Klonopin vs Xanax - How are they different?
Medically reviewed by
Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 16, 2020.
Official Answer
by
Drugs.com
The differences between Klonopin and Xanax are:
- Klonopin is specifically used in the treatment of panic disorder and is also effective at controlling seizures.
- The effects of Klonopin last longer than Xanax, which means Klonopin does not need to be taken as frequently throughout the day.
- Xanax requires regular dosing to keep blood levels constant.
- Both drugs can cause physical and psychological dependence, particularly when taken at higher dosages for longer periods of time; however, more severe withdrawal and rebound reactions have been reported with Xanax on discontinuation.
- Activity of Xanax is affected by race (people of Asian descent achieve higher concentrations and activity of Xanax lasts longer), concurrent liver or kidney disease, alcoholism and obesity.
Klonopin and Xanax are both benzodiazepines and help relieve symptoms of anxiety.
See also: Drugs.com Compare Tool - Klonopin vs Xanax
What are Klonopin and Xanax?
Klonopin is the brand (trade) name for clonazepam and Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam.1,2 Although both belong to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines, so work in a similar way, there are structural differences between them that can affect how they work in the body.
Which one works quicker or lasts longer?
Xanax is usually more quickly absorbed than Klonopin with peak concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours following administration, compared to 1-4 hours for Klonopin, although speed of absorption varies from person to person.1,2 Effects of Xanax last on average 4 to 6 hours although, once again, there are wide variations between individuals. Effects of Klonopin can last for up to 12 hours in adults.1,2,3
Because Klonopin acts for a longer time in the body, it doesn’t need to be dosed as frequently as Xanax. Xanax, however, requires regular administration to keep blood levels constant.1,2,4,5
Activity of Xanax is affected by race (people of Asian descent achieve higher concentrations and activity of alprazolam is longer), concurrent liver or kidney disease, alcoholism and obesity. Less is known about differences in absorption and activity between individuals administered Klonopin.1,2
What dose of Klonopin equals 0.5mg of Xanax?
Benzodiazepine equivalency tables state that 0.5mg of alprazolam (Xanax) is approximately equivalent to 0.5mg clonazepam (Klonopin).4 However, people of Asian descent metabolize Xanax differently to people of other races, and certain disease states such as alcoholism, liver and kidney disease, obesity and even old age can affect how Xanax behaves in the body; so benzodiazepine equivalency tables should be used as a guide only as they do not reflect individual variation.1,2,3,4 In addition, liver disease and possibly some other medical conditions may affect how quickly Klonopin is eliminated from the body.
Which drug is more effective?
Few trials have directly compared Klonopin with Xanax. One reported no significant difference between the two drugs in terms of side effects (sedation, dizziness on standing) or effectiveness when both were used for the treatment of panic disorder.6
Which drug is more likely to cause dependence?
Both Klonopin and Xanax have the potential to cause both physical and psychological dependence. Susceptibility to dependence varies depending on dose taken, regularity of consumption, and genetic factors. It is not clear whether risk of dependence is higher with some benzodiazepines compared with others.7
Some people can form dependencies to benzodiazepines after as few as 14 days of regular use. Following six months of continuous use, more than 50% of people are classed as dependent. Benzodiazepines should not be stopped suddenly; dosages need to be slowly tapered off over several weeks to months to avoid withdrawal reactions. All addiction-prone individuals should be under careful surveillance if they need to be prescribed benzodiazepines.4,7
Are withdrawal symptoms more severe with Xanax?
Yes. Reviews suggest discontinuation from Xanax is particularly difficult and is associated with more serious rebound and withdrawal symptoms.5 Compared to Klonopin, Xanax has a much shorter half-life (9-20 hours for Xanax compared to 19-60 hours for Klonopin).4,5,6 Half-life is a technical term for the time it takes for 50% of an administered drug to leave your body – it is not the same as duration of effect. The blood levels of drugs with longer half-lives tend to remain relatively more constant in the body, and tend to cause much less severe withdrawal symptoms than dramatic fluctuations seen with benzodiazepines with a shorter half-life such as Xanax.
Withdrawal symptoms may include agitation, convulsions, hallucinations, tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps. More severe withdrawal symptoms are likely in people who have taken larger dosages over an extended period of time.
I see my doctor about every two months to get a prescription for 90 Xanax I think it's the best idea to take Xanax instead of something with the longer Half-Life due to the way this is what I'm used to? What is the best way to take this throughout the day because I did ask for 120 but he did not say yes. I've had this condition for a very long time so the amount is not shocking at all to anybody who has any clue about what I've been through. I'm trying to manage it throughout the day and dose it down. Do you guys know the best generic brand? I've gotten the blue ones and they seem to be working fine I don't have to take more than three a day and I can break off .5 here inhere and there and put it aside. Just trying to manage my anxiety. And also does anybody know anything about extended release Xanax and if Medicaid covers that?
I took both for years and although I don't know about any extended release Xanax I DO know that Klonopin tends to have a longer half life. From personal experience Klonopin lasted longer and was better for controlling my anxiety. At least until I started abusing them, and they have a high potential for abuse so be careful with them is all I'll say. Be very very careful.
Maybe ask your doc about trying out Klonopin, they have .5mg and 1mg and maaaybe 2mg Klonopins I think, like xanaxes.
