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Clonazepam vs Xanax: Is Clonazepam Stronger than Xanax?

Xanax and Clonazepam are types of benzodiazepines, which are a highly prescribed class of sedative hypnotic drugs used to treat conditions like panic, anxiety and serve the stress reactions. It is the two most common prescribed benzos. In the year 2019, the pharmacists will take prescriptions around 35 million for Xanax and on the other hand it will take around 22 million prescriptions for Clonazepam. Anxiety disorders are normal in the United States. According to the national institute of mental health they estimate that 31% of adults in the U.S. have to face some kind of anxiety disorder during their lifetime.

Although in this blog, we will discuss clonazepam and Xanax with their features. This blog will cover the similarities and key differences between clonazepam vs xanax, and get to know if Clonazepam is better than Xanax.

What is Clonazepam?

Clonazepam is the name of a brand for an anxiolytic and anticonvulsant which helps to reduce anxiety and prevents seizures respectively known as clonazepam. It is used to control seizures or fits that happen due to epilepsy, panic disorders and muscle spasms. This works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called GABA which refers to gamma aminobutyric acid. It is available on prescription only and it comes as a tablet and as a liquid.

If we talk about the clonazepam dosage that a person should have to take, it depends, like for adults it is 0.25 mg twice per day. The maximum dosage does not exceed up to 4 mg per day. It is for panic and anxiety treatment. For seizures the dosage for adults is 0.5 mg three times a day and the maximum should not exceed up to 20 mg per day.

What is Xanax?

Xanax is used for treatment of anxieties and disorders which were caused by depression. It works on enhancing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that control the medications. It is also used for the treatment of panic disorders or having an embarrassment which means agoraphobia. This medication is unauthorized or illegal to purchase on the internet or outside the United States. According to the Food and Drug Administration the sales and distribution of medicines is not valid with safe use regulations.

In this for the adults dosage starts at 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg three times per day. For the serious conditions the dosage may exceed up to 4 mg per day. The trials involved the 1700 people who found xanax for the panic disorder when they received 1 to 10 mg per day. However, the maximum dosage of daily limit does not cross usually.

Key Differences and Features: Clonazepam vs Xanax

Here you find the clonazepam vs alprazolam which is safe according to their key differences and features.

FeatureClonazepamXanax
Primary usesIt is used for seizure disorders, panic disorders.It is used for anxiety disorders, panic disorders.
Time PeriodIt acts for long term and lasts up to 12 hours or moreIt is for short term effect and lasts up to 4 to 6 hours
Withdrawal RiskThe risk of withdrawal symptoms appear slower or less intense.There is a higher risk and rebound anxiety due to fast elimination.
Reaction TimeIt is slower to 30-60 minutes and can last up to 1 to 4 hours.It acts rapidly and starts working in 15 to 30 minutes.
Daily dose frequencyIt has to be taken once or twice daily.It may require multiple doses per day.

Understanding Side Effects of Clonazepam and Xanax

There are the common side effects and the serious side effects of clonazepam vs xanax which are listed below.

Common Side Effects

  • Coordination Problem: Issue in balancing the situations and getting nervous.
  • Drowsiness: Feels sleepy or tired during normal days and not able to work properly.
  • Mood Swings: Changes in mood, get confused for the work.
  • Gastrointestinal issues: It means a dry mouth or having nausea.
  • Memory Issues: Difficulty in concentrating and it can get a short term memory loss.

Serious Side Effects

  • Mental Health Issue: It causes depression and may increase the thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
  • Withdrawal and Dependence: It is often for long term use and suddenly stopping the medication can cause life threatening withdrawal symptoms.
  • Misuse and Addiction: Both having the same potential for misuse and addiction that increases the risk of overdose and death.
  • Risk of Interactions with CNS Depressants: Taking the drug with CNS depressants such as alcohol, opioids and increase the risk of severe sleepiness, slow in breathiness and death.

Is Clonazepam Better than Xanax?

First of all, neither drug is universally better, the choice depends on individual needs and his medical history requirements. According to some major reasons and factors that can decide which one is better and what uses the most. If we discuss clonazepam vs xanax for sleep, it is considered more suitable for sleep maintenance.

  • Xanax is better for managing the sudden anxiety or panic attacks that require rapid short term relief due to its fast reaction time period. It is approved by the FDA. Sometimes the doctors prescribe the xanax for the short term relief of insomnia which means problems in sleeping, and this can add up to antidepressant therapy where the anxiety is a major part of depression.
  • Clonazepam is appropriate for long term use, management of anxiety, panic disorder or seizure disorders that provide steadier relief throughout the day and with less frequent doses. Beyond the approved users, Clonazepam is mainly labeled to help with insomnia majorly when anxiety is the factor. It is also used for certain movements of disorders such as the restless legs syndrome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you find a better understanding of clonazepam and xanax. In this we discuss the clonazepam vs xanax difference or features of clonazepam and xanax. More you find in this page is common and serious side effects of clonazepam and xanax. These medications help people in some cases or according to the person’s medical requirements. The suite of medications you find the understanding of which one is better and what clonazepam vs xanax dosage uses the most according to their needs and requirements.



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