Although both Xanax and Klonopin are anxiolytics (anti-anxiety drugs), Klonopin also has other uses. Klonopin, a branded version of clonazepam, is an anticonvulsant that is used to treat certain types of seizures. This means that it can help to minimize the occurrence and duration of small motor seizures when used alone or in combination with other anticonvulsant medication. Xanax is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, however, it is not an anti-seizure medication.
Klonopin 2mg reaches a peak in the blood concentrations about 1 to 4 hours after an oral dose, and it can be dosed twice a day for therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of the panic disorder. Xanax has a rapid onset of effects because it reaches peak blood concentrations within 1 to 2 hours of administration. Dosing Xanax three to four times a day will help with anxiety and panic. Xanax has a shorter elimination half-life than Klonopin, which is around 11 hours. Klonopin’s half-life is in the range of 30 to 40 hours.
Medical purposes of the drug
Xanax and Klonopin are anxiolytic drugs that can deal with anxiety and panic attacks. The FDA has approved Xanax and Klonopin for the treatment of panic disorder in adults with or without agoraphobia.
- Klonopin is also approved to treat adults and children with seizure disorders. For Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, atonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures, it is frequently used alone or in combination with other treatments. Absence seizures can also be treated with Klonopin.
- Xanax is authorized to treat anxiety disorder symptoms for a short period of time. Anxiety disorders include social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder. Xanax can also be used to treat anxiety that is accompanied by depression, according to the FDA label.
Insomnia, essential tremor, premenstrual syndrome, and restless leg syndrome are among the off-label uses of Xanax and Klonopin.
Which one, Klonopin or Xanax, is more effective?
Presently there are no strong head-to-head studies examining Xanax and Klonopin. Both Benzodiazepines are effective, depending on how they’re administered and for what conditions they’re used to treat.
For treating seizure disorders, Klonopin is more effective. It also has a longer duration of action than short-acting benzodiazepines, thus it does not need to be taken as frequently. Xanax is typically taken several times per day to relieve anxiety. It has a shorter half-life and is more likely to be abused or misused than Klonopin.
Because anxiety and depression frequently coexist, benzodiazepines may be administered alongside an antidepressant. In one meta-analysis, people with a general anxiety disorder (GAD) had more improvements when they started taking a benzodiazepine and an antidepressant at the same time, at least initially. It’s critical to realize that benzodiazepine treatment is highly individualized. Medical advice on the appropriate treatment option should be obtained from a healthcare expert.
What are the common side effects of Klonopin and Xanax?
The most common side effects of Xanax and Klonopin include drowsiness and depression. Fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, lack of coordination, and memory impairment are all possible side effects of Klonopin or Xanax use. Another negative effect related to Xanax and Klonopin is dry mouth.
Severe sleepiness, confusion, convulsions, paralysis, and problems breathing are among the serious side effects of benzodiazepines. When a drug is overdosed or not used as prescribed, serious adverse effects are more likely to develop.
Among Klonopin and Xanax Which one is More Addictive?
Klonopin is more addictive than Xanax among the two prescribed drugs. The explanation for this is that Klonopin generates a stronger euphoric effect. The more your brain feels this sensation, the more you desire to experience it again and again. If you use Klonopin for a long period, you will become addicted to it.
It’s also simple to build up a tolerance to Klonopin quickly. It does not take long for the drug’s effects to fade. Users will inevitably desire to raise the dosage in order to maintain the sensation.
The main difference between Xanax and Klonopin is that Xanax produces a buzz instead of a full-fledged high. The effectiveness is however short-lived for Xanax.
What Drugs Interact With Xanax and Klonopin?
- Klonopin may interact with cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, depression or anxiety medicine, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, antidepressants, and barbiturates. Klonopin may also interact with propantheline, MAO inhibitors, and psychiatric medications.
Even if you start feeling better, do not discontinue taking Klonopin without first consulting your doctor. If you suddenly stop using Klonopin, you can experience more seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
- Xanax may interact with cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, depression or anxiety medicine, antibiotics, antifungal medicines, antidepressants, and barbiturates. Birth control pills, cimetidine, cyclosporine, dexamethasone, ergotamine, imatinib, isoniazid, St. John’s wort, heart or blood pressure meds, HIV/AIDS medications, and seizure medications are all possible interactions with Xanax.
If you’re allergic to alprazolam, other benzodiazepines, or any of the chemicals in Xanax, don’t take it. A complete list of Xanax components can be found at the end of this Medication Guide. Ketoconazole and itraconazole are antifungal medications you’re taking.
Even if you feel fine, do not discontinue taking Xanax without first consulting your doctor. If you quit taking, you may experience more seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Risks and Warnings:
- Klonopin and Xanax both have a significant risk of physical and psychological addiction. Because of their habit-forming properties, the medications should be used for symptom management for as little time as feasible and at the lowest possible dose.
- People with a history of drug or alcohol addiction, as well as those with addictive tendencies, are more likely to abuse Klonopin and Xanax, thus they should be used with caution. For some people who abuse substances, addiction therapy may be necessary.
- Both Xanax and Klonopin can intensify depression symptoms and lead to suicidal thoughts in persons who are already depressed.
- Xanax and Klonopin are sedatives that work by acting on the central nervous system. Klonopin and Xanax can cause severe respiratory depression or quick, shallow breathing when used with other central nervous system depressants, necessitating prompt medical intervention. Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medications, supplements, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking so that nothing you’re taking interferes with either drug’s effects.
- Because of the risk of significant birth abnormalities and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the infant, Xanax and Klonopin should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Conclusion:
Benzodiazepine drugs like Klonopin and Xanax are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Benzodiazepines function by increasing the activity and reuptake of Gaba-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that regulates central nervous system activity, in the brain. The increase in GABA activity has a calming and relaxing effect, which is why these drugs are beneficial in treating anxiety and panic disorders.
Xanax and Klonopin are ranked similarly in terms of anxiety management. They both have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to aiding people with various sorts of mood disorders. Klonopin (Clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine that works quickly. It calms neurotransmitters and hence relaxes the mind. Klonopin relieves muscular spasms, decreases anxiety, and makes you sleepy. Klonopin 2mg lasts longer than Xanax, so it’s not necessary to take it as frequently.
A fast-acting benzodiazepine is Xanax (Alprazolam). It has the same effect on neurotransmitters as Klonopin. Xanax relieves anxiety and makes you sleepy. Xanax will necessitate a more consistent dose. Some people like it since they have more control over how and when the adverse effects may affect them. An individual who uses Xanax for anxiety can take extra doses throughout the day. It also helps with the symptoms of panic attacks, instantly reducing them.
