Ativan vs Klonopin

[Jessica_]

So I have been taking 1/4 -1/2 of a clonazepam (klonopin) and I thought it was helping quite a bit. It just calms my body down. Now that my night surges are back the clonazepam doesn’t seem to help the surges. My HR still goes high. Do you think I just need to up my dose or try something else? I’ve heard Ativan is a little stronger but doesn’t last as long. 

Any suggestions? 

I need help with anxiety and surges and I don’t tolerate SSRI. 

[jklass44]

If the Clonazepam is no longer working I would contact your doctor or specialist and discuss either an increase or perhaps trying something else instead. They would know best. 

I tried Ativan a few years ago and felt like absolutely poop the day after. Felt like I had been hit over the head and couldn’t see straight. Only tried another two times after that with the same result before I said no thanks, never again!

Best of luck to you. 

[Pistol]

I take 0.5 mg of Ativan as needed for sleep but also when I get anxious or have a surge. It does not help with surges (I guess I would have to take a stronger dose) but does help with sleep. I have absolutely no side effects from it. But I don't think it is good to take it routinely because it looses it's effectiveness after a while and may cause dependence. 

[Clb75]

Klonopin causes extreme dependence and can be difficult to wean off. This class of drug loses effectiveness quickly so you have to keep raising the dose to get an effect, which causes dependence. Some people have tried Clonidine for their surges or hyperpots, maybe you could talk to your doctor about that or something similar? 

[WinterSown]

I take 2mg diazapam/valium as needed, I start by taking half a pill which is usually enough to take off the edge of whatever is trashing me at the moment. It's a very cheap drug too so if you are going to switch your relaxants valium is very affordable.

 

 

[Steph2397]

I would be careful with Ativan. I haven't taken it myself, so I'm not an expert, but Hospice gives this to my 95-year-old dying grandmother to calm her down because they know it won't matter if it messes up her body anyway, she just needs to be comfortable. It's really strong and knocks her right out. I would definitely consult a few doctors on this before you try. 

[bombsh3ll]

I take 5mg diazepam as needed. I try not to take it every day to avoid developing tolerance. I would speak to your doctor about a change even if only temporary and then you may find the tolerance you have built up has gone away after a break. It would probably be better to alternate with a non-benzodiazepine for this purpose as tolerance to one benzodiazepine usually means you need higher doses of the next, as they act at the same receptors. I can't take beta blockers, but would a short acting one maybe be an option for you?

B x

[Jessica_]

Thanks guys! I see my neuro in November so I will see what he thinks. I try to only take the klonopin 3-4 x a week so I don’t build a tolerance but maybe I have anyway. I wish there was a drug that would stop the surges. So bummed!

[Pistol]

Before I was diagnosed (and properly medicated) I had terrible surges that often would end up in syncope or seizures. They tried many POTS meds and the tachy and syncope eventually lessened but the surges only improved after - in addition to all of the meds - I had to stop working and now am able to lie down and rest as soon as they start. This I could not do while working and that exacerbated them. I will still surge if I have to leave the house and be at events or in a store etc. So - sometimes there is no drug to stop them but we can be pro-active and responsive by lying down in a quiet place, deep-breathing and relaxing to "will" the ANS to calm down. Easier said then done though.