Klonopin and Xanax are both Benzodiazepines and impact the central nervous system (CNS). They are also both considered sedative-hypnotics or minor tranquilizers.

Benzodiazepines (aka Benzos) inhibit activity in the brain, specifically the central nervous system (CNS). Benzos’ interaction with ​​gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters has a calming, soothing effect.

Additionally, Xanax and Klonopin are classified as CNS depressants. Depressants have sedative effects, which make most users experience a feeling of drowsiness and calm. Both of these drugs impact the production and reuptake of Dopamine and Serotonin. These “happy hormones” work as positive reinforcements to the brain. This means we crave things that will allow us to produce more of the “happy hormones” or take a substance that will block the neurons from reabsorbing excess amounts of dopamine and serotonin.

Benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Klonopin, can block the reuptake, leading to a euphoric, happy feeling due to the excess availability of dopamine and serotonin. This may not seem like a bad side effect, but it can have grave consequences, promoting addiction and misuse.

People who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks may be prescribed Klonopin or Xanax. Several other similar benzodiazepines might be used for similar conditions, such as:

1. Diazepam (Valium)
2. Lorazepam (Ativan)
3. Temazepam (Restoril)
4. Midazolam (Versed)
5. Estazolam (ProSom)
6. Flurazepam (Dalmane)
7. Triazolam (Halcion)

Drug Names

While Klonopin and Xanax are both benzos, they have different scientific drug names. Klonopin is the brand name for the drug Clonazepam. Xanax is the brand name of Alprazolam. Both Clonazepam and Alprazoam are FDA-approved and classified as Schedule IV substances due to their addictive and abuse potential.

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Common Symptoms for Xanax and Klonopin

Klonopin and Xanax have their differences, but this is a list of common symptoms that can occur when taking either drug:

1. Drowsiness and fatigue
2. Dizziness
3. Poor balance and coordination
4. Memory impairment
5. Blurred vision
6. Muscle weakness
7. Muscle and joint pain

Potential Pitfalls of Anxiety Medication

Many individuals struggle with anxiety, and while Klonopin and Xanax are designed to relieve these adverse conditions, they can become a crutch for the user. Developing self-coping strategies may become less effective and less desirable than the fast-acting effects of Xanax or the longer-lasting calm that Klonopin may provide.

If the body is continuously given a substance to manage the neurological communication of the GABA receptors, it can grow dependent on that substance for proper functioning. So, while the person may have already struggled to produce and retain proper levels of serotonin and dopamine, the introduction of medication for prolonged periods could lead to more harmful effects, physical dependence, and addiction.

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Xanax vs Klonopin: Differences

The difference between Xanax and Klonopin boils down to a few key concepts: Uses (both approved vs. off-label), onset, duration, some side effects, and dosage (scheduling and amounts).

Xanax and Klonopin Uses

Xanax is generally used for anxiety disorders and panic disorders – these uses are approved by the FDA. However, off-label use is common with Benzodiazepines. Off-label use occurs when your doctor believes that you may benefit from the drug based on clinical experience. In the case of Xanax, patients suffering from PTSD, insomnia, or chronic pain may be prescribed Xanax to alleviate their symptoms.

Klonopin, on the other hand, is FDA-approved to treat anxiety (like Xanax) and seizures as it is an anticonvulsant. But the off-label uses of Klonopin may include restless leg syndrome, acute mania, insomnia, and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movement disorder).

Half-life of Xanax and Klonopin

Klonopin and Xanax share the common classification of a Benzodiazepine, but there are still many differences between the two. One of the most notable differences is its onset and duration in the bloodstream.

Depending on your needs, a Doctor may choose one Benzodiazepine over the other. Klonopin is slower acting than Xanax, with an onset of 1-4 hours. Onset means the speed in which the full strength of the drug reaches peak potency in the bloodstream. Xanax’s onset is much faster acting at just 1-2 hours.

The “half-life” – meaning the time it takes 50% of the drugs to clear from the bloodstream – of Xanax and Klonopin vary significantly. Klonopin’s half-life is significantly longer at 30-40 hours, while Xanax’s half-life is only 11 hours.

This difference in half-life potency means Klonopin can only be taken twice a day. Whereas Xanax can be taken 3-4 times a day as the drug does not remain in the bloodstream for as long.

Key Differences Between Xanax and Klonopin

Xanax has a quick onset, can be taken 3-4 times a day, has a shorter half-life, and is best utilized for short-term panic attacks.

Klonopin has a slower onset and can only be taken two times a day, but its half-life can remain much longer, and it is preferable for longer-term anxiety management.

However, any longer-term use of Benzodiazepines should be closely monitored by your physician for signs of tolerance and dependence.

Xanax & Klonopin Side Effects

The following lists include some of the most commonly reported side effects to some of the more rare onset issues users may encounter

Xanax Side Effects:

More Common

1. Drowsiness or unusual drowsiness
2. Clumsiness or unsteadiness
3. Difficulty with coordination
4. Lightheadedness
5. Sleepiness or fatigue
6. Slurred speech
7. Trouble concentrating
8. Lack of appetite

Less Common

1. Blurred vision
2. Confusion about identity, place, and time
3. Difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
4. Loss of bladder control
5. Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)
6. Seizures
7. Shaking or tremors

Klonopin Side Effects

More common

1. Lethargy
2. Fatigue
3. Sedation
4. Drowsiness
5. Motor impairment (impaired coordination, impaired balance, dizziness)
6. Blurred vision
7. Confusion
8. Memory impairment (short-term memory loss, anterograde amnesia)

Less Common

1. Worsening depression
2. Behavioral changes
3. Increased frequency of seizures
4. Dysphoria
5. Loss of libido
6. Irritability
7. Paradoxical disinhibition (excitement, rage, impulsive behavior)
8. Psychosis and suicide

While both lists of side effects share some common symptoms like drowsiness, trouble with speech, and coordination, there are key differences that distinguish them.

Klonopin has more cognitive and emotional side effects, such as memory loss, confusion, and cardiac palpitations, which suggest a stronger impact on mental clarity and cardiovascular health. In contrast, Xanax emphasizes physical symptoms, such as light-headedness, muscle weakness, blurred or double vision, and urinary retention.

1 mg Klonopin vs 1 mg Xanax

While individual factors, such as metabolism, weight, sex, and age can significantly affect how a person experiences Klonopin and Xanax, there are some general guidelines for comparing the two drugs.

For Xanax, the available table strengths are: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg and in emergency situation sometimes 3 mg

For Klonopin, the available table strengths are: 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

The lower dosage denoted for Klonopin may be more suitable for those who plan to manage chronic anxiety for longer periods of time.

Clonazepam vs Alprazolam: Which Is Stronger?

Klonopin and Xanax differ in potency, though not as significantly as one might expect. For example, 0.5 mg to 1 mg of Xanax is roughly equal to 0.5 mg of Klonopin. However, factors like alcoholism or liver disease, poor health, and even old age can influence how benzodiazepines impact the body.

Your doctor may consult the benzodiazepine equivalency tables, but this will be a guide for their calculations of your prescription strength and frequency of use.

Dosage Differences

While Xanax is generally considered to be the stronger onset drug, there are a variety of factors that may influence your dosage amount. On average, due to Xanax’s shorter half-life, it can be prescribed for usage up to four times a day, unlike Klonopin, which takes longer for the body to process but stays in the bloodstream for over 30 hours. This is why Klonopin is typically not prescribed to be taken more than twice in 24 hours.

Adjusting Dosage:

Klonopin or Xanax have many adverse side effects; your doctor should carefully adjust doses to ensure the medication is both effective and tolerable for you. As with most medicines, the goal is to find the lowest possible dose that controls your symptoms (i.e., anxiety or seizures) without causing adverse side effects or posing a high risk of dependence.

Xanax, with its shorter half-life, may require multiple daily doses but typically not exceeding four per day. Conversely, Klonopin has a longer half-life, so your doctor may start with a lower dose, taken no more than twice a day. In either case, adjustments can always be made with your doctor to achieve the desired effect with minimal risk.

If you are experiencing adverse side effects from your prescription, avoid quitting or taper off the drug by yourself and consult your doctor right away.

If the symptoms of anxiety or panic persist, the dose may be increased incrementally. However, your doctor should use caution as there is always a risk versus reward with prescription benzodiazepine usage.

Klonopin vs Xanax | FAQs

Is switching from Xanax to Klonopin recommended?

Switching your medication from Xanax to Klonopin is an important conversation to have with your doctor. If you are experiencing adverse effects with your current medication, it is essential to make this known to your healthcare provider. They may suggest lowering your dosage or frequency of use. They will also be able to help you successfully transition off of one drug and onto another should you be a better candidate for Klonopin over Xanax.

As mentioned, Xanax is considered to be a quicker-acting and short-lasting drug. Your experience with the medication will help illuminate the issues at hand. Klonopin can be taken in very small doses less frequently and remain in your body for long periods of time. Because of these distinct differences, your doctor may recommend one over the other. Additionally, your long-term goals should be considered. Xanax is generally not prescribed as a long-term solution to panic disorders, but Klonopin in small doses may be best for those specific goals.

Can I use both at the same time?

Combining any CNS depressants must be done under the careful supervision of a medical professional. The risk of overdose and adverse effects greatly increases when individuals combine drugs. Generally, these medications will not be prescribed at the same time as they are both benzodiazepines. Taking both medications and remaining within a safe range of mg per day can be risky and complicated.

If one prescription of Xanax or Klonopin is not alleviating your symptoms, contact your doctor for possible solutions.

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Klonopin and Xanax are both benzodiazepines, classified as minor tranquilizers. Under a doctor’s supervision, they can effectively alleviate anxiety symptoms, and Klonopin also serves as an anticonvulsant for seizures. However, due to their influence on GABA receptors and serotonin and dopamine levels, they carry a risk of addiction.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction to prescription drugs like Xanax or Klonopin, Gratitude Lodge offers effective treatment administered by expert clinicians. Our treatment programs provide:

1. Talk therapy
2. Medication-assisted treatment
3. Counseling
4. Group therapy
5. Family therapy
6. Holistic therapy
7. Aftercare

Find effective treatment for drug addiction today by calling our recovery team at (844) 576-0144.

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556010/#:~:text=Clonazepam%20is%20a%20benzodiazepine%20drug,%2C%20insomnia%2C%20and%20tardive%20dyskinesia.
2. https://deprescribe.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/20194/2020/04/Benzo-Equivalency-Table_UNC.pdf