When it comes to treating anxiety, the decision may come down to Klonopin vs. Xanax. These are the two of the leading prescription medications for treating anxiety disorders in the short term. They are both effective at relieving symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic disorder. They are also benzodiazepines (or benzos) which are effective at calming neurotransmitters in the brain, giving individuals a respite from the mood disorder they are struggling with.
Doctors prescribe benzos for all types of mental health issues.

While these medications help manage anxiety or depression, they can also create feelings of euphoria. Because of this, some people abuse the medication. A euphoric feeling can be highly addictive if you use Klonopin or Xanax for an extended period. Therefore, you should limit your use or stay within your doctor’s prescription. Fortunately, Northern Illinois Recovery Center has an experienced and compassionate staff of counselors, therapists, and medical professionals that can help those who have developed a dependency or addiction to prescription medications.

What Is Klonopin Used For?

Klonopin is an FDA-approved anti-seizure medication that counteracts different chemical imbalances in the brain. The imbalances are what usually leads to anxiety disorders or ongoing panic attacks. You may also use Klonopin for conditions such as agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). It is designed to help individuals maintain calm in situations that may cause them distress due to their mood disorder.

Klonopin can stimulate GABA receptors in the brain. These receptors block neurotransmitters, which, in turn, keeps you from becoming aroused whenever you are faced with a stressful situation. If you can reduce this type of brain activity, then you are less likely to become anxious. Since Klonopin is a powerful drug, you should only use it on occasion, not every day.

Klonopin or Xanax: Which is Better for Anxiety?

Both Xanax and Klonopin are used to treat anxiety. Doctors typically prescribe Xanax for panic and anxiety disorders since it is fast-acting. A major difference between the two drugs is the half-life. Xanax has an elimination half-life of 11 hours, while Klonopin has a half-life range of 30 hours or longer.

Is Klonopin a Benzo?

Klonopin, known generically as clonazepam, is a benzodiazepine used for two main purposes. It’s prescribed as an anxiolytic to reduce anxiety and as an anticonvulsant to treat seizures. Its popularity stems from its effectiveness in treating these conditions.

What is Xanax Used For?

Like Klonopin, Xanax also binds the GABA receptors so that they inhibit the neurotransmitters. This reduces how much stress you feel, whether at work, home, or anywhere else. One of the main reasons people take Xanax is to get a good night’s sleep.

The purpose of Xanax is to help people manage their life. When you feel less anxiety and stress, then you can get your life back together. For this reason, most prescriptions start as temporary prescriptions, not long-term prescriptions. If you have panic attacks, then a doctor may prescribe Xanax for a more extended period.

Klonopin vs. Xanax: Which is More Addictive?

Klonopin and Xanax are benzodiazepines with risks of dependence and addiction. However, Klonopin is considered more addictive due to its potential to induce euphoria, rapid onset of action, and long half-life. These factors make Klonopin more appealing to those at risk of addiction, highlighting the need for careful use and supervision.

It is also easy to develop a tolerance to Klonopin faster. It does not take long for the effects of the drug to wear off. Inevitably, users want to increase the dosage so that they can keep experiencing the feeling.

The only difference between Xanax and Klonopin is that Xanax gives you more of a buzz than an outright high. However, the buzz is short-lived.

Which is More Powerful: Klonopin or Xanax?

Klonopin vs. Xanax for Panic Attacks

Klonopin vs. Xanax Dosage

Klonopin and Xanax both have addictive properties so it is crucial to adhere to your doctor’s prescription. If a person exceeds the maximum dosage, symptoms of withdrawal and dependency will increase. In addition, taking more than the recommended dosage increases a person’s tolerance for a drug, causing them to increase their dosage.