Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that depress the central nervous system. These substances are available by prescription, primarily to treat anxiety and panic disorders as well as seizure disorders. Benzodiazepines may also be used to manage insomnia or alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
While benzodiazepines are effective for many medical uses, they are also commonly abused. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM), 17.2% of all benzodiazepine use is considered misuse.
Two of the most common benzodiazepines are known as Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam). While these substances share many similarities, they have some differences to be aware of. For example, Xanax works almost immediately, while Klonopin takes a few hours to experience the full effect.
What is Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
Klonopin is the brand name for clonazepam. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant primarily used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety disorders. Klonopin can be used in children up to 10 years and older.
Clonazepam is intended to treat anxiety situationally. It is not intended to be taken long-term, as you might develop a dependency. Instead, doctors advise their patients to take Klonopin as needed, before an anxiety-inducing situation is going to occur.
The common side effects of Klonopin include:
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Unsteadiness and coordination issues
- Difficulty thinking or remembering
- Increased salivation
- Muscle or joint pain
- Blurry vision
- Frequent urination
- Changes in sex drive or ability
Klonopin can cause a euphoric and drowsy high, so many people abuse and become addicted to it. If you are addicted to clonazepam, you will experience withdrawal symptoms upon stopping the drug. Anyone suffering from Klonopin addiction should seek help from a medical detox center.
What is Xanax (Alprazolam)?
Xanax is the brand name for a benzodiazepine called alprazolam. This medication is FDA-approved to treat panic disorder. When someone is prescribed Xanax, they might take it on a short-term basis to manage panic attacks as they arise.
Xanax causes nearly instantaneous relief from anxiety, so it is intended to be used as needed. Long-term abuse of this substance can lead to a life-threatening addiction.
The common side effects of alprazolam include:
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Tiredness or sedation
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Increased chattiness
- Trouble concentrating
- Dry mouth
- Increased salivation
- Changes in sex drive or ability
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Difficulty urinating
- Joint pain
People who take Xanax long-term will develop a tolerance. As a result, they will have to increase the dosage to experience an effect. Unfortunately, this can lead to a serious addiction.
If you or a loved one suffers from Xanax addiction, a drug rehab center can help. Contact Mandala Healing Center for more information on our Xanax addiction treatment program.
Klonopin vs Xanax: Understanding the Differences
Klonopin and Xanax are both benzodiazepines that are used to treat anxiety. Unfortunately, both medications can be addictive when used long-term. Despite their many similarities, these medications have some distinct differences to be aware of.
The main differences between Xanax and Klonopin include:
Onset
Even though Klonopin is good at managing anxiety, it can take a long time to begin affecting you. Typically, it takes a couple of hours for the effects of Klonopin to onset. On the other hand, Xanax can start working within minutes.
Since Xanax works much quicker than Klonopin, it is often preferred to treat panic attacks.
Half-Life
While Klonopin takes longer to kick in, its effects last longer than Xanax. This is because its half-life is longer. As a result, Klonopin is preferred to treat patients who have anxiety that lasts longer than an hour or two, while Xanax is best for short-term panic attacks.
Uses
Klonopin is used to treat a variety of conditions. For example, doctors might prescribe Klonopin to treat anxiety, panic, epilepsy, and seizures in a wide variety of patients. On the other hand, Xanax is only intended to treat panic attacks that occur among individuals with anxiety disorders.
Klonopin has many more uses, so it is prescribed more often than Xanax.
Risk of Addiction
Both Klonopin and Xanax can lead to addiction when used long-term. There are a few factors that make the risk of addiction higher when you are using Xanax.
First, Xanax provides instantaneous effects. This is preferable among people who abuse benzodiazepines. Next, the effects of Xanax are short-lived. People trying to manage their anxiety might take too many doses of Xanax in one day.
For these reasons, the risk of addiction is considered higher for Xanax when compared to Klonopin.
Find Help for Klonopin and Xanax Abuse
If you or a loved one abuse Klonopin or Xanax, you might be suffering from addiction. The main sign of benzodiazepine addiction is being unable to control how much or how often you use it. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to seek help from a drug rehab center.
Treatment programs like Mandala Healing Center offer compassionate and evidence-based treatment services. You will undergo medical detox and evidence-based therapy. You will also receive the support you need to recover.
Clients are taken on a journey of healing through complete immersion into evidence-based clinical modalities, multifaceted alternative therapies, and expert medical management, allowing them to fully detox and recover from drug and alcohol addictions. Through a program of care designed to encourage change, a foundation is created that allows clients to find their higher purpose and reclaim their lives.
Contact Mandala Healing Center today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs.