The key difference between Klonopin and Valium is that Klonopin is the brand name for the generic drug clonazepam, while Valium is the brand name for the generic drug diazepam.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin and Valium are primarily prescribed to treat seizures, anxiety, and panic disorder due to their sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsive, and muscle relaxant properties. These drugs bind to the benzodiazepine binding site of the gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) type A receptor (GABAA), thereby promoting GABA binding into the GABAA. These medications are generally associated with dependence and tolerance development with prolonged use. In addition, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and paradoxical reactions. Therefore, these drugs should be used under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Klonopin
3. What is Valium
4. Similarities – Klonopin and Valium
5. Klonopin vs. Valium in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Klonopin vs. Valium
What is Klonopin?
Klonopin is a brand name for the generic drug clonazepam, which belongs to the class of benzodiazepines. It is generally prescribed to treat seizures, anxiety, and panic disorder. The pharmacodynamic properties of Klonopin are attributed to anticonvulsive, sedative, muscle relaxation, and anxiolytic effects. Klonopin interacts with the benzodiazepine binding site of the gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) receptor A, which enhances the GABA affinity to the GABAA receptor. This interaction increases the chloride ion conduction, preventing further excitation of the nearby neuron cells.
Figure 01: Chemical Structure of Clonazepam
Klonopin is rapidly absorbed orally and reaches peak plasma concentrations within 1-4 hours. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of drugs are bound to plasma proteins. Klonopin is extensively metabolized in the liver by hepatic cytochrome p450 3A4. The drug is primarily excreted through the urine. Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin are known to slow breathing, so they should not be taken with opioid medications, alcohol, or other medications that slow breathing.
What is Valium?
Hoffman-La Roche originally manufactured Valium as the brand name of the generic drug diazepam, which also belongs to the class of benzodiazepines. Valium is also prescribed for seizures, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, skeletal muscle spasm, spasticity, athetosis, and stiff-person syndrome. The drug acts as a positive allosteric regulator for the GABAA receptors interacting with the benzodiazepine binding site. This interaction increases the neuronal chloride-ion influx resulting in a hyperpolarized postsynaptic membrane that ultimately prevents neurotransmission in the central nervous system.
Figure 02: The Oral Form of Valium
Valium is a highly bioavailable, widely distributed, and lipid-soluble compound. It reaches the peak plasma concentration 30- 90 min after oral intake. The drug is well metabolized in the liver and primarily excreted with urine. Serious adverse events related to Valium treatment are rare and are often recorded to interact with other drugs such as opiates and alcohol. Compared to other benzodiazepines, Valium displays a lower risk profile of dependence and addiction, which is used to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms of other benzodiazepines.
What are the Similarities Between Klonopin and Valium?
- Klonopin and Valium are prescribed to treat similar conditions, including seizures, anxiety, and panic disorders.
- Both medications enhance the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
- They have sedative properties, which can help induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep.
- Both medications have a relatively long duration of action.
- Klonopin and Valium can cause similar side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and paradoxical reactions with prolonged use.
What is the Difference Between Klonopin and Valium?
Klonopin and Valium are benzodiazepines primarily prescribed to treat seizures and anxiety due to their hypnotic and sedative effect. Although the two drugs belong to the benzodiazepine family, there is a distinct difference between Klonopin and Valium. Klonopin and Valium are primarily prescribed to treat seizures and anxiety; Valium is also approved for treating alcohol withdrawal, skeletal muscle spasms, spasticity, athetosis, and stiff-person syndrome. Valium is considered more potent with a longer duration of action than Klonopin. Generally, Klonopin is available as an oral administration form. In contrast, Valium is available in oral and injectable forms, allowing more flexible administration.
Below is a summary of the difference between Klonopin and Valium in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Klonopin vs. Valium
Klonopin and Valium are two brand names coming under the generic names of clonazepam and diazepam, respectively. They belong to the class of benzodiazepine, which binds with the benzodiazepine binding sites of the GABAA receptors to provide hypnotic and sedative effects. Both these drugs are primarily prescribed to treat seizures and anxiety. However, Valium is also approved for treating alcohol withdrawal, skeletal muscle spasms, spasticity, athetosis, and stiff-person syndrome. Valium is more potent and has a more rapid onset of action than Klonopin. The half-life of Klonopin is around 30-40 hours. In contrast, Valium has a longer half-life of up to 100 hours. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the difference between Klonopin and Valium when choosing the appropriate medication for managing seizures and anxiety.
Reference:
1. Calcaterra, Nicholas E., and James C. Barrow. “Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Diazepam (Valium).” ACS Chemical Neuroscience, vol. 5, no. 4, 2014, pp. 253–260.
2. Lin, Angela E., et al. “Clonazepam Use in Pregnancy and the Risk of Malformations.” Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology, vol. 70, no. 8, 2004, pp. 534–536.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Clonazepam 200” By Emeldir (talk) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Valium 10mg roche” Von Stephanb – selbst fotografiert (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia