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Compare Librium vs. Klonopin

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

Key takeaways

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are both benzodiazepines, but they have different uses and dosing schedules. Chlordiazepoxide is primarily used for short-term relief of anxiety and to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms, while clonazepam is approved to treat seizures and panic disorder. Chlordiazepoxide is typically taken up to four times a day, whereas clonazepam is usually taken two to three times a day. Clonazepam is available as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) for those who have trouble swallowing, which is not an option for chlordiazepoxide. Both medications can cause drowsiness and have a risk of addiction, but clonazepam is noted to potentially cause more severe side effects like suicidal thoughts and worsening of seizures. Additionally, clonazepam might not work as well for seizure control over time, whereas chlordiazepoxide is a first-choice treatment for alcohol withdrawal. Both medications should be used with caution, especially in older adults and those with a history of substance misuse.

  • Chlordiazepoxide
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Chlordiazepoxide
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)

  • Summary of Librium vs. Klonopin

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Chlordiazepoxide is used for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It can also prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like seizures. This medication has a risk of addiction, so it's classified as a schedule IV controlled substance. Your dose will depend on the reason why you're using it, your age, and your other health conditions. Some possible side effects of chlordiazepoxide include drowsiness, trouble with balance and movement, and confusion. Chlordiazepoxide comes as a capsule, and is available as a brand name and a lower-cost generic.

    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 Librium vs. Klonopin

    Indications for
    •Alcohol withdrawal
    •Preoperative anxiety and anxiety disorders
    Indications for
    •Panic disorder
    •Seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Librium vs. Klonopin

    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •A first-choice treatment option for alcohol withdrawal
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    Cons
    •Controlled medication due to the risk of addiction, misuse, and dependence
    •Risk of more side effects in older adults
    •Can cause withdrawal if suddenly stopped
    •Should only be used short-term
    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 Librium vs. Klonopin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Confusion
    •Loss of coordination (clumsiness)
    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 Librium vs. Klonopin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risks while also taking opioids
    •Potential for addiction, misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    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 Librium vs. Klonopin

    Learn more about Chlordiazepoxide
    Learn more about Clonazepam

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