Published on 28 December 2022

Klonopin Vs Valium: Differences, similarities, & Efficacy

Valium (Diazepam) valium-vs-klonopin
Table of Contents

Alcohol withdrawal is a sudden cut back to daily activities; people who tend to drink alcohol suddenly stopping may suffer from withdrawal effects. After quitting back, you can feel anxious or panicky for almost 3 to 4 weeks. It is linked; if the person has any Anxiety disorder other than alcohol withdrawal, it should be treated separately. 

Anxiety should not be considered a big deal; you don't need to worry about it; anxietyss affects 40% of people in the US, but proper care and treatment should be carried out. You might feel the symptoms of anxiety-like excessive thoughts, worries, sadness, loneliness, insomnia, and loss of coordination. 

Many drugs have been introduced to treat your illness; both Valium and Klonopin are effective benzodiazepines drugs and have been approved by the US food and drug administration, let us see more about the drug in Detail, 

What Is Valium?

Valium, known by its generic name Diazepam, belongs to the group of benzodiazepines class. It is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, seizure, muscle spasms, etc. it is available for off-label use to treat insomnia. To buy Valium, you should need a proper prescription from your doctor. The drug is not recommended for children under six months. 

What Is Klonopin?

Clonazepam is a medication that comes under the brand name Klonopin. It treats various conditions like seizure disorder, panic, and anxiety attacks. The food and drug administration approved the drug in 1975. It is used in off-label situations like on-leg syndrome, insomnia, etc. The drug is not authorized to treat age groups younger than 18.  

How Does Valium Work?

Valium belongs to the group of benzodiazepines classification; it works as a sedative, anxiety-relieving agent. Valium works on the chemicals in the brain region by inhibiting the activities of chemicals called GABA at the various receptors in the brain area, which helps to control your thoughts and emotions. By increasing the chemical effects, Valium works to help in reducing anxiety and relax muscles. 

You can feel the effects within 15 to 60 minutes when the drug is taken by mouth. While using the medicine for a more extended period causes you to suffer from powerful results due to addiction syndrome, it leads to memory loss; it is beneficial to use it for a short-term period, not more than four months.    

How Does Klonopin Work?

Klonopin is an Anxiety agent and belongs to the family of benzodiazepines class. The drug works by enhancing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain. It is a neurotransmitter, a chemical nerve cell in the brain that communicates between your nerve cells. It inhibits your brain activity, erasing your panic attacks and seizures into control. An excessive level of brain activity leads to anxiety. 

Thus, Klonopin helps you to overcome your illness. Usually, benzodiazepines are not recommended for long-term usage due to the habit-forming to the drug; you will develop tolerance and dependence on it. The drug can be used for 2 to 4 weeks; if you continue the drug for more than four weeks, your dosage will be reduced. 

Klonopin Vs Valium: Which Is More Effective?

Klonopin and Valium are used in different cases, such as when Valium is prescribed for alcohol withdrawal, but Klonopin is not used. The Drug selection will be based on the user's indication. Therefore your doctor suggests that Klonopin is an intermediate agent, and Valium is a long-lasting one. 

The effectiveness will be based on how the drug works on your system to treat your illness. Each body is different, it might work for someone better, and others won't feel the same effect. When it comes to effectiveness, it depends upon how the drug responds in your body, which will cure your symptoms.

Klonopin Vs Valium: What Are Similarities?

When comparing things between Valium and Klonopin, both drugs treat anxiety, muscle spasm, seizure, and other conditions. Both belong to the class of benzodiazepines.

The working state of the medicine is similar, such as working in the central nervous system by increasing the effect of the GABA receptor, which helps overcome anxiety and panic and makes you feel calm in your brain.

Klonopin Vs Valium: What Are Differences?

Regarding differences between the drug, Valium and Klonopin are anxiety medications. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine class that comes with the generic name diazepam. It is an intermediate-acting drug that usually takes about one to four hours to reach its effect and stays in the body for up to six half-lives. The half-life is said to be 30-40 hours. 

Valium is a benzodiazepine class that comes under the generic Diazepam. It is available in tablet injection and liquid solutions. It is a long-acting drug; usually, the drug starts work immediately, and the maximum effect can stay in the body for a more extended period. The half-life is said to be 100 hours. 

Klonopin Vs Valium: Safety Measures Before Consuming

Precautions are the general measures to follow before following the drug. It would help if you went through some guidelines that allow you to overcome your illness. Some of the Safety measures are listed below,

Valium

Klonopin

At the initial stage, taking the drug will change your mood and behavior. If you notice unusual symptoms, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Avoid taking Valium if you are allergic and have any conditions like:

  • Breathing problem
  • Sleep apnea
  • Narrow-angle Glaucoma
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • open-angle glaucoma
  • Severe liver disease
  • Seizure disorder
  • Other mental illnesses include depression, mood disorder, suicidal thoughts, and behavior.
  • Avoid taking the drug during pregnancy. It causes harm to your fetus. 
  • If you take the drug during breastfeeding, inform your doctor before withdrawing the medication. 
If you have any of the following, you should not use the drug such as,
  • Severe liver disease
  • Narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Any history of allergic reaction to benzodiazepines like alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drugs like benzodiazepines groups, e of medications are considered low-dose drugs; for example, 0.5 mg of Klonopin is equivalent to 5mg of Valium.
Klonopin is considered a fast-acting drug for seizure, not for more extended usage. Valium is also a practical prescription for up to 4 months to treat your illness.
Klonopin is considered a fast-acting drug for seizure, not for more extended usage. Valium is also a practical prescription for up to 4 months to treat your illness.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are the expected effects of the drug when used in an initial stage. Every drug has side effects lasting for a few days to several days. If you suffer from severe Side Effects for a period, consult your doctor immediately and seek help. 

Valium Side Effects

Klonopin Side Effects

Diarrhea

Depression 

Fainting

Weakness 

Rashes 

Headache

Drowsiness

Fainting

Loss of balance 

Confusion 

Muscles spasm

Low blood pressure

Respiratory depression

Increase heart rate 

Double vision 

Sleep disturbance 

Withdrawal Symptoms

Valium and Klonopin have the potential for addiction to the drug. Suppose you try to stop the medication suddenly without discussing it with your doctor. In that case, you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms.

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

Klonopin Withdrawal Symptoms

Insomnia

irritability

Vomiting 

tremor

tremor

Vomiting

Headache 

Insomnia 

Increased heart rate

difficulty concentrating

Increased blood pressure 

Nausea

suicidal thoughts 

seizure 

Seizure

depression

Both drugs belong to the same benzodiazepines class, so it is essential to seek medical help and get detox therapy. It depends upon the symptoms and severity of your addiction; the detox program will be given to you to treat your illness. 

Pros and Cons

Each drug has pros and cons; while pros are considered positive outcomes and benefits, cons are unwanted adverse effects. Some of the pros and cons are listed below.

Valium

 

 

Pros

Cons

It is lower in cost as generic available.

Valium leads to habit forming, so do not use more than four months.

It will work for many conditions.

Side Effects like memory problems, dizziness, and confusion occur 

The drug will work quickly and lasts longer in your system other than benzodiazepines.

The drug is leading to dependence and addiction over time.

They are used in children younger than six months.

If you have problems like sleep apnea, liver issues, lung problems, and glaucoma, avoid taking the  Drug.

It is available in the form of tablets, liquids, and injections.

It should not be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Klonopin

Pros

Cons

The drugs work quickly in your system. 

Klonopin leads to habit farming, so do not use more extended periods

It can be used with another antidepressant to manage panic attacks

Side effects like memory problems, drowsiness, confusion, etc.

It is a fast-acting tablet that easily dissolves under your tongue.

When you take a higher dose, it leads to dependence and tolerance, so it reduces your amount. 

pas logo

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions involve one or two medication substances or herbal or vitamin products at a time, affecting the substance to change its working state. Ask your doctor about the possible interaction, so it is considered to discuss your health history and medical history with your doctor to avoid unwanted drug interactions.

Valium

While taking the drug, drinking alcohol leads to sedative effects; patients taking benzodiazepine drugs should avoid alcohol. Some of the following medicines will show an impact on the liver enzymes, which eliminate the drugs valium, which is,

  • Itraconazole
  • Erythromycin
  • Clarithromycin
  • Ketoconazole
  • Fluoxetine
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Darunavir

Decrease the dosage of the drugs when combined with Valium are,

  • Rifampin
  • St.john's wort
  • Carbamazepine

Klonopin

There may be an interaction between the following medications are,

  • Antihistamine drugs like cetirizine, azelastine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, etc.
  • Antifungal drugs like itraconazole and ketoconazole.
  • Antipsychotic drugs like haloperidol, risperidone, clozapine, etc
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Barbiturates like phenobarbital.
  • Other benzodiazepine drugs like alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam.

If you take any of the particular drugs, consult with your physician. 

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Valim and Klonopin are benzodiazepines, while Valium is used in alcohol withdrawal and anxiety attacks. Another one, Klonopin, is used for seizure disorders. Both drugs are an effective way to treat the illness based on your condition. 

Moreover, Valium is a long-lasting action, and Klonopin is an intermediate action. If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should be aware of the drug interactions and ask your healthcare provider about the drug usage and benefits. If you face any severe side effects from the drug, immediately inform your doctor, other than the medicines are safe and effective.Â