How Do I Substitute Klonopin from Ativan?

[[Ja...]]

 

I currently take Ativan 2 times a day, .25mg each time. I want to switch to Klonopin once a day and then taper off that. How would I" go about  doing that?

[[Gr...]]

Hi there!

 

In effect, you're taking 0.5mg of Ativan (Lorazepam) daily, which is very approximately equivalent to 0.25 mg/day of Klonopin (Clonazepam). Please be aware, however, that this potency equivalence is approximate and opinions vary to some degree.

 

Although Klonopin does have a longer half-life than Ativan, I would still suggest that you take 2 separate (0.125 mg each) doses, just like you do currently with Ativan. Klonopin can be had in 0.25 mg and 0.125 mg pills.

 

Hope this helps.

[[Pa...]]

I’d stick with the 2 doses for now as Gringo09 suggested but maybe you could substitute one dose of Clonazepam for a couple of days to see how you’re going to react.  Have you used Clonazepam before, you may notice it affects you differently than Ativan.

[[Ja...]]

Thank you for your replies. I have taken Klonopin before. I am a Very Very sensitive person. So what I am asking is, HOW do I cross over? I looked at Ashton's advice and it seems I should start the klonopin and then slowly come off the Ativan. Is that correct? Can anyone give me a possible schedule of how I would do that? Since I am sensitive slower is better for me. Thank you!

[[Pa...]]

Ashtons schedule is made for a crossover to Valium which involves more time because Valium builds up so slowly, you don’t want to be left in a deficit.  However, Klonopin’s half life is shorter than Valiums but not as short as Ativan, this is why I suggested crossing only one of your doses over to Ativan at the beginning.  You could wait a week in between changing over dose 1 if you want to give it extra time.

[[Ja...]]

Ok great, so you are saying to just substitute one dose for now and see how I do? I anticipate issues, just being how sensitive I am. So what would be a slower alternative? Sustituting half a dose? And thank you for help, I am really lost on what to do so any help is appreciated!

[[Pa...]]

Yes, for the first dose, you can try .125 but I really think you’re going to be fine, Clonazepam will cover you much better than Ativan and the fact you’re taken it before is a plus.  What’s not good is anticipating trouble because the worry of it will guarantee it finds you.

[[Ja...]]

Great advice, thank you! I will give it a go tonight.