Millions of people take prescription medications to treat or manage a medical condition. Some commonly prescribed drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction. It is important to recognize the risk of benzodiazepine addiction. You must seek treatment for prescription drug abuse as soon as you recognize the symptoms.
Benzodiazepine drugs have the potential for misuse and addiction. Klonopin and Ativan are among the most common benzodiazepine drugs in the United States. While these drugs work similarly, there are some differences between them.
This article will explore the differences between Ativan and Klonopin. You will learn:
- The side effects and risks of Klonopin
- Ativan’s side effects and risks
- The differences between Klonopin vs Ativan
- How benzodiazepine addiction develops
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with benzodiazepine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our addiction treatment programs. Contact our intake team today to learn more about your treatment options or schedule an intake appointment.
Side Effects and Risks of Klonopin
Klonopin is the brand name for a prescription medication called clonazepam. Medical professionals may prescribe Klonopin to help patients manage the symptoms of anxiety.
Medical experts believe Klonopin works as an anti-anxiety medication because it increases the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. GABA is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that can reduce central nervous system (CNS) activity. Reduced CNS activity in the brain can produce short-term relief from anxiety or anxiety disorders.
Doctors also use Klonopin to treat other conditions, including epilepsy and some types of seizure disorders.
While Klonopin can help to treat psychiatric disorders, it also has the potential to cause physical dependence. People may abuse Klonopin because they like its side effects. Long-term Klonopin abuse may lead to physical dependence or addiction.
People who abuse Klonopin are at risk of overdose and other complications. Common side effects of Klonopin abuse include:
- Losing consciousness or “nodding off.”
- Significant changes in sleep or appetite
- Memory problems
- Dizziness
- Poor coordination
Unsteady gait
People may also face legal or financial trouble related to their Klonopin abuse. People who develop benzodiazepine addiction require comprehensive treatment and medically-supported treatment.
Side Effects and Risks of Ativan
Ativan is the brand name for a prescription drug called lorazepam. Ativan is a benzodiazepine people may take to treat:
- Anxiety disorder
- Panic attacks
- Nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy treatments
- Muscle spasms
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Doctors may also prescribe Ativan to treat insomnia and other conditions. Medical professionals typically prescribe Ativan for short-term use because it has the potential for misuse and addiction. However, people misuse this drug and develop a dependence on it.
Some of the common side effects of Ativan abuse include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Slurred speech
People who abuse Ativan are at risk of a life-threatening overdose. Symptoms of an overdose include:
- Shallow, slow, or stopped breathing
- Loss of muscle control
- Excessive sleepiness
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Death
An overdose involving Ativan and other CNS depressants is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you or someone near you is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately.
What is the Difference Between Klonopin and Ativan?
Klonopin and Ativan are both benzodiazepines with the potential for abuse and addiction. There are some differences between these drugs. Here is an overview of these differences.
Dosing
Ativan is available as an oral tablet or injectable liquid. Ativan tablets come in several strengths (0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg).
The dosage and method of delivery depend on the condition requiring treatment. For example, doctors treat status epilepticus by delivering a 4mg IV injection of Ativan. People using it to reduce anxiety may take two or three separate doses of 2-3mg each daily.
Klonopin is available in oral tablet form in 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg strengths. People may take different doses depending on the condition they’re treating. For instance, adults with seizure disorders may take divided doses totaling 1.5mg daily. Adults with panic disorder may take 0.25mg twice daily.
Usage
People typically take Ativan and Klonopin differently. Ativan users usually take this drug for short-term relief of anxiety. They usually swallow tablets whole with or without food.
People using Klonopin may take two or three doses every day at the same time. They may take the drug with or without food.
Effectiveness
Research shows both drugs are safe and effective at reducing anxiety and controlling seizures. However, Klonopin has a higher potency. Medical professionals may choose to use Ativan when treating some conditions in children.
Klonopin and Ativan are benzodiazepines with a potential for misuse and addiction. It is important to recognize the signs of benzo abuse and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Find Treatment Now
Benzodiazepine abuse can harm your body, mind, relationships, and more. If you or someone you love struggle with Klonopin or Ativan abuse, seek treatment as soon as possible.
Find the comprehensive, compassionate treatment you need to overcome benzodiazepine abuse at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or schedule an intake assessment.
References:
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI): Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Clonazepam
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Ativan (lorazepam) tablets
- NIH: Lorazepam
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): Risks Associated with Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use
