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Compare Valium vs. Klonopin

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

Key takeaways

Diazepam (Valium) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are both benzodiazepines, but they have different uses and dosing schedules. Diazepam is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures, while clonazepam is approved for treating seizures and panic disorder. Diazepam is typically taken 2 to 4 times daily, whereas clonazepam is taken 2 to 3 times daily. Diazepam comes in both tablet and liquid forms, while clonazepam is available as tablets and orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). Both medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness, but diazepam is more likely to cause muscle weakness. Clonazepam, on the other hand, can lead to poor movement control and respiratory infections. Both carry risks of dependence and withdrawal, but clonazepam is noted for potentially worsening seizures if used long-term. Neither is recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the baby.

  • Diazepam (Valium)
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)

  • Summary of Valium vs. Klonopin

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine. It's used to treat symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It can also treat certain types of muscle spasms and seizures. Diazepam (Valium) comes as a tablet and liquid solution. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 4 times daily. Some common side effects of diazepam (Valium) include sleepiness, dizziness, and weakness. Additionally, this medication carries a risk for misuse and dependence, so it's classified as a controlled substance.

    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 Valium vs. Klonopin

    Indications for
    •Anxiety disorders and short-term anxiety symptoms
    •Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
    •Muscle spasms or spasticity from certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy and stiff-person syndrome (SPS)
    •Add-on to other medications for seizures
    Indications for
    •Panic disorder
    •Seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Valium vs. Klonopin

    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as tablets and liquid
    •Works within 30 minutes
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day
    •Short-term use only because risk for dependence
    •Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
    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 Valium vs. Klonopin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Muscle weakness
    •Problems with balance or coordination
    •Memory problems
    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 Valium vs. Klonopin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness and difficulty breathing
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Withdrawal
    •Harm to babies during pregnancy and after delivery
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Use with caution in people with depression
    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 Valium vs. Klonopin

    Learn more about Diazepam
    Learn more about Clonazepam

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