OP, I would say that Valium (diazepam) or Librium (chlordiazepoxide) could potentially benefit you if you are looking for something a little more "prototypical benzo". Both Valium and Librium, being very similar in effect, will provide fairly quick effects with, as mentioned above, good muscle relaxant properties. They are very good anxiolytics, too. The only slight downside, I'd guess, would be that Klonopin I would think to have better anti-panic action than either Valium or Librium, but I am not sure if this such a sure thing or really that important if you are taking a decent dose of either the Valium or Librium. I suppose I think this because Klonopin is a very potent benzo, which has become increasingly popular in treating panic disorder (and other anxiety disorders, too). Valium and Librium would tend, likely, to be a bit more sedating than the Klonopin for you esp. since you have a lot of experience with Klonopin, BUT at an appropriate dose, I don't think that would be much of an issue. I don't see you getting knocked on your ass by taking Valium or Librium at appropriate doses, if you have had a history with benzos. Both Valium and Librium will tend to produce a more pronounced effect if dosed chronically, due to the fact that they and their active metabolites will accumulate a good deal, having very long half-lives, but can be used as needed, too. The other benzo I MIGHT suggest would be Ativan (lorazepam), but it is rather subtle in its effect, although can be quite anxiolytic and even hypnotic, as it seems to be less benzo than it really is IME/IMO. Also, it could very well lead to a rockier dependence due to a pretty "sharp" half-life, which is not too long, and consequently effects lasting only so long (a bit longer than Xanax). This is because, unlike Valium and Librium, it has no real active metabolites - it is just Ativan doing the job, and has a set half-life, and a set duration of action. How long it takes to absorb compared to other benzos I really cannot approximate or say - I have read varied things. But, it is not to be discounted altogether if you really need a benzo other than Klonopin, though I would definitely suggest trying Valium or Librium first - even Tranxene (clorazepate), which frankly I do not know much about other than the fact it is, too, rather like Valium and Librium IIRC.
An option, though, instead of switching to another benzo completely is to use just a bit of another benzo on top of the Klonopin as needed when you do need it. But, if the Klonopin is just not cutting it anymore, then you may feel that need to switch. There are other options - it sounds like what your really want is more social anxiety-relief? Or, more palpable anxiety-relief? I don't really want to go into non-benzo options right now, because I don't know that much about your situation, but there are other drugs which can help anxiety on the whole, and social anxiety, too, some of which are indicated for such and some of which are not. But, really, one must be careful when introducing a new substance to the body and using it for therapeutic purposes, for it is not always the best idea. But, I could go on and on about that. Frankly, I think a sufficient dose of Valium, Librium, or Tranxene would be a good place to start if you just want to switch.
