How do Klonopin and Ativan differ?


Klonopin and Ativan

Klonopin 1mg is a medication prescribed for anxiety and depression. The generic name of Klonopin is Clonazepam. Moreover, this medication belongs to the drug class of benzodiazepines, hence, it works in a similar manner for anxiety and its disorders. It works by disrupting the nerve structure and expanding the activity of synthetic courier (GABA) which prevents awkward and over-the-top movement of nerve cells in the brain.

The IUPAC name of Blue Klonopin 1mg (clonazepam) is 2,3-diazabicyclo[5.4. 0]undeca-3,5,7,9,11pentaene, and the chemical formula is C15H10ClN3O3 with a molecular mass of 315.715 g/mol.

The chemical structure of Clonazepam (C15H10ClN3O3) is given below.

Chemical structure of Clonazepam (C15H10ClN3O3)

Description of Ativan:

Ativan 2mg is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, or difficulty sleeping due to anxiety or stress, status epilepticus (sustained seizures), and as a medication given just before anesthesia. The generic name of Ativan is lorazepam. Ativan (lorazepam) belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-pence). It is believed that lorazepam works by increasing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

The IUPAC name of Ativan 2mg is 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3- dihydro-3-hydroxy-2H-1,4-benzodiazepine-2-one. The chemical formula is C15H10Cl2N2O2 and the molecular weight is 321.16 g/mol.

The chemical structure of Ativan (lorazepam) is given below.

Chemical structure of Ativan (lorazepam) 

Ativan 2mg is an almost white powder that is almost insoluble in water. Each Ativan (lorazepam) tablet taken orally contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg of lorazepam. The inactive ingredients present are lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and polyacrylic potassium.

How do Klonopin and Ativan differ:

Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are similar benzodiazepines that work in similar ways. While they can both treat anxiety disorders and some seizures, there is a difference in how long they work. Ativan can also be used as a pre-medication for anesthesia whereas Klonopin is not usually used for this purpose.

Difference between Klonopin and Ativan:

KlonopinAtivan
Drug classBenzodiazepineBenzodiazepine
Brand/generic statusGeneric version availableGeneric version available
What is the generic name? What is the brand name?Generic name: ClonazepamBrand name: KlonopinGeneric name: LorazepamBrand name: Ativan
What form(s) does the drug come in?Oral tabletOral tabletInjection
What is the standard dosage?0.25 mg twice per day depending on your doctor’s instruction1 mg twice per day depending on your doctor’s instruction
How long is the typical treatment?Daily depending on your doctor’s instructionDaily depending on your doctor’s instruction
Who typically uses the medication?Panic disorder: Adults 18 years and olderSeizures: Adults or children up to 10 years oldAnxiety: Adults or children 12 years and older

More effective between Klonopin and Ativan:

Klonopin and Ativan are effective drug treatments. Because they have been studied for other purposes, their effectiveness may vary depending on the condition being treated.

In a multicentre study, the active ingredients in Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) were found to be equally effective for treating anxiety disorders. No significant differences were found between these drugs when looking at improvements in anxiety and sleep scores. However, the study found that there were fewer side effects with clonazepam (26.7% versus 43.9%).

Another study compared the use of clonazepam and lorazepam for status epilepticus, which is a severe type of seizure. Although lorazepam is accepted and used more widely for status epilepticus, clonazepam was found to be a useful alternative. Clonazepam is sometimes used off-label for this purpose.

Medical conditions treated by Klonopin and Ativan:

Klonopin and Ativan are both approved by the FDA for the treatment of seizures. Klonopin can treat kinetic and myoclonic seizures and seizures that result from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Ativan is used to treat a more severe type of seizure called status epilepticus.

Klonopin is prescribed to treat the symptoms of anxiety and recurrent panic attacks. Ativan is used to treat anxiety or anxiety caused by depression. Both drugs can be used off-label for other anxiety disorders such as social phobia.

Ativan is approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia, while some doctors prescribe Klonopin off-label for sleep problems. Other off-label uses for Klonopin and Ativan include treating alcohol withdrawal and agitation.

Medical ConditionKlonopinAtivan
SeizuresYesYes
AnxietyYesYes
Panic disorderYesOff-label
InsomniaOff-labelYes
Alcohol withdrawal symptomsOff-labelOff-label

Coverage and cost comparison of Klonopin and Ativan:

Generic Klonopin is usually covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. The average retail cost of Klonopin is about $241. With the SingleCare Discount Card, you can save on generic Klonopin and pay around $10.

Generic Ativan is generally covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. The average retail cost of an Ativan is around $21. With the SingleCare Discount Card, you can save and pay about $7 on generic Ativan.

 KlonopinAtivan
Typically covered by insurance?YesYes
Typically covered by Medicare?YesYes
Standard dosage1 mg tablets (supply of 60)0.5 mg tablets (supply of 30)
Typical Medicare copayDepends on your insurance planDepends on your insurance plan
SingleCare cost$10$7

Common side effects of Klonopin and Ativan:

Klonopin and Ativan have similar side effects, primarily affecting the central nervous system (CNS). As CNS depressants, these drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired thinking or memory, and unsteadiness or problems with coordination. Both drugs can cause or worsen depression in some people, especially those with untreated depression.

 KlonopinAtivan
Side EffectApplicableFrequencyApplicableFrequency
DrowsinessYes7%Yes15.9%
DepressionYes4%Yesn/a
DizzinessYes1%Yes6.9%
NervousnessYes1%No
Lack of coordinationYes1%Yes3.4%
Cognitive dysfunctionYes1%Yesn/a
WeaknessNoYes4.2%

Summary:

Klonopin and Ativan are both approved by the FDA for the treatment of seizures. Klonopin can treat kinetic and myoclonic seizures and seizures that result from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Ativan is used to treat a more severe type of seizure called status epilepticus.

Klonopin is prescribed to treat the symptoms of anxiety and recurrent panic attacks. Ativan is used to treat anxiety or anxiety caused by depression. Both drugs can be used off-label for other anxiety disorders such as social phobia.

Ativan is approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia, while some doctors prescribe Klonopin off-label for sleep problems. Other off-label uses for Klonopin and Ativan include treating alcohol withdrawal and agitation.

Klonopin (clonazepam) and Ativan (lorazepam) are similar benzodiazepines that work in similar ways. While they can both treat anxiety disorders and some seizures, there is a difference in how long they work. Ativan can also be used as a pre-medication for anesthesia whereas Klonopin is not usually used for this purpose.

Klonopin and Ativan have similar side effects, primarily affecting the central nervous system (CNS). As CNS depressants, these drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired thinking or memory, and unsteadiness or problems with coordination. Both drugs can cause or worsen depression in some people, especially those with untreated depression.

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