Valium vs. Klonopin for Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Clonazepam

(Klonopin)

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Summary for Valium

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.

Indications for Valium

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

Pros and Cons for Valium

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

Common Side Effects for Valium

Sleepiness
Dizziness
Muscle weakness
Problems with balance or coordination
Memory problems

Warnings for Valium

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

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%)