Is Clonazepam Stronger Than Lorazepam?
Sometimes, even medications that belong in the same class and are chemically similar can have vastly different effects on patients and be used to treat other conditions, such as with the list of opioids from strongest to weakest. This is the case with clonazepam vs. lorazepam. These two types of benzodiazepines seem similar on the surface but differ in critically important ways, including their potency, approved uses for treatment, and duration of effect. Let’s explore how these two medications compare, what they are intended to be used for, and if they differ in terms of the potential for dangerous things like dependency and addiction.
Table of contents
» How Do the Typical Doses of Clonazepam Compare to Lorazepam?
» Do Clonazepam and Lorazepam Have Different Risks for Dependence and Addiction?
» How Do Doctors Decide Whether to Prescribe Clonazepam or Lorazepam?
» Is Clonazepam More Sedating Than Lorazepam?
» Key Takeaways on Clonazepam vs. Lorazepam
» Resources
How Do the Typical Doses of Clonazepam Compare to Lorazepam?
To start to understand the differences and similarities between clonazepam vs. lorazepam, let’s figure out the basics about each of these drugs and the typical doses that might be prescribed for each.
- Clonazepam: Available under the brand name Klonopin in the United States, is considered one of the most potent benzodiazepines available. It’s prescribed to treat certain seizure disorders (alone or with other medications as well), such as absence seizures and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Also, it can be prescribed to treat panic disorder.
- Lorazepam: Sold under the brand name Ativan, lorazepam can be prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, as well as to provide short-term relief of anxiety or anxiety that is caused by depression.
Both of these medications are benzodiazepines, a type of central nervous system depressant that works by slowing down the nervous system, providing relief from various things like seizures, panic disorders, and anxiety. Some benzos are also occasionally prescribed to treat other conditions, including restless legs syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, and insomnia. All benzodiazepines work by affecting how the neurotransmitter GABA slows down the nervous system, providing relief from symptoms for a variety of conditions.
Now, let’s look at the typical doses of the two drugs we’re considering today:
- Clonazepam will typically be prescribed to treat seizure disorders at a maximum dosage of 20 milligrams per day for adults and kids 10 and older. Doctors usually start with much smaller doses—such as a half milligram three times each day—and work up to higher doses as needed. Young children will receive a significantly smaller dose, typically ranging from 0.01 to 0.03 milligrams per kilogram of body weight each day. When it’s used to treat panic disorder, adults will typically start at 0.25 milligrams, two times each day, with a usual maximum daily dose of 4 milligrams.
- Lorazepam dosages vary significantly based on the type of formulation and the condition being treated. For example, in tablet form, adults and kids 12 years old and older will usually get 2 to 3 milligrams split over multiple doses each day to treat anxiety. Older adults typically receive just 1 to 2 milligrams per day, while children younger than 12 will receive a smaller dosage, if approved by their doctor. When used to treat anxiety or situational stress, the dosage of lorazepam tablets is typically 2 to 4 milligrams taken in one dose at night for adults and kids 12 and older. Extended-release capsules are taken each morning, providing the complete daily dosage over a gradual release. Finally, some patients will be prescribed an oral solution of lorazepam, which can range from 2 to 6 milligrams total, divided into daily doses for children 12 and older and adults. Older adults will receive just a third of that dosage (1 to 2 milligrams total per day initially).
Do Clonazepam and Lorazepam Have Different Risks for Dependence and Addiction?
It’s important to note that when comparing even similar drugs, they can sometimes carry substantially different risks for serious side effects, such as brain damage and drug overdose. In the case of the benzodiazepines clonazepam vs. lorazepam, the two drugs differ in some critical ways in terms of their dependence and addiction risk due to their potency and half-life (how long they remain in the system after being taken).
Clonazepam is considered to have a higher risk of addiction problems because it is more potent and lasts much longer after being taken, and that can lead to a higher risk of developing a tolerance and severe dependence, which are essential possible indicators of the path to an addiction. Because of the nature of the drug, clonazepam’s longer duration typically will give it a slower onset to take effect, but also make patients more likely to suffer from intense withdrawal symptoms, which can make someone more likely to become addicted.
Even though that’s true, lorazepam also has the potential to be highly addictive, just like other benzodiazepines. It has a much shorter half-life, which can make withdrawal symptoms start sooner but also dissipate faster when compared to clonazepam. All benzodiazepines are carefully controlled substances because all can lead to misuse, tolerance, dependence, and addiction. That’s why it’s so important only to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor or medical professional.
How Do Doctors Decide Whether to Prescribe Clonazepam or Lorazepam?
The differences in time of onset and duration of effect play a significant role in how doctors decide whether to prescribe clonazepam versus lorazepam.
- Clonazepam takes longer to reach its peak effect, typically between one and four hours, and will provide effects for up to 12 hours. This makes it worthwhile to treat chronic conditions, like panic disorders and certain types of seizures, that require continuous, ongoing management of symptoms and less-frequent dosing.
- Lorazepam, meanwhile, is more of a fast-acting benzodiazepine, taking effect within just 30 to 60 minutes and providing symptom relief for six to eight hours. This makes it the preferred choice to provide short-term relief of things like acute anxiety, insomnia that stems from anxiety, some type of severe seizures, and as a sedative before surgical procedures. However, it wears off more quickly, and that can put users at a higher risk of suffering from rebound anxiety when compared to longer-acting benzos like clonazepam.
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Is Clonazepam More Sedating Than Lorazepam?
The shorter-acting nature of lorazepam will generally make it more sedating than clonazepam. Lorazepam’s effects come on much more rapidly, making it better suited to treat acute problems like insomnia or severe anxiety attacks, and peak concentrations of the drug in the user’s system can be reached in just two hours after ingestion.
Clonazepam, meanwhile, is considered less sedative due to its slower onset and the fact that it can take up to four hours to reach its peak concentration. This makes it more useful for patients who need to remain alert and avoid falling asleep.
Key Takeaways on Clonazepam vs. Lorazepam
- Even similar benzodiazepines can differ substantially in potency and duration of effects.
- Clonazepam and lorazepam are both benzodiazepines, with the former being a faster-acting drug helpful in treating acute problems, while the latter’s slower onset of effects can be better suited to treating chronic conditions.
- Clonazepam is approved to treat certain seizure disorders and anxiety disorders.
- Lorazepam is approved to treat acute seizures, anxiety, and insomnia stemming from anxiety.
- Both of these drugs have the risk of tolerance, dependency, and addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to benzodiazepines, WhiteSands Treatment Center can help. Our Florida prescription drug addiction treatment center is staffed by experts who know how to break the chains of addiction and get you back on the path toward a better, brighter future. Call us at 877-855-3470 to learn more about Clonazepam vs. Lorazepam and take the first step toward your recovery today.
Resources
- Mayo Clinic – Clonazepam (Oral Route)
- Mayo Clinic – Lorazepam (Oral Route)
- Drugs.com – Comparing Clonazepam vs. Lorazepam
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
