Klonopin vs Valium: Which Benzodiazepine Is Stronger? Risks & Recovery Help

Studies say that millions of adults are suffering from anxiety worldwide. To manage anxiety people take anti-anxiety pills. The two well-known anti-anxiety aids are Klonopin and Valium. Although both are prescribed to treat anxiety they are not similar. When people hear about Klonopin and Valium they get confused about which is better. This blog helps you to understand the comparison of Klonopin vs Valium. We will explore about the side effects, interactions, and uses. The goal of this blog is to give you clear and perfect information without using complex and medical terms. At the end, you should get a better understanding of these anti-anxiety aids.

Difference Between Klonopin And Valium

When comparing Valium and Klonopin the main difference between the two is duration of effect and how fast they work. Both medications are the same class of medications known as benzodiazepines. Klonopin lasts longer in the body compared to Valium and there is no need to take it twice a day. Valium works faster than Klonopin. It gives fast and short-term relief from anxiety, muscle tension and stress. Before comparing both medicines we have to know about the medicines and how they work.

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and seizure disorders. The generic name of Klonopin is clonazepam. It works by calming the brain nerves. Klonopin is also prescribed by doctors to manage panic disorder, certain types of epilepsy and short-term anxiety treatment. It mainly increases the effects of a natural chemical in the brain called GABA. This chemical helps to slow down brain activity and results in reducing nervousness. Klonopin has some side effects like drowsiness, dizziness and trouble in coordination an carries a high risk of addiction and long-term uses need Klonopin addiction treatments.

What is Valium?

The brand name of Valium is diazepam. It is prescribed to treat anxiety, muscel spams, seiuzure and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes it is helpful to feel less nervous before medical procedure. Valium works by calming the brain nerves. It helps to slow down brain activity by increasing the natural chemicals in the body. This results to reduce restlessness and feelings. It works quickly and lasts for a short time period. Long-term use of Valium can cause a risk of addiction.

What Is The Difference Between Klonopin And Valium?

Klonopin has a longer-lasting effect and is prescribed for both panic attacks and controlling seizures. Because it works gradually over a number of hours it can help treat symptoms throughout the day. Valium will have a quicker effect and start calming the body down much more quickly. Valium is regularly used to alleviate anxiety, muscle spasms or withdrawals from alcohol, in conjunction with seizures at times. The calming effect will take place very quickly, allowing for rapid symptom relief, but this will typically not last as long as Klonopin.

Klonopin vs Valium dosage

The smaller doses of Klonopin are commonly prescribed because of its long duration in the body. 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg is prescribed in early treatment and taken once or twice a day. The doctor slowly increases doses according to how your body reacts to Klonopin. Valium is prescribed in higher milligram doses because of its low intensity. Generally, doses will start from 2mg to 10mg and are taken once or more than once in a day. It has a fast-acting ability but it has a shorter duration of effect than Klonopin.

Klonopin vs Valium half-life

The average half-life of Klonopin is 30-40 hours. It means Klonopin takes 30-40 hours to remove from your body. Because of this reason Klonopin consistently affects your body to get relax. Based on different factors the half-life of valium is approximately 20-50 hours, which is similar to Klonopin. When the body breaks down Valium it leaves its metabolites in blood stream. These metabolites can appear even after the elimination of valium.

Side Effects of Valium And Klonopin

Both Valium and Klonopin belong to the group of drugs called benzodiazepines and help to calm the brain and nervous system. Both are effective to treat anxiety and pain disorders, but carry some unwanted effects. The effects can vary person to person according to their dose, duration and health.

Side Effects Of Valium

Valium can provide quick relief from muscle tension and anxiety. Because of its mechanism, it produces effects like too relaxed and drowsy. In some cases mild symptoms arise while some feel stronger effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Poor balance or coordination
• Blurred vision
• Headache

Side Effects of Klonopin

Klonopin is also prescribed for panic disorder and seizures. Because of its long-lasting calming effect increases the risk of certain side effects. It can affect thinking, mood and coordination like other benzodiazepines.

Common Side Effects:

• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Trouble concentrating
• Fatigue
• Increased saliva

Klonopin vs Valium: Which is stronger?

Klonopin is generally stronger than Valium. The smaller does of Klonopin can produce a stronger effect compared to the same dose of Valium. Klonopin has a long-term effect and provides a powerful effect consistently. Valium acts quickly on the body but its effects feel milder and smooth. Although Klonopin is more powerful than Valium, both belong to the same group of drugs their effect can vary according to doses and the person’s health.

Can You Mix Klonopin And Valium?

It is not recommended to mix Klonopin with Valium. Because both are undergoes same drug class and work in a similar way. Taking Klonopin and Valium together can increase their effects. This leads to extreme drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination, slow breathing and overdose. In serious case combination of valium and Klonopin can cause breathing problems, coma and death. It is prescribed only in rare cases and under medical surveillance. Taking them together without guidance can cause risk of dependence and withdrawal problems.

FAQ

Is it safe replacing Klonopin with Valium?

It is safe to replace Klonopin with Valium under your doctor’s supervision. They have different potencies and durations without a doctor’s consultation, they can affect your body. Where Valium works quickly for a short time, Klonopin takes time and has long-term effects. Avoid switching medicines yourself.

Is it safe to take Klonopin and Valium together?

Taking Klonopin with Valium is not safe unless your doctor has prescribed it. Both belong to the same drug class. Combining them can increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, slow breathing and overdose.

Which is stronger, Klonopin or Valium?

Klonopin is considered stronger than valium according to their potencies. In example, 0.5 mg of Klonopin is more potent than 10 mg of valium. But exact potency can vary person to person. Valium acts faster and has long-acting metabolites.

Conclusion

Klonopin is considered powerful and has a longer-lasting effect than valium. Because of this it is helpful for long-term anxiety and seizure control. Valium is fast-acting and does not last longer so it helps in sudden anxiety, short-term relief and muscle pain. Both are safe if you take it as your doctor advises. Abusing them can increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Both carry a high risk of benzodiazepines addiction with long-term use and can need benzodiazepines addiction treatment. Choosing the right one is depends on your condition and how your body reacts to drugs.