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Compare Zoloft vs. Klonopin

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

Key takeaways

Sertraline (Zoloft) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different drug classes and treat different conditions. Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and various anxiety disorders, while clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine used to treat seizures and panic disorder. You typically take sertraline (Zoloft) once a day, whereas clonazepam (Klonopin) is usually taken two to three times daily. Sertraline (Zoloft) is not a controlled substance, but clonazepam (Klonopin) is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of sertraline (Zoloft) include nausea and diarrhea, while clonazepam (Klonopin) often causes drowsiness and dizziness. Additionally, sertraline (Zoloft) can take up to two months to show full benefits, whereas clonazepam (Klonopin) typically works within a few hours. Both medications have generic forms available.

  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
    Clonazepam (Klonopin)

  • Summary of Zoloft vs. Klonopin

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat different mental health conditions, including depression and certain types of anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder. It's typically taken by mouth once per day. This medication is available as both a tablet and liquid. Common side effects of sertraline (Zoloft) include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking sertraline (Zoloft) because this combination can worsen side effects of sertraline (Zoloft).

    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 Zoloft vs. Klonopin

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    •Panic disorder (PD)
    •Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    •Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
    •Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
    Indications for
    •Panic disorder
    •Seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Zoloft vs. Klonopin

    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •A possible option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
    •Fewer interactions compared to other SSRIs
    •Less likely to cause weight gain compared to paroxetine (Paxil)
    •Available as a generic
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the full benefits
    •More likely to cause diarrhea compared to other SSRIs
    •Might make it more difficult for you to fall asleep
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    •The liquid form contains alcohol
    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 Zoloft vs. Klonopin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (26%)
    •Diarrhea (20%)
    •Difficulty sleeping (20%)
    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Sleepiness (12%)
    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 Zoloft vs. Klonopin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Low blood sodium levels
    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 Zoloft vs. Klonopin

    Learn more about Sertraline
    Learn more about Clonazepam

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