Mental illness medications are common these days. All around the world, people deal with various types of mental disorders. Due to stress, financial problems, relationship breakdown, etc can affect people’s mental health. There are different types of medications available for treating conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, depression, etc in people. In order to treat these conditions there are two most common medicines namely Clonazepam and Xanax. Today we will discuss a Clonazepam vs Xanax comparison in detail.
Comparison: Clonazepam vs Xanax
What is Xanax?
Xanax is an FDA-approved drug, which is used to treat anxiety-related problems. It contains Alprazolam generic drug and is sold under Xanax and Xanax XR brand names in different countries. It is a prescription drug therefore, after getting a prescription from a certified doctor people can use it.
Individuals can get the drug from various online pharmacies and drug stores. It comes in four dosage strengths and is available in the form of oral tablets. The dosages vary in colors and different imprinted initials. Doctor widely prescribes Xanax for those who are above 18 years of age to treat anxiety attacks.
The medicine should be used under the guidance of the doctor for the recommended duration. Because it may create dependence in the patients. So, before taking this medicine, seek the right information. Then use the drug to solve your anxiety problems.
What is Clonazepam?
Clonazepam is used in the treatment of multiple psychological disorders. Such disorders are Meniere’s disease, Insomnia, Lennox-gastaut syndrome, Panic attacks, Seizure, Epilepsy, etc.
The medicine is a prescription drug therefore, it should be used after getting a prescription from a qualified doctor.
It is a generic drug that is sold under the Klonopin brand name. The medicine is not classified by the FDA for the use of pregnant women.
All age groups people can use the drug after getting a prescription from a doctor. Furthermore, it comes in three dosage forms that vary in color and different imprinted initials.
Individuals can find the medicine on various pharmaceutical websites and drug stores.
Brand Names of Clonazepam and Xanax
Both medicines are sold under various brand names.
Xanax brand names are Gabazolamine, Niravam, Alprax, Mylan-Alprazolam, etc. Clonazepam is sold under the trade names of Klonopin, Rivotril, Clanapam, etc.
Doses: Clonazepam vs Xanax
Xanax Doses
Xanax drug is available in the form of tablets with four dosage strengths. Those are as follows-
- Xanax 0.5 mg (orange oral oval tablet) Imprint: XANAX 0.5
- Xanax 0.25 mg (white oral oval tablet) Imprint: XANAX 0.25
- Xanax 1 mg ( blue oral oval tablet) Imprint: XANAX 1.0
- Xanax 2 mg ( white oral rectangle tablet) Imprint: X ANA X 2
Clonazepam Doses
Clonazepam is available in three dosage strengths. It also comes in disintegrating tablets with the same dosage strengths that are mentioned below.
- Clonazepam 0.5 mg ( yellow round oral pill) Imprint: TEVA 832
- Clonazepam 1 mg (Blue round oral pill) Imprint: V2531
- Clonazepam 2 mg (white round oral pill) Imprint: TEVA 834
The brand name medicine Klonopin is available in dosage strengths such as Klonopin 1 mg and Klonopin 2 mg
Functions of Both Medicines: Clonazepam vs Xanax
Xanax Work
The generic variant of medicine acts in the brain. To bind Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain function. Through this, the Xanax tablets enhance the brain performance.
And, decrease the effects of those chemicals which are responsible for anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, it stays active in the body of an individual for 11 hours. However, the work of medicine depends on the patient’s metabolism and health condition.
Clonazepam Work
Clonazepam increases the activity of the neurotransmitters called Gamma-aminobutyric acid in the central nervous system. This is a generic drug of branded medicine known as Klonopin.
The generic variant was FDA-approved in 1997 to get rid of seizures and convulsant effects in individuals. It actively stays in the body for up to 144 hours.
Similarities of Clonozepam and Xanax Drug:
- Both medicines work in the brain on Gamma-aminobutyric neurotransmitters.
- Clonazepam and Xanax are used for psychological problems.
- The two medicines fall under the Schedule II Controlled Substance Act.
- Both medicines belong to the same class of drugs.
- The US Food and Drug Administration approved both medicines.
- Both are prescription medicines.
Differences:
- Xanax is used to treat Anxiety and depression while Clonazepam is used in the treatment of Epilepsy, Seizures and panic disorders.
- Clonazepam comes in the forms of disintegrating tablets and oral tablets while Xanax is available in the forms of oral solutions and immediate and extended-release forms.
- Xanax comes in an oval and rectangular shape, while Clonazepam appears in a round shape.
- Xanax stays active in the body for 11 hours while Clonazepam remains active up to 144 hours.
- Both medicines are sold under different brand names.
How to Use These Drugs:
- Take the doses of these drugs as directed by the doctor.
- Consume the drugs for the recommended duration.
- While using tablets do not crush and chew them.
- With the help of a measuring tool, when taking the oral solution measure the dose
Side Effects of Both Drugs:
Following are the side effects of Clonazepam and Xanax drugs.
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Usual dreams
- Double vision
- Cough
- Chills
- Shortness in breathing
- Irritability
- Lack of appetite
- Weakness in body
- Lack of concentration
- Ear congestion
- Dark urine
- Difficulty in coordination
- Shakiness during walk
Precautions:
- Before using Clonazepam and Xanax read the product label attentively.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid taking these drugs.
- Follow all guiding information given by the doctor regarding medicines.
- Store these medications at room temperature.
- Do not give and suggest the drugs to another person without a prescription.
- If you have other health complications such as asthma, heart disease, kidney and liver disease, etc., consider taking suggestions from a doctor before using the medicine.
- Do not take an overdose of two medicines since it can cause severe health problems.
Conclusion:
Due to psychological disorders, the brain’s ability gets decreased. Such disorders can be Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression, etc. All brain-related problems can affect an individual’s overall health, at any age. To get rid of them there are several medications.
The Clonazepam and Xanax medicines also aid in your brain health condition. In this blog, you have seen the comparison between the two of them. Before using them consultation with a doctor to get rid of anxiety and depression.