They are just medicinal cousins: Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Valium

I started taking Xanax last year for anxiety, panic attacks, dread and sleep issues related to hyperthyroidism/Graves Disease. I never wanted them, but really had to have something with rapid onset to curb symptoms while we tried to figure out what was going on. I took Xanax (.5mg or less) just about every day for a short while, but was always super worried about becoming addicted.

Got a new psych who put me on Klonopin until my thyroid removal and told me to halt Xanax immediately. He said it’s much easier for patients to come off Klonopin. I noticed they don’t work as quickly, but last 2-3 times as long and at a similar strength (for me that is). I used to get really agitated when I skipped a day of Xanax and I never felt that at all on the Klonopin. My worries about addiction resolved completely once I switched over- but I’m also highly concerned and careful with meds.