Klonopin vs Xanax

Klonopin and Xanax are both prescription drugs classed as benzodiazepines. They bind to GABA receptors, enhancing the calming effect of GABA in the brain. This makes them ideal for treating anxiety, panic disorder, and, in the case of Klonopin, seizures – all of which are caused by abnormal brain activity. 

Both Klonopin and Xanax can be addictive, as they cause a euphoric high. For this reason, both medications are prescribed for short-term use and should only be taken under a doctor’s supervision. At Avenues Recovery, treatment is offered for Klonopin and Xanax addiction.

Key Takeaways

• Klonopin and Xanax are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety, panic, and, in the case of Klonopin, seizures.
• Both medications can be addictive and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision, ideally for short-term treatment.
• Klonopin has a longer half-life and slower onset, while Xanax works quickly but wears off faster.
• Misuse, increasing doses, or taking these medications for longer than prescribed can lead to dependence and addiction.

Klonopin vs Xanax Effects

The effects of Klonopin and Xanax are very similar, as they both act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This means that they delay messages from the brain to the body. 

Understanding the difference between Klonopin and Xanax and their effects can help patients and caregivers make safer, more informed choices about treatment. Whether Klonopin is better than Xanax or vice versa depends on your symptoms, how long relief is needed, and the goals of treatment.

Uses and Side Effects of Klonopin

Klonopin (the brand name for clonazepam) is primarily used to manage seizures and certain types of anxiety. The medication has a long half-life, meaning that the substance remains in the body and is effective for a long period. 

There are, however, several adverse side effects associated with using Klonopin, including: 

• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Depression
• Aggression
• Loss of libido
• Headaches
• Memory loss
• Impaired motor skills
• Heart palpitations

It’s important to constantly check in with your doctor when taking Klonopin to assess whether the dose should be changed to prevent dependency or addiction, and to minimize the side effects.

Klonopin is like Xanax in many ways, but there are also significant differences to be aware of.

Uses and Side Effects of Xanax

Xanax (the brand name for alprazolam) is prescribed only to treat anxiety and panic symptoms. Xanax takes effect within two hours, making it ideal for treating moments of intense anxiety that interfere with your daily life. For example, if you have a phobia of heights, you might take Xanax when you have to go somewhere high up to prevent panic and anxiety.

There are some unpleasant side effects associated with taking Xanax, including:

• Depression
• Drowsiness
• Vision problems
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Memory loss
• Loss of libido
• Concentration issues
• Risk of overdose, which could lead to death

Report to your doctor if you’re experiencing any adverse side effects or if you’re concerned about becoming addicted to the drug, so that they can adjust the dosage.

Xanax vs Klonopin Abuse

Both Xanax and Klonopin can be effective when used as prescribed, but misuse or abuse of these medications can lead to serious consequences.

Xanax vs Klonopin: Feeling

Both these drugs produce feelings of euphoria, which is why they have potential for misuse. However, Xanax and Klonopin do not feel the same: Xanax produces a high almost instantly, whereas Klonopin takes longer to hit but also lasts longer. 

Klonopin and Xanax Dependence

Xanax and Klonopin can lead to physical dependence, which means the body adapts to the medication and may experience withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped. Dependence and addiction are not the same: dependence is the body adapting to a drug and struggling to manage without it, while addiction involves compulsive use and continuing despite harm.

Klonopin and Xanax Addiction

Both medications also carry a risk of misuse and addiction. The question of which medication is stronger – Xanax or Klonopin – is often answered in terms of how quickly relief occurs and how long the effects last. Klonopin has a longer half-life, meaning it stays in the body longer and produces more prolonged effects. This can make it easier to develop dependence over time, as the drug’s calming and euphoric effects linger. Xanax, on the other hand, works very quickly. Its rapid onset can create a strong, immediate sense of relief or euphoria, which may encourage repeated use and increase the risk of misuse. In short, both drugs carry a risk of addiction, and concerns about whether Klonopin is more addictive than Xanax or vice versa reflect differences in how long the effects last rather than overall safety.

Overdose is also possible and dangerous with both Klonopin and Xanax. 

Klonopin and Xanax’s Legal Status

Both Klonopin and Xanax are Schedule IV controlled substances. This means that they are classified as having a relatively low potential for abuse, as compared to Schedule I or II substances. However, many addiction specialists believe this does not reflect the actual risks, particularly when it comes to Xanax.

Mixing with Alcohol

Combining Klonopin or Xanax with alcohol is especially dangerous. Alcohol and other depressants amplify the drugs’ sedative effects, which can slow breathing, impair motor skills, or even lead to coma or death. Even small amounts of alcohol can make these medications far more risky than when taken alone.

Recreational Misuse

Because it is relatively fast-acting, Xanax is sometimes used recreationally to experience a euphoric high. This is extremely dangerous, and using Xanax outside of a prescription greatly increases the risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose. Klonopin is also often diverted from medical use for recreational use, which is dangerous and illegal.

Klonopin and Xanax During Pregnancy

Klonopin can be taken during pregnancy under careful direction from a doctor. It may cause the baby to be more sleepy and floppy immediately after birth, and they will be monitored for this.

Xanax, however, can have harmful effects on an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, speak to a doctor about alternatives, but don’t try to stop Xanax use on your own, as that can be dangerous too. 

Prescription Addiction Risk of Klonopin and Xanax

You can become addicted to Klonopin or Xanax even if they were prescribed to you by a doctor. That means you should exercise care even when taking the dose a doctor recommended for you, and check in about any side effects or concerns. You should certainly never take unprescribed Klonopin or Xanax.

Taking either drug without medical cause, increasing the recommended dose, or using the drugs more frequently than prescribed can lead to dependency and addiction. 

Even when you adhere strictly to the recommended dose, prolonged use of these medications can still lead to dependency, so exercise extra caution when using these medications for a longer period of time. 

How to Spot Klonopin or Xanax Addiction

If you’re concerned that you or your loved one is developing dependency on or addiction to Klonopin or Xanax, look out for the following signs: 

• Finishing prescribed Klonopin or Xanax earlier than expected
• Taking a higher dose of Klonopin or Xanax than prescribed
• Using Klonopin or Xanax for a longer period of time than recommended
• ‘Doctor shopping’ – visiting multiple doctors to get more prescriptions
• Feeling fear of Klonopin or Xanax wearing off and taking more medication to prevent it
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed relationships, activities, or hobbies
• Decreased performance at school or work
• Suicidal ideation, obsession, or even action 

If you identify any of these behaviors in yourself or a loved one, reach out for help immediately. No matter what stage of dependency or addiction you or your loved one may be at, seeking help can prevent tremendous future pain. 

Klonopin and Xanax Withdrawal Risks

Stopping Klonopin or Xanax abruptly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including agitation, hallucinations, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. The withdrawal symptoms of Xanax can be particularly difficult to experience. Because of this, it’s crucial to taper off these medications under a doctor’s supervision rather than stopping suddenly. 

Klonopin vs Xanax: Compare and Contrast Chart

Klonopin and Xanax Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery

If you or your loved one is dependent on or addicted to Klonopin or Xanax, Avenues Recovery can help.  Our experienced team provides personalized treatment plans, combining professional therapy, holistic approaches, and ongoing support to guide you toward lasting recovery. Contact us today to join the thousands who have started life anew with Avenues Recovery.

FAQs About Klonopin Vs Xanax

Which is the safest benzo for anxiety?

The safest benzodiazepines for anxiety are lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), and temazepam (Restoril). They’re safer because your body breaks them down more easily, so they don’t build up in your system as much. This means there’s a lower risk of side effects or complications, but they must still only be taken with medical guidance. 

Is Xanax better than Valium?

Xanax is not ‘better’ than Valium; it serves a different purpose. Xanax acts quickly, making it helpful for sudden anxiety or panic attacks. Valium stays in the body longer, so it’s often used for ongoing anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, or muscle spasms. Which one works best depends on your symptoms, how long relief is needed, and the risk of misuse.

What’s 1 mg of Xanax equivalent to in Klonopin?

1 mg of Xanax (alprazolam) is approximately equivalent to 0.5 mg of Klonopin (clonazepam). This shows how strong the medications are compared to each other, but it doesn’t mean they work exactly the same. Because they start working at different speeds and stay in the body for different lengths of time, any switching or substitution should be done carefully by a doctor to prevent overdose or withdrawal.

Is Klonopin better than Xanax for sleep?

Klonopin may be better for sleep than Xanax due to its longer half-life, which helps maintain sedation throughout the night. However, neither is ideal for long-term sleep management because of dependency risks. A doctor might suggest alternatives like temazepam (Restoril) or triazolam (Halcion) for sleep disorders.

What do they call Xanax on the street?

Xanax is commonly referred to by street names like "Xanax bars," "Zannies," "Xannies," "Planks," or simply "Bars." The term "bars" typically refers to the 2 mg dosage in the form of a long rectangular tablet, which is often broken into smaller pieces for abuse.