Clonazepam vs. Xanax: Differences, dosage, and side effects
The most common use of Xanax is as an anti-anxiety medication. Created in 1969 by the pharmaceutical company Upjohn, there are now more than 50 million prescriptions for Xanax written each year. Xanax is the brand name of a drug called alprazolam.
Clonazepam is used to treat seizure disorders, among other things. It is an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic medication. Doctors may also prescribe clonazepam for panic disorder.
Xanax and clonazepam affect the central nervous system (CNS) and have the potential for abuse, with some people becoming dependent on them.
What are they usually used for?
Xanax is a useful medication for people who experience panic attacks. The drug helps to relieve the symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks.
Some doctors prescribe Xanax for depression, but there is limited evidence that it is effective unless the person also has anxiety alongside depression.
Clonazepam, which is available under the brand name Klonopin, is also a benzodiazepine. Doctors use it to treat seizure disorders in both adults and children. It can help address chemical imbalances in the brain and can also treat panic attacks.
Taking clonazepam increases a person’s levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that sends signals around the CNS.
A lack of GABA can cause people to become excitable and may lead to panic attacks or seizures. More GABA in the body helps to reduce instances of panic attacks and seizures.
Clonazepam
The more common side effects of clonazepam include:
- drowsiness
- shaky movements and unsteady gait
- dizziness
- depression
- fatigue
- memory problems
- constipation or diarrhea
- nausea
If any of these side effects develop, a person should talk to their doctor.
Rarer and more severe side effects of clonazepam include:
- depressed mood or suicidal thoughts
- seizures, especially if a person stops taking the drug suddenly
- hallucinations
- mood swings and behavioral changes
- sweating
- abnormal eye movements
- anxiety
- difficulty speaking
- insomnia
- excessive bleeding and bruising from reduced platelets in the blood
- menstrual problems
- difficulty urinating
If any of these side effects develop, a person should get immediate medical attention.
Xanax
The more common side effects of Xanax include:
- drowsiness and fatigue
- light-headedness
- headaches
- nausea
- dry mouth
- irritability
- becoming talkative
- forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
- trouble passing urine
- constipation
- joint pain
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
- sexual dysfunction
If any of these side effects develop, a person should make an appointment to see their doctor.
Rarer and more severe side effects of Xanax include:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- difficulty speaking
- poor coordination and balance
- seizures
- mood swings
- hallucinations
- confusion or memory problems
- depression or suicidal thoughts
- severe skin rash
If any of these side effects or other effects that may be due to these drugs, develop a person should seek immediate medical attention.
As both Xanax and clonazepam may cause drowsiness and poor coordination, people taking these drugs should be cautious about driving or operating machinery.
With either drug, a severe allergic reaction is unlikely. However, if a person develops signs of a reaction, such as a rash, difficulty breathing, itching, or swelling, they should call for emergency help.
People taking Xanax or clonazepam should not mix them with alcohol or opioid medication. Doing so can cause dangerous side effects that could be fatal.
Other CNS depressants can interact with Xanax or clonazepam and change the way they work. Such changes can also lead to severe side effects.
Other CNS depressants include:
- marijuana
- antihistamines
- sedatives and sleeping pills
- tranquilizers
- mood stabilizers
- muscle relaxants
- seizure medications
- pain medications
Before starting a new medication, a person should tell their doctor or pharmacist about any other medicines they are taking or intending to take.
Off-label uses
Off-label uses are uses that are not indicated on the United States Food and Drug Administration-approved packaging, but for which a doctor might still prescribe the drug.
Off-label uses for Xanax include for the following:
- irritable bowel syndrome
- essential tremor
- ringing in the ears
- depression
- agoraphobia or fear of open spaces
- premenstrual syndrome
Off-label uses for clonazepam include for the following:
- burning mouth syndrome
- essential tremor
- depression
- multiple sclerosis
- periodic limb movement disorder
- restless legs syndrome
- ringing in the ears
- Tourette syndrome
- vertigo
- West syndrome
Which is the best one to use?
Although clonazepam and Xanax are similar types of drugs, there are times when one might be better to use than the other.
Xanax is not an anti-seizure medication. Hence, a person trying to control and treat seizures may find clonazepam useful.
People with anxiety disorders should make an appointment with their doctor to discuss the various treatment options plus the pros and cons of each.
The doctor will ask about a person’s symptoms and medical history. They will consider any current medication the individual is taking before advising what prescription is most suitable.
Some people react badly to particular medications or find them ineffective. If this is the case, a person should talk to their doctor who can make an alternative recommendation.
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