Anxiety is an important element in one’s life as the response to certain stimuli makes a person more productive. However, anxiety can be debilitating if it affects an individual adversely, such that the person is not able to go about his or her usual tasks without the anxiety condition coming in the way. A deeper analysis would show that this person is suffering from some kind of anxiety disorder. There are different therapies available, but it usually starts with drug therapy in order to bring the condition under control before other techniques may be applied.
Klonopin and Ativan are two highly potent anti-anxiety medications that are prescribed to treat various anxiety disorders, along with other extended off-label uses. Since both the drugs are good in providing relief, it may be smarter to compare them and then decide which one may be more suitable for you. While taking both the drugs together is not recommended, choosing between Klonopin and Ativan would be useful in commencing the anxiety treatment in the right direction.
Klonopin
Klonopin, which contains the active ingredient Clonazepam, is classified as a benzodiazepine. The drug produces calming and tranquilizing effects that not only make it effective for overcoming anxiety symptoms but also for seizure disorders. The drug has an onset of action time of less than an hour and effects last for about six to eight hours on average. Klonopin works by enhancing the GABA receptors in the brain, thereby helping to normalize the chemicals that are unbalanced because of the anxiety condition.
Ativan
Ativan is also a benzodiazepine and it contains the active ingredient Lorazepam. The drug works similar to Klonopin by boosting the GABA receptors. Ativan has an onset time of action of about twenty to sixty minutes after taking the drug. A number of conditions can be treated with Ativan, and smaller dose may be administered to children with anxiety as well.
Choosing the drug that works better for you – Klonopin or Ativan
Making a choice between Klonopin and Ativan can be a little tough as they both work is a similar way and belong to the same drug class. The potency of either drug can be decided with the condition being treated, like Klonopin may be better for seizures than Ativan. One must understand that due the schedule IV class of both the drugs, doctors may not easily prescribe them. To decide on one that would suit you best, test a sample of each with enough time lapse between both the drugs. Also, consult with your healthcare provider to get an estimate of the severity of your anxiety condition. Based on that, your doctor would be able to prescribe the drug that is deemed to be more suitable and also in the appropriate dosage. Moreover, Klonopin and Ativan are best taken under medical supervision by following the exact dosage instructions as otherwise there may be complications like increased risk of side effects, drug dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Choose the better drug according to how well you respond to it for best results.
