Ativan vs Klonopin: side-by-side comparison
Ativan (Lorazepam) and Klonopin (Clonazepam) both belong to the Anxiolytiques class. They share clinical context but use different active ingredients. The choice between them depends on mechanism nuances, side-effect profile and individual response.
| Property | Ativan | Klonopin |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Lorazepam | Clonazepam |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | Genentech (Roche) |
| Class | Anxiolytiques | Anxiolytiques |
| Strengths | 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg | 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg |
| Forms | tablet, oral concentrate, injection | tablet, orally disintegrating tablet |
What's the same
Ativan and Klonopin both belong to the Anxiolytiques class and are used for partially overlapping indications. The active ingredients — Lorazepam vs Clonazepam — share the same therapeutic approach, so many safety and management points carry across both.
Key differences
Meaningful differences are in active ingredient (Lorazepam vs Clonazepam), strengths (0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg vs 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg), forms (tablet, oral concentrate, injection vs tablet, orally disintegrating tablet), and the mechanism, half-life and side-effect nuances that distinguish members of the class.
Mechanism and action
Ativan: Le lorazépam se lie au site benzodiazépine du récepteur GABA-A et renforce de façon allostérique la conductance chlorure inhibitrice. Klonopin: Le clonazépam se lie au site benzodiazépine du récepteur GABA-A et renforce de façon allostérique la conductance chlorure inhibitrice, hyperpolarisant les neurones du système nerveux central.
When Ativan is preferred
Ativan est autorisé chez l'adulte dans la prise en charge de courte durée des troubles anxieux et de l'insomnie liée à l'anxiété.
When Klonopin is preferred
Klonopin est autorisé chez l'adulte dans le traitement de certains types de crises épileptiques, dont les absences et absences atypiques, les crises myocloniques et akinétiques, ainsi qu'en traitement adjuvant du syndrome de Lennox-Gastaut.
Questions fréquentes
Is Ativan or Klonopin better? ▾
There is no single answer. Ativan and Klonopin both belong to the Anxiolytiques class but differ in mechanism nuances, half-life and side-effect profile. Preference depends on the patient, the prescriber and prior response to other therapies.
Can I switch from Ativan to Klonopin? ▾
Switching within the Anxiolytiques class is done under supervision, typically using equivalent doses and a follow-up period to confirm response and tolerance. It is not a self-directed decision.
Do Ativan and Klonopin have the same side effects? ▾
They share many of the Anxiolytiques class side effects, with differences from mechanism and dose. Each medication's prescribing information lists specifics.
More Ativan comparisons
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