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Compare Prozac vs. Klonopin

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

Key takeaways

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Klonopin (clonazepam) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different drug classes and treat different conditions. Prozac is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) used to treat depression, OCD, bulimia, panic disorder, and depression from bipolar 1 disorder. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Klonopin, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine used to treat seizures and panic disorder. It calms the brain by reducing signaling in brain cells. Prozac is typically taken once daily, while Klonopin is taken up to two to three times a day. Prozac can take up to 2 months to show full effects, whereas Klonopin works within a few hours. Prozac is not a controlled substance, but Klonopin is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of Prozac include headaches and difficulty sleeping, while Klonopin often causes drowsiness and dizziness.

Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Summary of Prozac vs. Klonopin
Summary for SSRI
Prescription only
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and panic disorder. The immediate-release pill and liquid are taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. The delayed-release capsule is taken weekly, but it's approved only for depression. Some common side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Don't suddenly stop this medication if you've been taking it for a while; doing so can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.
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 Prozac vs. Klonopin
Indications for

•Major depressive disorder (MDD)

•Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

•Bulimia

•Panic disorder

•Depression from bipolar 1 disorder

•Treatment resistant depression

Indications for

•Panic disorder

•Seizures
Pros and Cons of Prozac vs. Klonopin
Pros and Const for SSRI
Pros

•Good choice for treating depression, OCD, and panic disorder

•Less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)

•Taken by mouth, typically once daily (IR capsules and liquid) or once weekly (DR capsules, for depression only)

•Can be taken with or without food

Cons

•Can take up to 2 months for you to feel the full effects of the medication

•Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger

•Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels

•Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

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 Prozac vs. Klonopin
Common Side Effects for

•Difficulty falling asleep (up to 33%)

•Nausea (up to 29%)

•Headache (21%)

•Weakness (up to 21%)

•Diarrhea (up to 18%)

•Low appetite (up to 17%)

•Drowsiness (up to 17%)

•Anxiety (up to 15%)

•Nervousness (up to 14%)

•Tremor (up to 13%)

•Dry mouth (up to 12%)

•Throat pain (up to 11%)

•Yawning (up to 11%)

•Low sex drive (up to 11%)

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 Prozac vs. Klonopin
Common Side Effects for

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Anxiety and trouble sleeping

•Serotonin syndrome

•Severe allergic reactions

•Not for use alone in bipolar disorder

•Risk of bleeding

•Glaucoma

•Low blood sodium levels

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

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
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Compare Prozac vs. Klonopin

Key takeaways

Summary of Prozac vs. Klonopin

Indications of Prozac vs. Klonopin

Pros and Cons of Prozac vs. Klonopin

Common Side Effects of Prozac vs. Klonopin

Warnings of Prozac vs. Klonopin

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