Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Klonopin vs. Unisom

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

Key takeaways

Clonazepam (Klonopin) and doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) are used for different purposes and belong to different medication classes. Clonazepam is a prescription-only benzodiazepine used for treating seizures and panic disorder, while doxylamine is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to help with sleep problems. Clonazepam is taken two to three times a day and can be habit-forming, so it’s not usually recommended for long-term use. In contrast, doxylamine is taken once nightly, about 30 minutes before bedtime. Clonazepam can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control, whereas doxylamine commonly causes next-day sleepiness and dizziness. Clonazepam is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence, while doxylamine is not a controlled medication and is available over the counter.

  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
    Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin)
    Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)

  • Summary of Klonopin vs. Unisom

    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.

    Summary for Antihistamine

    Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be taken by adults and children ages 12 years and older who are having trouble falling asleep. It's a sleep aid that works by blocking certain chemicals (histamine) in your body. Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is taken by mouth once a day, about 30 minutes before bedtime. The most common side effect of this medication is next-day sleepiness.

  • Indications of Klonopin vs. Unisom

    Indications for
    •Panic disorder
    •Seizures
    Indications for
    •Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)

  • Pros and Cons of Klonopin vs. Unisom

    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
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works well to help you fall asleep
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    •Starts to work quickly (within 1 hour)
    •Can be used in children as young as 12 years old
    Cons
    •Should only use when you have a full night to sleep
    •Can make you sleepy throughout the next day
    •Not the best choice for people over 65 years old or people with glaucoma, breathing problems, or urinary problems

  • Common Side Effects of Klonopin vs. Unisom

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Klonopin vs. Unisom

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Klonopin vs. Unisom

    Learn more about Clonazepam
    Learn more about Doxylamine

Compare other Epilepsy and Allergic Rhinitis drugs

Atarax vs KlonopinBuspar vs KlonopinKlonopin vs AtivanKlonopin vs LunestaKlonopin vs UnisomKlonopin vs XanaxLibrium vs KlonopinProzac vs KlonopinSonata vs KlonopinValium vs KlonopinVistaril vs KlonopinZoloft vs KlonopinAtarax vs AtivanAtarax vs ValiumAtarax vs ZyrtecAtivan vs AdderallAtivan vs LibriumAtivan vs ValiumAtivan vs XanaxBenadryl vs AtaraxBuspar vs AtivanHaldol vs AtivanLunesta vs AtivanMidazolam vs AtivanPaxil vs AtivanProzac vs AtivanRestoril vs AtivanRozerem vs AtivanSeroquel vs AtivanSonata vs Ativan
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.