Differences in brands of benzodiazepines?

I was just wondering if anyone knows the difference, if any, between the different brands of benzodiazepines? I was recently prescribed to Alprazolam (Xanax), .5mgs to take "as needed". I find that taking a one calms me down a little bit but I still get anxious in classroom/social situations. My doctor gave me 60 and scheduled an appointment for 3 weeks later. He didn't really say how many I should take, he just said to take them before situations that cause anxiety or to take half of them throughout the day like a blood-pressure pill. Taking half really doesn't do anything unless I take the second half like an hour afterwards, but the effects are mild. I feel like I'd need to take 2-2.5mgs throughout day, but I don't know if that's bad or not because my doctor didn't specify, so I haven't been taking that much.

Anyway, does anyone know what the general differences in the different brands of benzos (Klonopin/Clozepam, Valium, etc)? Does one have better/worse withdraw symptoms? Does one last longer? I've heard that klonopins supposedly lasts longer, but I've only taken it a few times so I don't know for sure. If anyone has any insight, advice, comments, whatever I'd appreciate it.

 

I dont know if I could give you differences cause im not to good with that but I know with klonopin I was passing out in every class and dont even remember that day. And unless you have a tolerance 2-2.5 might be a little high, well actualy it probably isnt cause I always snorted them so taking them oraly shouldnt be as strong. Maybe someone else can help you a little more on this.

 

^bump^

 

Klonopin has a very long half life, it last a long time. Valium, also, has a long half life. Ativan lasts only slightly longer than Xanax. Xanax, out of the group, has a relatively short half-life, but it works much quicker, and also seems to have an antidepressant effect. 2&1/2 mg per day is not too much, but I would try to stay at 1&1/2 if possible. If you have to use the drug long term, as time passes, you will probably have to increase your dose. There is a max dose, so once you hit that, you can't increase it anymore, so it is better to start low. Maybe you should take 1/2 to 1 tablet first thing every morning, to help prevent anxiety, and then maybe 1/2 to 1 tablet 4 hours later, and again 4 hours later only if needed. Allow yourself 1 extra tablet to take when you urgently need it.

As a side note, CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!! He should have told you how many you can take per day, and what the plan is...if he didn't, it is your responsibility now to find out from him. I wouldn't just play with the dose completely unsupervised for 3 weeks then find out if you are right or wrong...

 

Thanks for the info man, I appreciate that. On thursday I took a .5mg when I woke up, then I took another one about an hour and a half later right before school and that seemed to help alot. Then after about 4 hours I took .75mg and I was fine. Then another 3 hours later before my night class I took .25 and it was good. That's 2.25 a day, but on days that I don't have school or work I don't really take any, maybe just one if I have to run an errand or something. But yeah I think I'm gonna give my doctor a call on monday.

 

Hey Monsieur Gra, how long does alprazolam last approximately? And how does it compare to diazepam, clonozapam...I would much appreciate any info. Thanks.

 

fuck it, unless you have access to all these different types, take what you can when you can. i usually eat a bar of xanax (2mg) and it fucks me up pretty nicely. one time i took 3 bars, and i don't remember shit. actually if you take 2mg or more, and especially if you drink, you won't remember a fucking thing. i woke up in other chick's beds on xanax and found random girls in my bed. i guess its not smart to eat a bar then goto a frat party. but fuck it, id do it again, probably tonite.

 

in fact the xanax is just kicking in right now.... mmmm

 

I don't have my books in front of me, but I beleive Xanax lasts about 4 to 6 hours, Valium about 8 to 10 hours, Ativan about 6 to 8 hours, and Klonopin, 10 to 12 hours....Something like that...

 

Alright, cool. Thanks man.

 

ahahaha my firend went on a three day xanax binge and woke up in some girls bed too he didnt rmeber what he did for three days