Klonopin Versus Ativan

When it comes to which drug is better, Klonopin or Ativan, there has been some healthy debate in the medical community. Both drugs are used to treat anxiety-related issues and have been used by many people in this regard either as temporary or more long-lasting treatment to overcome these particular problems.

There are a considerable number of differences between the drugs, although the one thing that they do have in common is that they both fall under the Bensodiazepine family. This means that both drugs have a roughly similar effect in that they induce sedation as well as being an anticonvulsant and have a muscle-relaxing effect as well.

However, that is where the similarities for the most part end as each drug does have a different specific effect and they are even marketed in different ways as well. Klonopin, which is also known as Clonazepam, not only treats anxiety as well as panic disorders, but is also used to treat insomnia as well as epilepsy.

Ativan

Ativan, also known as Lorazepam, is effective at treating cases of chronic anxiety as well as insomnia. However, as compared to Klonopin, Ativan is considered by many in the medical field to be more addictive in nature which is why it is more controlled and only prescribed by physicians who can keep a close eye on their patients. While Ativan is highly effective at treating anxiety, it also has noted side effects which include the following;

• Aggression
• Amnesic
• Hostility
• Suicide

This does make Ativan a drug that is more carefully administered to monitor if the side effects show up in those who take this particular drug.

Klonopin

Klonopin is generally used for panic and seizure disorders while Ativan is more often used for anxiety disorders. In addition, Klonopin is generally prescribed with two to three doses per day while Ativan is generally given out in three to four doses per day. Overall, the effects may be similar in many instances, but Klonopin has fewer harmful side effects when taken in the prescribed amounts.

Klonopin has an anti-depressant effect and is generally used for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Ativan on the other hand has more of a medium-range effect and creates feelings of euphoria, unlike Klonopin. What both drugs do have in common is that the prescribed amount must not be exceeded during the day otherwise the risk of overdosing carries with it the possibilities of addiction up to death if not taken in the proper way.

Overall, both drugs are similar in their chemical composition, but different in terms of their overall effects. For those who have the choice between either drug to treat their condition, it will depend in large part on the doctor making the prescription. For those who have concerns about the addictive qualities and side effects of Ativan, then Klonopin may be the better alternative. However, this will depend on the particular condition that is being treated and which drug may be more effective overall.