Klonopin vs. Valium: How Do They Compare?
Medically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmDMedically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmDIf you have been prescribed Klonopin (clonazepam) or Valium (diazepam), you might wonder how they compare. Both medications belong to the same drug class, benzodiazepines. Both are used for anxiety and seizures, among other conditions, but they are not the same.You may be curious about how fast they take effect or which will suit your needs better.
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Comparing Klonopin vs. ValiumThe table below provides a general comparison between Klonopin (clonazepam) and Valium (diazepam).
Klonopin
Valium
Active ingredient
Clonazepam
Diazepam
Approved uses by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Seizure disorders • Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia
• Anxiety disorders• Short-term relief of anxiety symptoms• Alcohol withdrawal • Seizure disorders• Muscle spasms or muscle spasticity due to various disorders, such as cerebral palsy and stiff person syndrome
Available forms
• Oral tablet • Orally disintegrating tablet
• Oral tablet• Oral solution• Injection• Nasal spray• Rectal gel
When it starts to work
One to four hours to reach maximum effects
One to two hours to reach maximum effect with oral tablet; other forms vary
Half-life (amount of time it takes for the drug to reduce by half)
18 to 50 hours
20 to 80 hours
What Is Klonopin?Klonopin’s active ingredient is clonazepam. It’s available in brand and generic versions, as an oral and disintegrating tablet.Klonopin is part of the benzodiazepine drug class. It’s thought to work by increasing the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger that has a calming effect on the brain and nervous system. This leads to fewer messages being sent between brain cells, resulting in less stimulation.The FDA has approved clonazepam to treat the following conditions:Panic disorder, a disorder involving recurrent panic attacks, in adults with or without agoraphobia (a fear of being in places or situations that may be hard to escape from)Seizure disorders, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, in adults and childrenHealthcare providers may also prescribe clonazepam off-label for various other reasons, such as: AnxietyConditions involving uncontrollable movements, such as restless leg syndrome and tardive dyskinesiaInsomnia and other sleep disordersBenefits of KlonopinKlonopin offers advantages that might make it a better choice than Valium or other benzodiazepines in some cases. It works fairly quickly, reaching its peak effects within one to four hours. Klonopin is also considered a high-potency benzodiazepine, whereas Valium is medium potency. High potency means it requires only a small dose to provide its effects.Another perk is that you can take Klonopin with or without food, while a high-fat meal can delay Valium’s effects. And if you don’t like swallowing pills, clonazepam comes in an oral disintegrating tablet, an option that may also be more convenient for some people.While both medications have side effects, Klonopin is associated with fewer side effects related to memory issues, like anterograde amnesia ( difficulty forming new memories), which can be more common with Valium.There are a few other potential reasons to prefer Klonopin. If you’re also taking birth control pills, Klonopin is less likely to cause breakthrough bleeding compared to Valium. Klonopin has also been proven effective for reducing panic attacks, something Valium doesn’t do.Side Effects of KlonopinLike other benzodiazepines, most of Klonopin’s side effects are related to slowing down the brain and nervous system.Some common side effects include but are not limited to: Ataxia (trouble with coordination)Behavior or mood problemsDizzinessDrowsinessFatigue Some examples of serious side effects are: Depression Memory problemsPsychological reactions including extreme behavior changes such as restlessness, agitation, or impulsivityPeople with certain conditions are more likely to have side effects from Klonopin. Talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history and report any bothersome or serious side effects while taking Klonopin. What Is Valium? Valium is the brand name for the active ingredient diazepam. Valium (brand) is available as an oral tablet and injection. Diazepam, the generic version, also comes in other forms like an oral solution and a rectal gel called Diastat.Like Klonopin, Valium is a benzodiazepine that enhances GABA activity to provide calming effects on the brain and nervous system. Diazepam is FDA-approved for the following uses in adults and children:Anxiety disordersMuscle spasms or muscle spasticity due to various disorders, such as cerebral palsy and stiff person syndrome, as an add-on treatment Seizure disorders, as an add-on treatmentShort-term relief of acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation, tremors, hallucinationsShort-term relief of anxiety symptomsDiastat rectal gel is specifically approved for acute seizure episodes in certain children 2 years and older.Diazepam may also be prescribed off-label in adults for other purposes, such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or sedation for surgery.Benefits of Valium Valium has characteristics that can make it a better choice than Klonopin or other benzodiazepines. Valium is absorbed quickly, with its maximum effects occurring within one to two hours, potentially faster than Klonopin. It also stays in the body longer after you take it, but the exact length of time varies with a person’s age and the form of diazepam they use.Valium is also proven effective for a wider range of conditions than Klonopin, such as short-term relief of muscle spasms. Valium is also approved for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms, and it’s uniquely suited for treating alcohol withdrawal, something Klonopin does not do. Additionally, diazepam comes in a rectal gel form, providing another route for rapid treatment of seizures.Side Effects of ValiumCommon side effects of Valium are similar to those of other benzodiazepines and may include:Ataxia (poor coordination)Drowsiness FatigueMuscle weakness Serious side effects may include but are not limited to: Anterograde amnesia Blurred visionConfusionDepression Hypotension (low blood pressure)Psychological reactions such as restlessness, unexpected behavior or excitement, aggressivenessSlurred speechTalk to your healthcare provider to see if Valium is right for you. Risks of Valium and KlonopinBenzodiazepines, including Klonopin and Valium, carry several boxed warnings. Boxed warnings are the FDA’s most serious alerts about medication safety. They include:Physical dependence and withdrawal after long-term use: Stopping either drug suddenly can lead to severe withdrawal. Always consult a healthcare provider before stopping a benzodiazepine.Risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction: Benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and may lead to abuse, misuse, and addiction. This risk increases if the medication is taken for long periods or in higher doses than prescribed. Risk of combining benzodiazepines with opioids: The combination may result in extreme sedation, respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing), coma, or even death.Because of these risks, it’s important to take either medication exactly as prescribed.If you miss a dose of Klonopin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. If you miss a dose of Valium, simply skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. For either medication, do not take extra doses to make up for missed doses.Never increase your dosage without your prescriber’s approval. Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and opioids. Mixing these with Klonopin or Valium can lead to life-threatening situations. If you’re concerned about addiction or have a history of substance use, discuss it with your healthcare provider. In case of an overdose or emergency, call 911 or reach out to the poison control helpline immediately.InteractionsTo avoid potential interactions, inform your healthcare provider about everything you take before starting Klonopin or Valium. Discuss all over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and prescription medications. While not a complete list, it’s essential to be aware of drug interactions that may occur with benzodiazepines, including Klonopin or Valium, such as:Alcohol Antipsychotics Anxiety medicationsBarbiturates, such as phenobarbitalMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Opioid medications, such as oxycodone or morphineOther seizure medications, such as phenytoin Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine)Sleeping pills, such as Ambien (zolpidem)WithdrawalWithdrawal can occur if you suddenly discontinue a medication that your body has become dependent on—including benzodiazepines like Klonopin or Valium. It can also happen if you abruptly lower your dosage. Some people experience benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms for only a short time, while others may have long-term or protracted withdrawal. It varies depending on factors like your dosage and how long you were taking the medication.It's important to recognize the symptoms and know when to seek help. Common short-term withdrawal symptoms include:AnxietyBlurred visionDepressionHallucinationsNauseaSeizuresSuicidal thoughtsLong-term symptoms may include the following:Cognitive issues like trouble thinking clearlyDepressionInsomniaOngoing anxietyTremorsAs noted above, always consult with your healthcare provider before stopping Klonopin or Valium. If appropriate, they can guide you through a very gradual tapering schedule to reduce your dose slowly over time while monitoring for withdrawal symptoms.Who Should Be Cautious When Taking Valium and Klonopin?Your personal medical history is important when considering if either medication is safe for you. Healthcare providers may not recommend Valium or Klonopin for those with the following conditions or factors:When taking Klonopin, it is important to consider the following precautions:PregnancyBreastfeeding Allergies to ingredients in clonazepam products History of alcohol or substance use disorder Breathing problems Kidney problemsSevere liver problemsAcute narrow angle gl-ucomaHistory of suicidal thoughtsWhen taking Valium, it is important to consider the following precautions:Pregnancy Breastfeeding Allergies to ingredients in diazepam products People age 65 years and older Liver problems History of alcohol or substance use disorder Breathing problems Depression or history of suicidal thoughtsThere are precautions outside of these lists that may apply to you. Talk to your healthcare provider about your full medical history. SummaryKlonopin and Valium are both benzodiazepines that treat anxiety, seizures, and other conditions, but they have important differences. Klonopin is more potent and lasts longer in the body, while Valium can work faster and is approved for a wider range of uses. One is not necessarily "better" than the other, but it depends on the context, such as the condition being treated and other factors that vary with the individual.Both medications come with risks like dependency, withdrawal, and potential overdose, so it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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