Is Klonopin stronger than Xanax?
Klonopin and Xanax are two prescription medications often used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Both benzos drugs are also commonly misused and can lead to the development of addiction. Is Klonopin stronger than Xanax? Does Klonopin last longer compared to Xanax? These are common concerns among those who may be prescribed these medications.
Both benzos work in a similar fashion and are effective in treating panic disorder and anxiety disorder. However, they contain different active ingredients and are not interchangeable.
When misused, both drugs can cause physical and psychological dependence. Misuse includes taking a higher dose than prescribed, taking it more frequently than prescribed, or taking someone else’s medication not prescribed to you. Addiction to Klonopin and Xanax can lead to adverse effects and dangerous outcomes.
Klonopin and Xanax are often used to treat Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can cause emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms can become so severe that they disrupt multiple aspects of your daily life. Emotional symptoms of anxiety disorder can include feelings of fear and apprehension, irritability and worry. Physical symptoms of anxiety disorder include pounding heart, shortness of breath, stomach and digestive issues, headaches, tremors, twitching, sleep problems and fatigue.
Everyone experiences anxiety. It is normal. However, some people may experience instances in which the feelings of anxiety linger for a much longer period than normal. When it begins to impact daily aspects of life, this is when it becomes a mental health situation that should be treated by professionals and medication.
Is Klonopin stronger than Xanax?
No. Neither Klonopin nor Xanax is stronger than the other. They are both benzos medications that work similarly but are very different and can also be used differently. A 0.25mg to 0.5mg dose of Klonopin is generally equivalent to a 0.5mg dose of Xanax.
Klonopin
Klonopin is the brand name for the generic ingredient clonazepam. It is FDA approved for the treatment of panic attacks, which is a type of anxiety, and for the treatment of specific types of seizure disorders. It is available in both the brand name and generic forms in tablet or orally disintegrating tablets.
It is one of the most popularly prescribed and used benzos. It is an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant that works by increasing the GABA neurochemicals in the brain. This stops the central nervous system from getting too excited or stimulated, resulting in a sense of calmness and relaxation.
Because it is one of the most commonly used benzos, it is also commonly abused and can be found in the illicit street drug market. According to statistics, the DEA has dealt with over 10,000 cases of illicit Klonopin use across the country.
Off-label uses for Klonopin include anxiety, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, bipolar disorder and Parkinson’s disease.
The most common side effects of Klonopin use include drowsiness, shaky movements, dizziness, depression, fatigue, difficulty with memory, constipation, diarrhea and nausea.
Xanax
Xanax is the brand name for the drug alprazolam. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is available in both brand-name and generic forms of a tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and oral solution and an extended-release tablet.
It is mainly used to help with the symptoms of panic, severe anxiety and fear in phobic situations. Xanax also works by boosting GABA production to help calm down the central nervous system.
Off-label uses for Xanax include depression, insomnia and the treatment of seizures.
Common side effects of Xanax include drowsiness, fatigue, lightheadedness, headaches, nausea, dry mouth, irritability, forgetfulness, difficulty passing urine, constipation, joint pain, changes in appetite and changes in weight.
Check Your Insurance Coverage for FREE
Find out if your insurance covers addiction treatment in minutes. We accept most insurance!
Similarities and Differences between Klonopin and Xanax
Both Klonopin and Xanax are popular benzos medications and can take effect fairly quickly after taking the first dose. Xanax works quickly because it is absorbed more quickly, with the peak concentration taking effect within 1 to 2 hours. Xanax has a much shorter half-life and the effects can last between 4 to 6 hours.
When it comes to Klonopin, the effects of the drug can take a little longer to go into effect, with peak concentration within 1 to 4 hours. Klonopin has a longer half-life, with the effects lasting for up to 12 hours. The effects of Klonopin are known to last longer than Xanax, which means it does not need to be taken as frequently. Xanax requires regular dossing the keep the levels of medication consistent.
Dangerous side effects that can occur when abusing both these medications include excessive drowsiness, breathing difficulty, delirium, paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, mania, suicidal ideation, seizures, coma and death.
One of the biggest differences between the two medications is that Klonopin works more slowly but can be felt for longer in the system. While Xanax is a powerful medication that can start working almost immediately, it does not last as long.
The dangers of Addiction to Benzos
Klonopin and Xanax are both Schedule IV controlled substances with a high likelihood for misuse and dependence. Even when used as prescribed and under the guidance of a healthcare provider, they can easily become addictive. They both have the potential to cause dependence physically and psychologically.
In some cases, dependence can begin in as little as 14 days of regular use. This is the typical period of medication use that is often recommended by healthcare providers. Because of this dependence, Klonopin and Xanax should not be stopped suddenly. In order to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms, the medications need to be gradually tapered.
Do not take Klonopin or Xanax with other central nervous system depressants like sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, muscle relaxants, prescription pain medications or alcohol. It can exacerbate symptoms and even result in more intense withdrawal and addiction.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Klonopin and Xanax are powerful benzos medications used to treat symptoms of anxiety. But even when taken as prescribed, it can lead to dependence and addiction. Professional behavioral programs like Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for those with an addiction to prescription medications.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT and MAT. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/klonopin-vs-xanax-3030557
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/klonopin-vs-xanax
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323330
https://zinniahealth.com/substance-use/clonazepam/vs-xanax
https://www.verywellhealth.com/klonopin-vs-xanax-7962975
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/clonazepam-vs-xanax
