In the growing world, unawareness of people’s needs and lack of time for social gatherings have made people these days very sensitive to anxiety. Medicinal scientists have invented various types of medicine to treat this disorder.
Lorazepam and Clonazepam are the generic medicine of Klonopin and Ativan. This blog tried to compare Lorazepam Vs Clonazepam confusion that will help to clear the confusion.
Both drugs are FDA-approved for treating several types of medical issues. Basically, doctors may allow Lorazepam medicine to be used in healthy adults who are suffering from anxiety-related conditions.
Clonazepam medicine is commonly prescribed for several types of seizures and to treat anxiety disorders that are caused by depression. Both medicines fall under the Benzodiazepines category.
Differences: Lorazepam vs Clonazepam
A detailed review of the differences between these two drugs is discussed below-
What is Lorazepam Drug?
Lorazepam is a prescription medication that belongs to the Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants and Miscellaneous antiemetics drug groups. This medication is FDA-approved for treating the symptoms related to generalized anxiety disorders and anesthesia in individuals.
Sometimes, it is also used to get relief from many off-label conditions such as nausea and vomiting that are caused by cancer treatment, and to control agitation from alcohol withdrawal. It falls under the category of Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act. This generic variant drug comes under brand-name medicines such as Ativan, Lorazepam Intensol, and Loreev XR.
What is Clonazepam Medication?
Clonazepam is an FDA-approved medicine that also belongs to the family of Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants. This medicine is used to treat some seizure disorders such as absence seizures or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Oftentimes, it is used to treat anxiety disorder or panic disorder. It is also categorized as a Schedule IV Controlled Substance Act. This generic drug is sold under several branded drugs like Klonopin and Klonopin Wafer.
Function: Lorazepam Vs Clonazepam
Lorazepam acts by increasing the level of certain chemicals (GABA) in the brain. GABA receptors pass out messages through the central nervous system of the brain that help to reduce anxiety symptoms in adults. This drug increases the effects of GABA chemicals in the individual’s body.
Clonazepam works in the brain and nerves to produce a calming effect, which helps to get relief from anxiety, prevent seizures, and promote relaxation.
Dosage Strengths and Forms
1) Lorazepam medicine comes in an oral tablet, an extended-release capsule, and in a solution form. The dosage strength of this medicine are –
- Form of Oral Tablets-1 mg, 2 mg, 0.5 mg
- Form of Oral Extended-Release Capsules: 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg
- Form of Oral Concentrate- 2 mg/mL
- Form of Injectable Solution- 2 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL
The brand name of this generic drug is available in the common dosage strengths as Ativan 1 mg and Ativan 2 mg in the market.
2) Clonazepam drug is available in disintegrating tablet and oral tablet form. The dosage strengths are-
- Form of Oral Tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
- Form of Disintegrating Tablet: 0.125 mg, 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
The brand-name Medicine Klonopin is available with the most common dosage strengths Klonopin 1 mg and Klonopin 2 mg in the market.
Uses: Lorazepam Vs Clonazepam
1) Lorazepam is an approved medicine that is used in adults for treating symptoms related to generalized anxiety disorders, epilepsy, insomnia, and anesthesia. This medicine is also helpful for treating nausea and vomiting from cancer treatment and to control agitation that is caused by alcohol withdrawal.
2) Clonazepam is US FDA-approved and it is used to treat several seizure disorders such as absence seizures or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is also used to treat anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
Half-life:
Lorazepam’s drug affects up to 10-20 hours in the healthy adult’s body.
Clonazepam medicine half-life is considered to be 18 to 50 hours.
Side Effects of Both Drugs
Some mild to severe side effects of both medicines (Lorazepam and Clonazepam) are as follows-
Lorazepam side effects-
- Severe drowsiness
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Sudden restless feeling
- Seizures
- Depression
- Thinking problems
- Thoughts of suicide
- Confusion
- Aggression
- Hallucinations
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Vision changes
- Dark urine
- Jaundice dizziness
- Sedation
- Weakness
- Feeling unsteady
Clonazepam side effects-
- Dizziness
- Feeling depressed
- Memory problems
- Worsening seizures
- Severe drowsiness
- Breathing trouble
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Confusion
- Paranoia
- Nightmares
- Hallucinations
- Hurting yourself
- Unusual eye movements
Precautions for Both Medications:
- People should consume Lorazepam and Clonazepam drugs as per the doctor’s prescription.
- Do not take the dosages of both medicines without getting the doctor’s recommendation, as these drugs may increase the risk of misuse and habit-forming.
- Pregnant women should not use these medications that belong to the Benzodiazepine anticonvulsants drugs family.
- Carefully read the product label and follow the instructions before using these medicines.
Conclusions:
In this blog, we have understood the similarities and differences between two medicines, namely, Lorazepam vs Clonazepam. These drugs are used to get relief from many disorders like anxiety, panic disorders, light anesthesia status epilepticus, insomnia, etc.
These medications can help improve the symptoms of anxiety and prevent seizures. For example, helps in preventing absence seizures, and reducing depression feelings. These medicines can be effective ways to treat several other health problems that are not mentioned in this blog.
