Ativan is used to relieveanxietyand insomnia, while Klonopin is used to control certain types ofseizuresand relievepanic attacks.
Klonopin is available only in IR tablet form.
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What Is Ativan?
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Brand-name Ativan, containing the active ingredient lorazepam, belongs to the BZD drug class.
This medication is typically administered to adults and adolescents 12 years and older.
Generic lorazepam comes in an IR tablet or injection form.
How It Works
Ativan increases the brain’s response to a neurotransmitter calledgamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
It reduces the excitability of nerve signals in the brain and slows them down, leading to relaxation.
Ativan may improve anxiety or insomnia rapidly or over days or within hours of taking the first dose.
How Quickly Does It Work?
Ativan is well absorbed after oral administration and reaches maximum levels within the bloodstream within two hours.
It is expelled from the body primarily through urine.
What Is Klonopin?
Brand-name Klonopin, containing the active ingredient clonazepam, belongs to the BZD drug class.
Klonopin is FDA-approved to be used alone or in combination with other medications to control certain types ofseizures.
It also relieves panic attacks that may or may not present alongsideagoraphobia (extreme fear).
Klonopin is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat symptoms ofakathisia(restlessness or inability to remain still).
Akathisia is a side effect of treatment withantipsychotic medications(medications for mental illness).
Klonopin is the only brand-name product with the active ingredient clonazepam.
However, generic clonazepam is available as an IR tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet.
As a benzodiazepine, clonazepam works on GABA receptors to reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Klonopin is rapidly absorbedafter oral administration.
It reaches maximum levels in the bloodstream within one to four hours.
The elimination half-life of Klonopin is 30 to 40 hours.
Klonopin may help control your condition but will not cure it.
Additionally, it may take a few weeks or longer for Klonopin to improve symptoms.
Dosing Guidelines
The following will outline general dosing guidelines associated with Ativan and Klonopin.
Ativan
Ativan is available in tablets and injectable forms.
Ativan tablets are available in 0.5, 1, and 2 milligrams (mg) strengths.
When taking Ativan orally, swallow the tablets whole (no chewing) with or without food.
Ativan is only for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms.
It must not be used for more than four months.
Ativan must never be used without individualizing dosage, particularly when taken with other medications causing CNS depression.
Klonopin may help control your condition but will not cure it.
Your healthcare provider will gradually decrease your dose before completely stopping it.
Additionally, for the alleviation of anxiety, exercise is a productive additional treatment option.
Alternative medicine therapies can play a role in improving symptoms of clinical anxiety.
These include Ayurvedic medicine, Reiki, healing touch, acupuncture, and meditation-based techniques.
Notably, within the 1990s, popular alternative treatment strategies for anxiety disorders emerged.
These included herbal medications, such as Saint-Johns-wort.
Prolonged use of BZDs, including Ativan and Klonopin, may cause clinically significant physical dependence.
Increased doses can cause withdrawal effects.
Use of these drugs with opioids can cause respiratory depression, sedation, coma, and potentially death.
However, if the symptoms worsen, immediately call your healthcare provider.
However, Ativan and Klonopin both contain boxed warnings that alert to their potential for misuse and addiction.
Speak to your healthcare provider to determine whether either drug is right for you.
Conversely, keep injectable forms of Ativan refrigerated and out of reach of children and pets.
BZDs, including Ativan and Klonopin, may cause addiction.
The continued use of Ativan or Klonopin for several days to weeks can cause physical dependence.
Additionally, the risks of dependence and withdrawal effects increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily doses.
Ativan and Klonopin each carry an FDA-designated boxed warning that outlines their potential for physical dependence or addiction.
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