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Compare Atarax vs. Klonopin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are both used to treat anxiety, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can also help with itching and allergies, while clonazepam is a benzodiazepine primarily used for seizures and panic disorder. Hydroxyzine is not a controlled substance and is available in both pill and liquid forms, whereas clonazepam is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Clonazepam is typically taken two to three times a day and can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control. Hydroxyzine can also cause drowsiness and dry mouth, but it is generally not recommended for long-term use due to a lack of studies on its long-term safety and effectiveness. Additionally, clonazepam should not be stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms, while hydroxyzine does not have this issue. Both medications should be used with caution in certain populations, such as older adults and those with specific health conditions.

  • Hydroxyzine hcl (Atarax)
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Hydroxyzine hcl (Atarax)
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)

  • Summary of Atarax vs. Klonopin

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax) is a prescription antihistamine for adults and children. It's used to treat anxiety and to ease itching from allergies. It's also used as a sleep aid (sedative) before and after general anesthesia. Hydroxyzine HCl (Atarax) comes as tablet and oral solution that are taken by mouth up to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness and dry mouth.

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat seizures in adults and children, and panic disorder in adults only. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is taken by mouth, typically two or three times a day. It's also available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for people who have trouble swallowing. Some common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control. Before stopping clonazepam (Klonopin), speak with your prescriber to come up with a plan to lower your dose slowly over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

  • Indications of Atarax vs. Klonopin

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    •Itching from allergic skin conditions (e.g., hives, eczema, etc.)
    •Sleep aid (sedative) while receiving general anesthesia for surgery
    Indications for
    •Panic disorder
    •Seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Atarax vs. Klonopin

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 30 minutes
    •Available as a tablet and a liquid that are taken by mouth
    •Can use in children
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Might need to take up to 4 times per day
    •Can rarely cause sexual side effects
    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Less likely to cause rebound anxiety (in people with panic disorders) when stopping compared to some other benzodiazepines
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as orally disintegrating tablet (ODT)
    Cons
    •Taken 2 to 3 times daily
    •Can be habit-forming, so isn't typically used for long-term treatment
    •Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
    •Might not work as well for seizure control over time

  • Common Side Effects of Atarax vs. Klonopin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for

    Seizures:

    •Drowsiness (50%)
    •Poor movement control, clumsiness (30%)
    •Behavior problems (25%)

    Panic Disorder:

    •Drowsiness (up to 50%)
    •Dizziness (up to 12%)
    •Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of a respiratory infection (up to 10%)
    •Extreme tiredness (up to 9%)
    •Poor movement control, clumsiness (up to 9%)
    •Depression (up to 8%)

  • Warnings of Atarax vs. Klonopin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Higher risk of side effects in people over 65
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    •Worsening of seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Atarax vs. Klonopin

    Learn more about Hydroxyzine hcl
    Learn more about Clonazepam

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