Klonopin vs. temazepam: What’s the difference?
- Klonopin (clonazepam) and Restoril (temazepam) are benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety.
- Klonopin is primarily used for treating panic disorder and preventing certain types of seizures such as those caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- Temazepam is used to treat symptoms of insomnia.
- A brand name for clonazepam is Klonopin.
- A brand name for temazepam is Restoril.
- Side effects of Klonopin and temazepam that are similar include sedation, dizziness, depression, loss of orientation, headache, weakness, unsteadiness, and sleep problems (insomnia).
- Side effects of Klonopin that are different from temazepam include lack of inhibition, fatigue, amnesia, confusion, changes in sexual desire, rash, and irritability.
- Suddenly stopping Klonopin or temazepam after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
What are Klonopin and temazepam?
Klonopin is a benzodiazepine anti-anxiety medication. Other benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and flurazepam (Dalmane). Klonopin is mainly used to treat panic disorder, to prevent certain types of seizures, and to provide short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. Klonopin and other benzodiazepines enhance the effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Research shows that excessive activity in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders.
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Temazepam is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Research shows that excessive activity in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders, and that temazepam reduces the activity. Temazepam increases total sleep time.
What are the side effects of Klonopin and temazepam?
Klonopin
The most common side effects associated with Klonopin are sedation, which is reported in approximately half of patients. Dizziness is reported in one-third of patients.
Other common side effects include:
- A feeling of depression
- Loss of orientation
- Headache
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
- Sleep disturbance
- Lack of inhibition
- Fatigue
- Amnesia
- Confusion
- Changes in sexual desire
- Rash
- Irritability
Other serious side effects of Klonopin include:
- Respiratory depression
- Fainting
- Enlarged liver
- Withdrawal symptoms (if stopped suddenly)
- Increased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Blood disorders
Other serious adverse reactions:
Antiepileptic medications have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Anyone considering the use of antiepileptic drugs must balance this risk of suicide with the clinical need for the antiepileptic drug. Patients who begin antiepileptic therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts or unusual changes in behavior.
Temazepam
The most common side effects associated with temazepam are:
- Excessive sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
Other important side effects include:
- Depression
- Loss of orientation
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
What is the dosage of Klonopin vs. temazepam?
Klonopin
The dosage of Klonopin is tailored to the patient's needs.
- For seizures in adults, the initial dose is 1.5 mg daily in 3 divided doses.
- Dosage may be increased by 0.5 to 1 mg daily every 3 days until seizures are controlled or side effects preclude further increases in dose.
- The maximum dose is 20 mg daily. The initial dose for panic disorders is 0.25 mg twice daily.
- The dose may be increased to the target dose of 1 mg daily after 3 days.
Temazepam
- The recommended dose of temazepam is 7.5 to 30 mg taken about 30 minutes prior to bedtime.
- For elderly patients, start with 7.5 mg until the response is determined.
What drugs interact with Klonopin and temazepam?
Klonopin
Klonopin, like all other benzodiazepines, accentuates the effects of other drugs that slow the brain's processes — such as alcohol, barbiturates, and narcotics — and leads to increased sedation.
Temazepam
Alcohol or drugs that cause sleepiness increase the effects of temazepam.
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Are Klonopin and temazepam safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Klonopin
- Klonopin and other benzodiazepines have been associated with fetal damage, including congenital malformations, when taken by pregnant women in their first trimester. Klonopin is best avoided in the first trimester and probably throughout pregnancy.
- Benzodiazepines are secreted in breast milk. Mothers who are breastfeeding should not take Klonopin.
Temazepam
- Temazepam and other benzodiazepines have been associated with fetal damage, including congenital malformations, when taken by pregnant women in their first trimester. Temazepam should be avoided during pregnancy.
- Use by nursing mothers has not been adequately studied.