Difference Between Klonopin and Xanax

Main Difference

The main difference between Klonopin and Xanax is that Klonopin contains clonazepam and Xanax contains alprazolam.

Klonopin vs. Xanax

Klonopin is the brand name of clonazepam, and Xanax is the brand name of alprazolam. Klonopin has a half-life of 22-54 hrs, and Xanax has a half-life of 6-25 hrs. Klonopin treats seizures and Xanax cannot treat seizures.

Klonopin is given 0.25mg to adults for anxiety two times a day, and Xanax is given 0.25mg-5mg to adults for anxiety three times a day. Klonopin is given 0.25mg to adults for panic disorders two times a day and Xanax can be given more than 4mg per day for panic disorders. Klonopin is used for the treatment of seizures and Xanax is not used for the treatment of seizures rather, its withdrawal leads to seizures.

Klonopin is classified under anxiolytics/antiepileptics, and Xanax is classified under anxiolytics. Klonopin is used in combination with SSRIs for depression, and Xanax is used for the treatment of depression although it can be used in combination with other antidepressants. Klonopin’s long-term use leads to physiological dependence, and Xanax’s long-term use leads to physical and emotional dependence.

Klonopin withdrawal symptoms include seizures, muscle pain/cramps, hallucinations, stomach cramps, tremors, and unusual behaviors, and Xanax withdrawal symptoms include vomiting, aggression, muscle pain/cramps mood swings, headache, sweating, tremors, and seizures. Klonopin onset of action is within 1 hr, and Xanax onset of action is around about 1 hr. Klonopin has a duration of action of 6-12 hrs, and Xanax has a duration of action of 5hrs.

Comparison Chart

What is Klonopin?

Klonopin is classified as Benzodiazepine and contains clonazepam as the active therapeutic agent. Klonopin is used for both the prevention and treatment of different disorders, including panic disorders, akathisia, and certain types of seizures. The onset of pharmacological actions of Klonopin is within one hour, and its duration of action is between 6-12 hours. Klonopin is found unusually potent to antagonize the effects of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole.

Klonopin also suppresses kindled seizures spread and generalized convulsions, which are mostly produced by stimulation of the amygdala. Klonopin cannot abolish the abnormal discharge at the amygdala. Klonopin shows its therapeutic actions primarily by modulating the function of GABA in the brain. Klonopin does not replace GABA. Klonopin does not have any effect on GABA levels, but it affects glutamate decarboxylase activity. Klonopin enhances the effect of GABA at GABAA receptors.

Klonopin increases the chloride ion opening frequency, which leads to depression of the CNS. Furthermore, Klonopin decreases the capacity of neurons to utilize the 5-HT(serotonin). Klonopin is involved in inhibiting the synaptic transmission across CNS. Klonopin is lipophilic and crosses BBB and placental membrane barriers. The metabolites of Klonopin are inactive. Only 2% of the drug is excreted unchanged in the urine.

Cytochrome P450 is responsible for the metabolism of Klonopin via nitroreduction. Klonopin has a 19-60 hrs elimination half-life depending upon the availability of Cytochrome P450. The peak plasma concentration of Klonopin is reached in 1-2 hrs, but in some patients, it may take 4-8 hrs. This is the reason behind different plasma concentrations of drugs in different patients.

The most severe side effects of Klonopin are motor impairment and sedation. There are some less common side effects like irritability, lack of motivation, dizziness, loss of libido, hallucinations, anterograde-amnesia, especially when a high dose of Klonopin is consumed. Occasionally seen side effects of Klonopin are dysphoria, thrombocytopenia, behavioral disturbances. Rare side effects of Klonopin are suicidal thoughts, liver damage, and excitement. Long-term oral use of Klonopin causes drowsiness and lethargy.

What is Xanax?

Xanax is classified as Benzodiazepine and contains Alprazolam as the active therapeutic agent. Xanax is among the short-acting Benzodiazepine. Xanax is widely used as an anxiolytic and has replaced a number of drugs that were used for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia like barbiturates and meprobamate classes. Xanax is both a safe and effective anxiolytic. Xanax is used both in panic disorders for anxiety and in generalized anxiety disorders.

Xanax also has some other therapeutic actions, and for them, it is used in some other medical problems like it is used in chemotherapy-induced nausea along with other drugs in combination. It takes a week to cure generalized anxiety disorders. Xanax is taken by mouth. Xanax targets GABAA receptors and thus modulates the GABA effects by binding to a highly specific site. Xanax binds to GABAA receptors, then the chloride channel opens, and chloride gains entry into the cell. This causes resistance to depolarisation.

So, Xanax has a depressing effect on synaptic transmission, and by this mechanism, Xanax reduces anxiety. Xanax is well absorbed orally. 80% of taken Xanax binds to plasma protein. The peak plasma concentration of Xanax is reached after 1-2 hrs. The metabolism of Xanax occurs in the liver and mostly by the Cytochrome P450 enzyme. After metabolism, Xanax produces two active metabolites. The metabolites and some unchanged drug is filtered by the kidney and excreted in the urine.

Xanax shows multiple unwanted effects like dry mouth, jaundice, respiratory depression, slurred speech, concentration problems, agitation, hallucinations, urinary retention, mania, and ataxia. Xanax intake during pregnancy may lead to congenital abnormalities. Xanax intake in the last trimester causes drug dependence and withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Xanax overdose can cause severe CNS depression.

Key Differences

Conclusion

The conclusion of the above discussion is that both Klonopin and Xanax belong to Benzodiazepines and are prescribed for different anxiety and seizures problems.

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