Klonopin and Xanax: Pros and Cons

Klonopin and Xanax are benzodiazepine medications that treat anxiety and panic disorders. Benzodiazepines (benzos) can be habit-forming and create physical and mental dependency when taken in large doses or for prolonged periods of time.

Clonazepam, commonly known by the brand name Klonopin, is a tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet. It treats panic attacks or certain types of seizures by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Alprazolam, popularly known by the brand name Xanax, comes in the form of concentrated solutions, tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, or extended-release tablets. Individuals take Xanax to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks by reducing abnormal excitement in the brain.

Klonopin lasts longer than Xanax, so individuals would need to take less Klonopin compared to Xanax.

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Holistic Support for Klonopin and Xanax

Even though people take Klonopin and Xanax to relieve anxiety and panic attacks, doctors still advise against using them for long periods of time due to their habit-forming natures. Research has described co-occurring substance use disorders and anxiety disorder. This means that people with anxiety may also have a higher risk of abusing drugs or alcohol. These individuals may consider seeking holistic treatment to treat their anxiety and substance use disorder issues.

What Are the Uses of Klonopin and Xanax?

Klonopin and Xanax activate and increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors. These neurotransmitters reduce the excitability of neurons and calm the brain. Klonopin and Xanax are central nervous system (CNS) depressant medicines that slow down brain activity.

Because of their calming effect, Klonopin and Xanax treat different types of anxiety disorder, including panic attacks. Benzodiazepines can have a higher effect on people aged sixty-five and older. Compared to younger people, older adults should take lower amounts of benzodiazepines for shorter durations of time.

Klonopin Uses

Klonopin, a CNS depressant and anxiolytic (antianxiety) drug containing different dosages of clonazepam, is used to relieve panic disorders. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved Klonopin to treat seizure disorders.

If used to treat seizure disorders, the initial Klonopin dosage should not exceed 1.5 mg per day divided into three doses. Doctors may increase the dosage as needed. The maximum recommended dose for maintenance treatment is 20 mg per day, depending on a person’s response.

For panic disorder, the initial Klonopin dose is 0.25 mg. Every three days, doctors may increase the dose at 1, 2, 3, or 4 mg per day, depending on its effectiveness. Due to its habit-forming nature, Klonopin has a high risk of triggering addiction.

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Xanax Uses

Alprazolam, which is the active ingredient of , is a CNS agent that affects several sites within the central nervous system by binding to the GABA receptors. Xanax is used to manage anxiety disorders and treat panic disorders. The effectiveness of dosage may vary from person to person.

Initial dosage to manage anxiety disorders is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg taken three times a day. At three or four days, doctors may increase the dosage. The maximum daily dose taken at divided doses is 4 mg. Others may benefit from doses larger than 4 mg. But, the risk of dependence increases with higher dosages and longer periods of treatment.

What Are the Dosage Forms of Klonopin and Xanax?

Dosage forms of Klonopin and Xanax include:

Klonopin dosage forms:

  • Clonazepam oral disintegrating tablet – 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
  • Clonazepam tablet – 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg

Xanax dosage forms:

  • Oral solution – 1 mg/ml
  • Immediate release tablet – 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
  • Extended release tablet – 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg

Can You Get High from Klonopin and Xanax?

Yes.

Klonopin High

Due to its euphoric effects, people abuse Klonopin and become addicted to it,

One hour after taking Klonopin, users may experience a high that can last for up to seventy-two hours. Doctors should only prescribe it for fourteen days, as the body can quickly develop a tolerance that leads to addiction and abuse. To intensify their high, abusers often crush Klonopin into powder and snort it, or dissolve it and inject it.

Xanax High

Xanax has a high rate of recreational use due to its euphoric effects. It has the same effect as Klonopin but only lasts two to three hours.

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What Are the Reviews on Klonopin and Xanax?

People who use Klonopin state that:

  • About 52% of individuals report that drug works well
  • About 14% of individuals report that the drug is a hassle
  • About 70% of individuals agree about its worth
  • About 12% of individuals are unsure of its worth
  • About 19% of individuals do not agree about its worth

People who use Xanax state that:

  • About 55% of individuals were content with its effectiveness
  • About 13% of individuals report that the drug is a hassle
  • About 74% of individuals agree about its worth
  • About 14% of individuals are unsure of its worth
  • About 12% of individuals do not agree about its worth

What Are the Side Effects of Klonopin and Xanax?

According to FDA trials, benzodiazepine drugs such as Klonopin and Xanax may produce side effects:

Klonopin:

  • Drowsiness 37%
  • Ear, nose, and/or throat infections 8%
  • Dizziness 8%
  • Depression 7%
  • Abnormal coordination 6%
  • Decreased muscle coordination 5%

Xanax:

  • Drowsiness 41%
  • Lightheadedness 20.8%
  • Dry mouth 14.7%
  • Depression 13.9%
  • Headache 12.9%
  • Constipation 10.4%
  • Diarrhea 10.1%
  • Confusion 9.9%
  • Vomiting/Nausea 9.6%
  • Insomnia 8.9%

What Are the Risks of Taking Klonopin and Xanax?

Benzodiazepines can hurt cognitive functions. People who take large doses of Klonopin and Xanax for long periods of time may develop addictions. This can lead to overdoses. Since people metabolize Klonopin more slowly, the drug may accumulate in their bodies. Since Xanax does not last long, people may take more and overdose.

There is also a risk when individuals use these medicines with other substances, such as alcohol. Doctors also recommend decreasing the dosage of the medicine gradually. Immediately stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Klonopin and Xanax’s Interactions with Other Drugs

Klonopin and Xanax may pose risks when used with other CNS depressants such as:

  • Antihistamines/cough medications
  • Mood stabilizers/muscle relaxants
  • Tranquilizers/sleeping pills/sedatives
  • Pain medications
  • Seizure medications
  • Marijuana
  • Alcohol

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What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Klonopin and Xanax?

Users should not take Klonopin for more than four weeks. Otherwise, they may develop a tolerance that may lead to addiction. Tolerance occurs when people need greater quantities of drugs to attain the desired effects. Long-term consumption may produce physical and psychological dependence. People may not realize that they are addicted until they try quitting the substances and suffer withdrawal symptoms. Klonopin withdrawal symptoms could last more than forty days.

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Stomach pain

Xanax is popular among users because of its intense effects. It is also notorious for its intense and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Addicted persons suffering from withdrawal symptoms after stopping Xanax should seek assistance. It is also advised that people taper from the drug instead of abruptly quitting.

When people stop using Xanax, the withdrawal symptoms could last more than forty days.

:

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations
  • Irritability
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea and flu-like symptoms
  • Panic attacks
  • Trembling

Comparing Klonopin and Xanax

Klonopin and Xanax are benzodiazepines used for anxiety disorders. Neither should be used for a long time. Both can cause dependency and addiction.

Klonopin lasts longer than Xanax. Xanax delivers more intense effects that last for a shorter period.

Xanax is more addictive and it is more difficult to withdraw from it. In comparisons of Klonopin and Xanax patients, more patients experienced more severe withdrawal effects from Xanax.

Addiction from Klonopin or Xanax requires drug rehabilitation treatment to minimize the potential discomfort and danger from withdrawal.

Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.

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Medical disclaimer:

Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance use disorder, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery.

Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals.

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