Difference between xanax, valium, and klonopin?

Question

They are all benzodiazepines I understand this. They are all schedule IV drugs to posess but what is the main difference between all of these drugs? Please only serious answers.

Answer 1

All you need to know about benzodiazepines


Ativan (lorazepam)
Klonopin (clonazepam)
Librium (chlordiazepoxide)
Tranxene (clorazepate dipotassium)
Valium / Diastat (diazepam)
Xanax (alprazolam)

Primarily known as anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids, the benzos are actually anticonvulsants, and as such they do act as mood stabilizers. However, they are not a first-line mood stabilizer. They are weak ones at best, and their highly addictive nature and potential for abuse just don't make their case for them. Their big advantage is that they act quickly. If seizures or mania or anxiety are happening right now then a benzo is just the thing. They are often listed in the package inserts as the thing to administer in case of seizures caused by other meds, probably because someone is far more likely to have some Ativan on hand than some phenobarbital.

All benzos are interchangeable, be they brand or generic, they all act exactly the same way; the first fifteen to twenty minutes they make me more nervous then they calm him down tremendously for six to ten hours before knocking you out.

For most people there are noticeable differences in how quickly each benzo takes effect, how long it lasts, what secondary effects there are, and how addictive it is. These differences are especially apparently in the three most popular (in the US) benzos - Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) Some people can be addicted to Xanax after just a couple days on the minimum dose and go through the worst withdrawal symptoms possible when they stop.

All benzos do work basically in the same way; they enhance the way GABA works. GABA is the neurotransmitter that really mellows us out. There are specific benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, but they don't seem to matter much to the desired effects of these meds. Those receptors may have plenty to do with the physical dependence and many drug-drug interactions. Everything else is all a matter of fine tuning specific effects.

As there appears to be little difference between the brand and generic forms for the majority of people, just get the generic form of the preferred benzodiazepine from a local pharmacy. That's inexpensive enough. Only brand Klonopin and generic clonazepam have had reports of significant differences in effect for mood stabilization and anti-seizure effect.

Dosage equivalents of benzodiazepines: 1mg Ativan = 0.5mg Klonopin = 25mg Librium = 15mg Tranxene = 10mg Valium = 0.5mg Xanax. If you need to suddenly switch from one to another because of a sudden bad reaction you're pretty much OK swapping any benzodiazepine for any other in case of emergency. Unless you've been taking Xanax for long enough to become dependent upon it. Then you're hosed. Xanax requires Xanax for discontinuation. You can try switching between brand and generic and that's it.

Answer 2

Klonopin And Xanax

Answer 3

Xanax is An antianxiety agent (trade name Xanax) of the benzodiazepine class..Valium is A tranquilizer (trade name Valium) used to relieve anxiety and relax muscles; acts by enhancing the inhibitory actions of the neurotransmitter GABA..i only know about Xanax and valium but not about klonopin i hope these 2 help..

Answer 4

I have been on all three. I think it differs person to person. I am on Xanax and they give me a very calm feeling. I don't get as relaxed on Valium. Klonopins are anti anxiety and for people prone to seizures.

Answer 5

If you go to the webdite drugs.com it will give you detailed info on each med and dosage. I take xanax have for years for anxiety and panic attacks, depending on what you need the meds for each have different side effects not much differnce but some and depending on the dosage and period of use some are more likely to be addictive, best I can give ya hope it helped

Answer 6

Clorazepate Dipotassium

Answer 7

they are all the same class of medications, diazepam is longer acting and takes your body longer to metabolize and get rid of All the benzodiazepines you listed are not recommended for long term use. Your body develops a tolerance to their sedative, muscle relaxing, or anti-seizure effects. They can be used for anxiety, but they are like bandaids and are not treating the causes of anxiety. The best treatment would be an SSRI

Answer 8

xanax is the best.Now for a iv drug try some versed.