Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs that work by depressing the central nervous system. There are several different types of benzodiazepines, and each one has unique properties. Klonopin and Ativan are both benzodiazepines, but they have different effects on the body. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between Klonopin and Ativan. We will also talk about which drug is better for treating specific conditions. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and seizures. Klonopin belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Klonopin works by slowing down the nervous system. Klonopin is available as a tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet. Klonopin is usually taken two or three times a day. Klonopin may be habit-forming. You should not take Klonopin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Klonopin can cause birth defects. Klonopin can also pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Klonopin. Klonopin can make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drink alcohol or use other drugs that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking Klonopin. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Klonopin affects you. Klonopin can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
What is Ativan?
Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine. Ativan and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits activity in the brain. Ativan is used to treat anxiety disorders. Ativan is also used as an anticonvulsant to treat seizure disorders, such as epilepsy. Ativan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. You should not use Ativan if you are allergic to lorazepam or other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), or oxazepam (Serax). To make sure Ativan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
– if you drink alcohol regularly;
– if you have asthma or other breathing disorder;
– kidney or liver disease (especially alcoholic liver disease);
– a history of depression or suicidal thoughts;
– a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
– if you have recently had a heart attack.
Difference between Klonopin and Ativan
Klonopin and Ativan are both medications prescribed to patients with anxiety disorders. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine, which affects the way the brain responds to anxiety. Klonopin works by depressing the nerves that are responsible for sending signals of anxiety to the brain. On the other hand, Ativan is also a depressant but it does not work directly on the nervous system. Instead, it slows down the activity in the brain, which reduces anxiety. Both Klonopin and Ativan are effective in treating anxiety; however, Klonopin is more often prescribed because it has a longer-lasting effect than Ativan.
Conclusion
Klonopin and Ativan are both benzodiazepines, but they differ in their chemical structure, potency, and duration of action. Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine with a high affinity for the GABA receptor, while Ativan is a short-acting benzodiazepine with a low affinity for the GABA receptor. This means that Klonopin takes longer to reach peak plasma levels and has a longer duration of action than Ativan.
