither represents plasma metabolites nor full spectrometry. In other words, this chart does not necessarily represent the accurate data for dosing and effect. It is a broad overview of each benzodiazepine. The comparative oral dose is based off their onset action. Which is only based off how quick the onset is for that specific medication. First, by the route of administration and secondly by the onset of it's peak time.
This differs from type A person to type B person.
From experience, have found that what is one person's tale does not always apply to my story board.
The last switch that was 4 years ago. A daily dose of alprazolam 2 mg x 3 a day, and lastly to 4x a day. It came to a point that it was not working! At time, I was prescribed Alprazolam XR and still had issues, due to my metabolism and how quick I would metabolize the medication.
From a dosage of 8 mg a day of alprazolam, I was switched to 4 mg of clonazepam a day. I did not feel well for about the first two weeks, but that is to be expected. Thus, I was given 1 mg of lorazepam at night time. This was only for the first 12 days. Considering the frequency of administration, the diet and all that other stuff. It was not uncomfortable or unmanaged.
A heads up to anyone. If you are on a quick acting medication benzodiazepine or not, and you decide that you are going to do the switch, you have a few options.
1. You can go directly from a fast acting benzodiazepine such as alprazolam to clonazepam or even diazepam - the effects are mildly different from person to person. However, since clonazepam is more of an anti-convulsant, the effects are safer for you in the long run. Specific to coming off Alprazolam. Ask any pharmacologist! They know.
Due to its metabolite availability and half-life with clonazepam, one can get a 24 hour coverage. Never could I say that about alprazolam.
Since you mentioned that your purveyor has Rivotril. You are gravy! All good. No worries. Rivotril (Roche) is hands-down the best on the market.
2. Now another thing you could do, is to taper off the alprazolam to a comfortable daily dose, which is only advisable if you are on a small enough dose that you know you are able to stay at that specific dose and not go up from it. Then, switch to something milder like diazepam. Ativan is not as long acting in the half life area as say, clonazepam. But it will fall under a more faster acting medication than say, clonazepam. So, it is incumbent on knowing your body really well.
There are many horror stories out there and I have to say, do not subscribe to other people's opinion of a medication. Try it and see for yourself. I bet you will find that this will be all gravy, specially if you can start off with the Rivotril. The best of luck to you mate!
Self-Analysis and speaking from experience here.
Been on benzodiazepines for over 15 years.
Not proud to say it either. Just saying that may have some experience to share.
On that note:
The Benzo-comparison chart is a generalized, conceptualized, marker of data that neither represents plasma metabolites nor full spectrometry. In other words, this chart does not necessarily represent the accurate data for dosing and effect. It is a broad overview of each benzodiazepine. The comparative oral dose is based off their onset action. Which is only based off how quick the onset is for that specific medication. First, by the route of administration and secondly by the onset of it's peak time.
This differs from type A person to type B person.
From experience, have found that what is one person's tale does not always apply to my story board.
The last switch that was 4 years ago. A daily dose of alprazolam 2 mg x 3 a day, and lastly to 4x a day. It came to a point that it was not working! At time, I was prescribed Alprazolam XR and still had issues, due to my metabolism and how quick I would metabolize the medication.
From a dosage of 8 mg a day of alprazolam, I was switched to 4 mg of clonazepam a day. I did not feel well for about the first two weeks, but that is to be expected. Thus, I was given 1 mg of lorazepam at night time. This was only for the first 12 days. Considering the frequency of administration, the diet and all that other stuff. It was not uncomfortable or unmanaged.
A heads up to anyone. If you are on a quick acting medication benzodiazepine or not, and you decide that you are going to do the switch, you have a few options.
1. You can go directly from a fast acting benzodiazepine such as alprazolam to clonazepam or even diazepam - the effects are mildly different from person to person. However, since clonazepam is more of an anti-convulsant, the effects are safer for you in the long run. Specific to coming off Alprazolam. Ask any pharmacologist! They know.
Due to its metabolite availability and half-life with clonazepam, one can get a 24 hour coverage. Never could I say that about alprazolam.
Since you mentioned that your purveyor has Rivotril. You are gravy! All good. No worries. Rivotril (Roche) is hands-down the best on the market.
2. Now another thing you could do, is to taper off the alprazolam to a comfortable daily dose, which is only advisable if you are on a small enough dose that you know you are able to stay at that specific dose and not go up from it. Then, switch to something milder like diazepam. Ativan is not as long acting in the half life area as say, clonazepam. But it will fall under a more faster acting medication than say, clonazepam. So, it is incumbent on knowing your body really well.
There are many horror stories out there and I have to say, do not subscribe to other people's opinion of a medication. Try it and see for yourself. I bet you will find that this will be all gravy, specially if you can start off with the Rivotril. The best of luck to you mate!
Perpetual optimism in your self or any organization is a force multiplier. 