Buspar vs. Klonopin for Anxiety and Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Key takeaways

Buspirone and Klonopin (generic name clonazepam) are both used to treat anxiety, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Buspirone is an antianxiety medication that is not a controlled substance and is typically taken twice daily. It takes a few weeks to start working and is not suitable for immediate relief of anxiety symptoms. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headache. Klonopin, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine and a Schedule IV controlled substance, meaning it has a higher risk for dependence and misuse. It is used to treat panic disorder and seizures and works more quickly than buspirone. Klonopin can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control, and it is generally not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

Buspirone

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Clonazepam

(Klonopin)

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Summary for Buspar

Prescription only

Buspirone tablets help manage and relieve anxiety in adults. It belongs to a drug class called anxiolytics (or anti-anxiety medications). The tablets are taken by mouth, typically twice daily. Common side effects are dizziness, nausea, headache, and nervousness. Buspirone isn't a controlled substance. The brand name Buspar is no longer available, but you can get the generic buspirone tablets.

Indications for Buspar

Anxiety

Pros and Cons for Buspar

Pros

Taken by mouth
Can break or cut tablets at the score lines if needed (for dose adjustment or to help swallow easier)
Might be an option for people who can't tolerate SSRIs or SNRIs
Much lower risk of dependency and withdrawal symptoms than other anti-anxiety medications

Cons

Typically taken twice a day
Not usually a first-choice option for anxiety
Not for quick relief of anxiety or panic attacks
Interacts with many medications and grapefruit juice

Common Side Effects for Buspar

Dizziness (12%)
Drowsiness (10%)
Nausea (8%)
Headache (6%)
Nervousness (5%)

Warnings for Buspar

Serotonin syndrome
Effect on driving and concentration
Not safe with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Doesn't help relieve withdrawal symptoms from other anxiety medications

Summary for Klonopin

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 for Klonopin

Pros and Cons for Klonopin

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 for Klonopin

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%)