comparison between clonazepam and alprazolam
Comparison Between Clonazepam and Alprazolam
Clonazepam and Alprazolam belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are often used for treating anxiety. This Buzzle write-up presents a comparison of clonazepam and alprazolam.
Did You Know?
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States has issued a warning about the risks associated with the use of clonazepam. It is believed that this drug could induce suicidal thoughts.Clonazepam Vs. Alprazolam/Klonopin Vs. Xanax
| Clonazepam | Alprazolam |
| Trade Name | |
| The trade name of clonazepam is Klonopin. | The trade name of alprazolam is Xanax. |
| Half-life | |
| The half life of Klonopin is 18 to 50 hours, which makes it a longer-acting drug. | The half life of Xanax is 9 to 20 hours, which is why it is placed in the category of short or intermediate-acting drugs. |
| Forms and Method of Administration | |
| The administration can be oral, sublingual, intravenous, or intramuscular. The drug is available in the form of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg tablets. | It has to be administered orally. It is available in the form of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg tablets. |
| Uses | |
| It is prescribed for individuals affected by the following conditions: ✦ Panic disorders ✦ Epilepsy ✦ Seizure disorders This drug might help reduce the rate of depression in people affected by social phobia, but such an off-label use is not approved by the FDA. | It is mainly prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions: ✦ Anxiety disorders ✦ Panic disorders ✦ Anxiety brought on by depression If taken for depression without anxiety, such benzodiazepines must be taken with an antidepressant. |
| Side Effects | |
| Common side effects might include: ✦ Drowsiness ✦ Lightheadedness ✦ Memory problems ✦ Fatigue ✦ Muscle pain and weakness ✦ Joint pain ✦ Balance problems ✦ Blurred vision Serious side effects can include: ✦ Allergic reaction ✦ Confusion ✦ Changes in libido ✦ Irritability and aggression | Common side effects include: ✦ Drowsiness ✦ Dizziness ✦ Lightheadedness ✦ Fatigue ✦ Memory-related problems ✦ Problems concentrating ✦ Problems with balance and coordination In rare cases, this drug might cause: ✦ Hallucinations ✦ Aggression ✦ Rage ✦ Mania, agitation, hyperactivity, and restlessness |
| Warnings | |
| It should not be taken by pregnant women, as it is classified as pregnancy category D drug. It has been linked with suicidal thoughts, which is why doctors must be informed about prior history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior. Doctors should be informed, if there's a prior history of drug/alcohol addiction, as this drug is habit-forming. | Besides being a pregnancy category D drug, Xanax is also known for inducing sleep. Therefore, it should not be taken by those who would be driving or handling machinery. If there's a prior history of drug/alcohol addiction, inform your healthcare provider, as this drug is also habit-forming. |
| Contraindications | |
| This drug should be avoided if the patient is allergic to the drug or other benzodiazepines. Inform your healthcare provider about any prescription or non-prescription drug that you are taking, as clonazepam might interact with certain antifungal medicines, antibiotics, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, HIV protease inhibitors, medications for seizures, muscle relaxants, sedatives, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers. | Avoid the drug in case you are allergic to this drug or benzodiazepines. Don't take this drug, if you are affected by narrow-angle glaucoma. Inform your healthcare provider, if you are taking antidepressants, antihistamines, antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, medications for mental illness, analgesics, anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. This is to avoid adverse drug interactions. |