Overview
Clonazepam and Alprazolam are benzodiazepine drugs, mainly used for various conditions such as anxiety and panic disorders. Benzodiazepine drugs are psychoactive medications, i.e., they affect the central nervous system to produce a cooling effect in the brain. Both of these drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) and the treatment of panic attacks and disorders in adults.
According to the WHO studies, anxiety disorder is the world’s most common mental health problem which affected more than 301 million people in the year 2019.
In this blog, we will compare both drugs on the basis of different parameters like uses, doses, side effects, and precautions.
Clonazepam vs Alprazolam which is stronger
What is Clonazepam?
Clonazepam is a generic drug with the brand name Klonopin, and known for its long-acting tranquilizing effects. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance drug, highlighting its potential for drug abuse and misuse. This medicine can also lead the patient to physical dependence on the drug.
It is generally used to treat the following.
- Panic disorder
- Certain types of seizure disorders, called epilepsy
Mechanism of Working
Clonazepam tends to produce a soothing effect in the brain as well as nerves, which in turn helps to decrease anxiety and increase relaxation.
By boosting and enhancing the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), it produces a serene effect in the Central Nervous System (CNS). This then triggers the nerve impulses throughout the body to slow down and then produces a calming effect in the brain.
What is Alprazolam?
Alprazolam is a generic variant for brand-name medicines such as Xanax, Xanax ER (extended-release), and Niravam. These are usually prescribed for treating anxiety disorders, seizures, and other related health problems. This drug works by altering the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).
Mechanism of Working
This medicine is performed by binding benzodiazepine derivatives such as Alprazolam (Xanax) on the GABA-A receptors or neurotransmitters, which are found in the central nervous system (CNS). Alprazolam drug is mainly created to bind with serum proteins. It is selectively bound with albumin protein and this can be found in plasma.
Differences Between Clonazepam and Alprazolam Drugs
Uses
Clonazepam
Clonazepam is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of panic disorders and seizures.
Main Uses of Clonazepam
- Panic Disorder
- Seizure Disorders
- Acute Mania
Alprazolam
This drug is used to treat patients who suffer from anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Anxiety disorder is also known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
The irregular electrical activity in the brain which may be caused by various disturbances such as emotional or psychological, is controlled with the use of this medication.
Alprazolam can make an individual feel more sleepy. But, it cannot be taken as a sleeping pill as this is an anti-anxiety drug. It does not help conditions such as insomnia in the long run.
Dosage Strengths and Doses
Clonazepam
Clonazepam is available in the form of oral administration as immediate-release tablets and orally disintegrated tablets (ODT) or dispersible tablets.
- Tablets: 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg
- ODT or Dispersible Tablets: 0.125mg , 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg
Dosing
- Panic Disorders: 0.25 mg, taken two or three times a day is the initial dose.
- Dose increases: A doctor can increase the dose to 0.5 mg two times a day after three days.
- The maximum daily limit is 1 to 4 mg.
- Seizure Disorders: 0.5 mg, 3 times a day is the recommended dosage for adults, geriatric patients, and adolescents who weigh more than 30 kg.
- Dose increases: The dose can be increased by a doctor to 1mg every 3 days until seizures are under control.
- The maximum daily limit is 20 mg which can be divided equally.
- For pediatric patients (weight below 30) the recommended dose is 0.01 to 0.03 mg per kg in a day, divided into 2 or 3 doses.
Alprazolam
This medicine is available in various dosage strengths for oral administration which are given below:
- Alprazolam 0.25 mg
- Alprazolam 0.5 mg
- Alprazolam 1 mg
- Alprazolam 2 mg
Dosage Administration:
- The usual dosage of Alprazolam (immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and solution form) for treating anxiety disorder is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, 3 times a day.
- The maximum dose is 4 mg per day in divided doses.
- The recommended initial dose of Alprazolam to treat panic attacks is 0.5 mg and is to be taken three times a day.
Side Effects
Clonazepam
Common side-effects of Clonazepam
- Lethargy
- Hallucination
- Fatigue
- Short-term memory loss
- Behavioral disturbance
- Problems with walking and coordination
- Worsening of depression
- Blurred vision
- Irritability
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
Serious side-effects of Clonazepam
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lip, tongue, or throat
- Trouble in swallowing or tightness in the throat
- Joint pain
- Stomach cramps
- Swollen lymph nodes
Alprazolam
Common Side Effects
- Problem while speaking
- Difficulty with coordination
- Low or high blood pressure
- Memory problems
- Light-headedness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
Serious Side Effects
- Suicidal thoughts or thinking
- Problem while urination
- Hallucinations or seeing things beyond reality
- Depressive mood
- Joint pain
- Vomiting blood
- Hyperventilation
- Seizures
- Muscle pain
- Hearing loss
- Allergic reactions
- Hallucinations
Precautions and Safety Measures
1) Before taking alprazolam discuss with your doctor if you have an allergy to this drug. This medicine may contain certain ingredients which may lead to allergic reactions or related problems.
2) Alprazolam induces sleepiness and can make you drowsy. It can also slow the thinking and motor skills in the brain.
In such a case, operating heavy machinery, driving, or other activities which involve alertness of mind should be avoided.
3) You should avoid alcohol and smoking if you have been prescribed to use these benzodiazepines. It may result in overdose and withdrawal symptoms in the patient.
4) If you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma avoid the use of clonazepam. As there are different types of glaucoma and you do not know what type of glaucoma you have, talk with your healthcare provider before taking this drug.
5) Avoid sharing clonazepam with other people, even if they have the same condition as you as it may harm them. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.
People who are 65 years and older can be at a greater risk for some adverse effects of clonazepam, such as confusion and drowsiness from the drug. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
6) If you take alprazolam during pregnancy and breastfeeding then it may harm the newborn baby. Symptoms such as slow breathing, nonstop crying, shaking, or trouble feeding can develop in the newborn.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should avoid using alprazolam in pregnancy.
