Nowadays, anxiety and panic disorders are common in individuals due to excessive stress. The symptoms include Trembling, Feeling of choking, Shortness of breath, Constant worry or fear, Irritability, and sleep problems. For treating this, the doctor mostly prescribes benzodiazepines, which help to calm the mind. Xanax and Klonopin are two popular benzodiazepines that have a high potential to reduce anxiety quickly. These two pills work similarly, but they’re not exactly the same. In this Article, we’ll break down how Xanax Vs Klonopin differ and how they could be used for treatment effectively.
Xanax Vs Klonopin: What Are the Differences?
Xanax and Klonopin have some similarities, so people are confused about which pill is right for them. Therefore, Xanax and Klonopin differences are an important factor to be considered before starting the treatment. The differences will help you to distinguish their uses, composition, and negative effects associated with them, so that the treatment procedure will be safe. Let’s know about both pills briefly:
What is Xanax: Uses, Dosage, and Benefits
Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication widely used for treating panic attacks and sudden anxiety. It is available by prescription only due to certain analgesic nature. Although it is FDA-approved and safe for use, it should always be used under guidance. Xanax is a brand name for Alprazolam and belongs to the class of benzodiazepines that work by acting directly on the brain neurotransmitters.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the brain’s main calming neurotransmitter, which helps to slow down the activity of the central nervous system (CNS). GABA opens a chloride (Cl⁻) channel in the neuron by binding to its receptors. That results in an increase of Cl⁻ ions into neuronsleads to becoming more negatively charged and making it less active. Here, Xanax doesn’t affect the receptors directly; it only boosts the activity of GABA. As a result, it gives reduced anxiety and calms down when the panic attacks are at their peak.
Available dosage:-Xanax 2 mg, Xanax 0.5 mg, Xanax 1 mg, Xanax 0.25 mg, Xanax XR 3 mg
What is Klonopin: Uses, Dosage, and Benefits
Klonopin is nothing but an anti-anxiety medication, just like xanax, used for reducing anxiety and panic attacks caused by excessive stress. It is also clinically proven and safe for use, but it is not available without a prescription. Klonopin has a quick onset action, about 20–60 minutes, and longer acting effects up to 24 hours, making it useful for people who want to avoid frequent dosing.
It also works like xanax, affecting specifically the GABA, which is a natural calming chemical of the brain. It calms the brain activity and reduces anxiety for a long time. By slowing down the nerve activity, it calms the mind and helps to vanish the sedative effects quickly.
Available dosage:-Klonopin 1 mg, Klonopin 2 mg
The Key Differences Of Xanax and Klonopin
From the above discussion, it has been seen that their working mechanism and uses are nearly similar to each other. That’s why people get confused about the appropriate pill and alternate the pill on their own without consulting the doctor. Let’s know their differences, which will contrast them under different conditions.
- Xanax has a quick onset of action, about 15–30 minutes, which makes to useful in emergency cases. Whereas Klonopin delays the onset of action for 30–60 minutes but has a longer duration for up to 24 hours, which reduces the frequent dosing.
- You can choose Xanax for quick action and treating short-term anxiety, but Klonopin should be chosen when long-term relief is needed.
- The half-life of xanax is 11 hours, and the half-life of Klonopin is above 18 hours. So you can say that Klonopin stays longer than Xanax. Therefore, take it according to your metabolic power.
- Xanax may cause more withdrawal symptoms as compared to Klonopin. Because of its shortest duration. But if you plan to leave any of the pills, then do it after a consultation with a physician; otherwise, both can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Therefore, whenever you are prescribed or want to take any of the pills, consult a physician aware of all their contraindications. Sometimes, its similarities confuse people to choose between two pills; these differences will help them to choose the suits them.
Side effects of Xanax and Klonopin
Although these pills are very effective, they also carry some negative effects. Before using the pill, the user should know this, so that they will not panic in case of face these.
Common Side Effects of Xanax and Klonopin
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Increased salivation
- Mood swings
- Blurred vision
Serious Side Effects of Xanax and Klonopin
- Breathing problems
- Severe drowsiness
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior changes
- Seizures (especially when stopping abruptly)
- Liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes)
Drug Interactions of Xanax and Klonopin
Xanax and Klonopin are very powerful benzodiazepines that act directly on the Central Nervous System. Therefore, certain medicines should be avoided with these pills. Understanding these drug interactions is very important for patients’ safety, especially when you are taking more than one pill.
- If you combine any CNS depressants like oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or Hydrocodone, then it will cause respiratory depression, coma, or death.
- Sleeping pills like Ambien, Lunesta, Zolpidem, Restoril, Sonata, Zoltrate, Temazepam, Rozeram, Halcion, or Eszopiclone should also be prohibited with xanax and Klonopin. Because it will increase the overdose symptoms further.
- If you are taking any Antidepressants, antifungal medicine, HIV Medications, or Antibiotics, then you must discuss this with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Does xanax vs Klonopin feeling Sleepy?
Yes, both Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) can make you feel sleepy or drowsy. These medications are part of the benzodiazepine class, which works by calming the brain and nervous system. As a result, drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of both drugs.
Which is best, Klonopin vs xanax for anxiety?
Both Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are effective for treating anxiety, but they differ in how they work. Xanax acts faster, making it better for sudden anxiety or panic attacks, while Klonopin lasts longer, making it more effective for long-term anxiety management. If you need quick relief, Xanax may be the better choice; if you need consistent, all-day control of anxiety symptoms, Klonopin is often preferred.