If you have anxiety and panic disorder, then benzodiazepines are your one-stop solution for it. Ativan and Klonopin are two popular benzodiazepines that effectively work to calm the nervous system. As a result, it reduces anxiety and provides relief to the patients effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between Ativan Vs Klonopin, which will be helpful to take the appropriate pill.
These two pills are clinically proven medications and safe for use. But it should be used only under the supervision of a doctor; otherwise, some contrast effect can harm you. To know in detail, let’s explore the article below.
Difference between ativan and klonopin
Uses of Ativan and Klonopin
Ativan (lorazepam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) both medications belong to the same family, but they are used differently. Ativan is generally prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety, whereas Klonopin is prescribed for people who need long long-term, steady effect. While both of them is used to reduce anxiety, according to their strength, they are used separately for different cases. Ativan and Klonopin are FDA-approved drugs, but come under Schedule II drugs. That’s why it is always used after a doctor’s consultation.
Due to the analgesic nature, Ativan and Klonopin is not available without a prescription. It also has high potential for misuse and addiction, so you can buy Ativan or Klonopin only if you have a prescription. If you do not know how to get prescribed Klonopin or how to get prescribed Ativan, then follow these steps. First, you have to be sure that you are suffering from anxiety, so you should visit the doctor to diagnose the disease with a proper clinical checkup. Then, according to your condition, he will prescribe an appropriate pill and dosage for you. Follow the prescription and take it on time.
Ativan Vs Klonopin: Mechanism of Action
Both Ativan as well as Klonopin work similarly, by affecting the same neurotransmitter in the brain. It works by calming the brain neurons, reducing brain activity by enhancing the activity of a calming chemical in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity, helping reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and prevent seizures. Ativan and Klonopin bind to special sites on the GABA-A receptors, making GABA more effective at calming overactive nerve signals. While their mechanism of action is essentially the same, the difference lies in how they behave in the body. These pills work the same way on a chemical level, but are used differently depending on how fast and how long the calming effect is needed for the patient.
Similarities between Ativan and Klonopin
Their usage and working process seem similar to each other. But they are not the same thing. There are some differences between them that separate them from each other. People are confused about choosing between two pills because of their similarities. Also, they want to alternate the two pills for this. So, get the right knowledge about this and alternate the pill only when under the supervision of the doctor. Let’s discuss the identical properties of both pills.
- Both belong to the same Drug Class, benzodiazepines, which are very effective in slowing down brain activity and promoting calmness.
- Their Mechanism of Action is similar by enhancing the effect of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter in the brain.
- Their Medical Uses are also similar. Both are effective for treating anxiety disorders, managing panic attacks, or controlling certain seizure disorders.
- Both carry the Risk of Dependence that can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms if used long-term.
- Both are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances due to their potential for abuse.
Key differences between Ativan and Klonopin
Knowing the difference is very important to distinguish the appropriate pill for you. It is also useful to prevent misuse when you understand the difference between them. Having the above similarities, they have distinct properties and characteristics. So that doctors can prescribe these two pills, considering the contrasts for different cases. Both pills have their unique properties and usages that will affect overall health conditions. Both Ativan and Klonopin work differently for individuals due to their different properties. Let’s discuss the below:
- An important distinction is that Klonopin is more potent than Ativan. It is about 2 times stronger than Ativan.
- The duration of action is quite different between them. Ativan lasts up to 6–8 hours, whereas Klonopin can relieve your mental condition up to 12–24+ hours.
- Ativan provides quicker action than Klonopin. Ativan starts working within 15-20 minutes after taking it orally.
- Klonopin has a higher half-life, about 18–50 hours, than Ativan, which has 10–20 hours of half-life. That means Klonopin will last longer in your system, which is not a good sign.
- Due to its shortest duration of action, Ativan can be taken a maximum of 3 times per day. Whereas Klonopin is recommended to be taken a maximum of twice per day.
Warnings & Side Effects to Know Before Using Ativan or Klonopin
Before using Ativan or Klonopin, it’s important to understand the risks associated with it and the precautions that might be taken for the medications. Both are benzodiazepines, which can cause dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms, especially when used long-term or at high doses. Therefore, physicians give warnings not to use it on a long-term basis. It is also associated with some negative effects, which are sometimes minor. But do not neglect it before it worsens. Let’s know the individual’s negative effects below:
Ativan side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- weakness
- Blurred vision
- poor coordination
- short-term amnesia
- Slowed thinking or reaction time
- Dry mouth
Klonopin side effects
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Unsteadiness
- Forgetfulness
- Reduced alertness
- Increased saliva production
- Depression
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q. Can you take Klonopin and Ativan in the same day?
Yes, both Klonopin and Ativan can be taken on the same day if prescribed by a doctor. Both are benzodiazepines, and using them together increases the risk of overdose, slowed breathing, confusion, and dependence. Doctors may recommend both for specific situations, such as transitioning between medications, treating severe anxiety, or managing seizures, but it must be done under close medical supervision. Never combine these medications without a doctor’s guidance.
Q. Can I take Ativan and Klonopin together?
No, Ativan and Klonopin can’t be taken together, because both are benzodiazepines. Combining them together may increase the risk of sedation, confusion, slowed breathing, and overdose symptoms. But sometimes Doctors prescribe both in specific cases, such as when transitioning from one medication to another, treating seizures, or managing severe anxiety, but it must be carefully monitored. Never take them together without medical supervision.
Q. What is the Klonopin vs Ativan withdrawal symptoms?
Klonopin and Ativan are both benzodiazepines, and both can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, especially if stopped suddenly after regular use. While the symptoms are similar, they can vary in severity and timing due to the drugs’ different half-lives. The symptoms, like Nausea, Headaches, Sweating, Insomnia, or cardiac problems, would arise when you stop your regular high dose. So take the decision after the doctor’s consultation.
While Ativan is a quick-onset, shortest-acting pill usually recommended for minor cases. Which is ideal for short-term insomnia, acute anxiety, or panic attacks. Both drugs are effective within their own therapeutic need, and the choice between them typically depends on the condition being treated, how quickly relief is needed, and how long the medication needs to work.
Q. Is Klonopin more effective than Ativan?
The effectiveness of the pill depends upon the individual’s response, their metabolic power, and proper use. Klonopin and Ativan both are very effective in different cases. It is the responsibility of doctors to prescribe the appropriate pill according to their condition. It is also important to recognize which pill suits you and whether it can treat a specific disease or not. Benzodiazepines are mostly preferred to treat mental conditions. Among them, both Ativan and Klonopin should be prescribed according to the condition. Klonopin is a long-lasting benzodiazepine mostly recommended for around-the-clock anxiety control. It does not need multiple doses in a day.