Difference between Clonazepam and Alprazolam

Anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, and seizures have become quite common in the US, which may be because of disturbing life experiences or because of a family member having panic disorder. Therefore, it is not just due to these reasons these disorders generate, there might be various reasons. Here in this blog, we will focus on two such drugs that are namely Clonazepam and Alprazolam.

Alprazolam and Clonazepam differences

Did you have question Is there any difference between alprazolam and clonazepam? & which is best between Clonazepam vs alprazolam? then you are at the best place, below we discussed in detail.

Clonazepam

What is Clonazepam?

Clonazepam is a drug, which is used to treat the disorders such as seizures, panic disorders, and agoraphobia (mostly found in adults). This drug belongs to the drug class of Benzodiazepine and Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants and is offered for sale under the brand names Klonopin and Klonopin wafer. This medicine operates by reinforcing the activity of specific neurotransmitters, which are available in the brain itself. This medicine was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the US for use on June 4, 1975.

Uses of Clonazepam

Your healthcare provider might prescribe you this medicine as per your body’s requirements. Given below are some of the uses of Clonazepam, which are as follows:

  • This medicine is generally used for the treatment of epilepsy and controlling multiple episodes of seizure. 
  • The medicine is capable of treating patients suffering from anxiety disorders known as agoraphobia mostly in adults.

Strength and Dosage of Clonazepam

The strength of this medicine might depend on the manufacturer of this drug as well as the country in which you live. Different forms of this drug are as follows:

Oral Tablet

  • 0.5mg
  • 1mg
  • 2mg

Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT)

  • 0.125 mg
  • 0.25mg
  • 0.5 mg
  • 1 mg
  • 2 mg

Oral Solution

  • 1 mg/ml

Side Effects of Clonazepam

As we are aware, each and everything present on this globe has its good and bad effects in an individual. Side effects may occur due to the presence of the active ingredient present in it or the overdose of this drug may cause some side effects.

Listed below are the side effects, which are as follows:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness 
  • Problem in remembering things
  • Loss in coordination
  • Suicidal thoughts 
  • Unusual behavior

Alprazolam

What is Alprazolam?

Alprazolam drug is found helpful in treating anxiety, various panic disorders and anxiety that develop in an individual due to depression.This medicine is sold under various brand names, which are Xanax, Xanax XR, and Niravam respectively.This medicine was approved by the FDA in the US for use on October 16, 1981. This drug is a prescription-only drug and belongs to the drug class of Benzodiazepines.

Uses of Alprazolam

The use of this medication varies from person to person or as per the prescription of an expert healthcare provider. The uses of this medicine are as follows:

  • Alprazolam is generally advised for treating generalized anxiety disorder

(GAD), in which an individual experiences unrestricted tension about The events that occur in their daily life. 

  • More often this medicine is used to handle panic disorder which is a type of anxiety disorder causing fear and uneasiness together.
  • In certain cases, Alprazolam may be recommended for the short term to help out individuals suffering from insomnia, which is caused due to anxiety. 
  • This medicine can also be used as a muscle relaxant and can also work as an alternative for reducing muscle spasms in an individual. 
  • This drug is also used to get relief from the symptoms that are developed due to anxiety such as premenstrual syndrome.

Strength and Dosage of Alprazolam

Oral Concentrate 

  • 1mg/ml

Oral Tablets

  • 0.25mg 
  • 0.5mg
  • 1mg
  • 2mg

Oral Disintegrating Tablets

  • 0.25mg
  • 0.5mg
  • 1mg
  • 2mg

Extended-Release Tablets  

  • 0.5mg
  • 1mg
  • 2mg
  • 3mg

Side Effects of Alprazolam

You may suffer from side effects or an allergic response to this medicine due to the presence of active ingredient present in it or due to the over dosage of this drug, which are as follows: 

  • Pain in the head
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Changes in appetite
  • Memory impairment
  • Fatigue
  • Impaired coordination
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe drowsiness
  • Difficulty breathing

Precautions

Your medical professional should know if you are prone to allergies developed due to benzodiazepines or any other medications. These medications are not to be consumed during pregnancy due to potential risks of death of the unborn baby. Both medications can pass into breast milk. Therefore, consult your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding during the course of these drugs. You need to avoid those work that requires alertness and reaction time. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

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