Is Ativan 1 mg stronger than Klonopin 1 mg and what's the difference?

Ativan and Klonopin are very similar in their mechanisms of action. Both are available in the same milligram, they are both benzodiazepines and they are both used to calm the central nervous system. The main difference is that Ativan is released into your system in as little as 30 minutes, providing almost instant relief from anxiety. Because it starts working faster, it also exits your body faster, so it needs to be taken more than once a day. Because of its almost instant relief, Ativan along with Xanax are much more likely to be abused. Klonopin on the other hand provides relief in an hour or more but due to its extremely long half-life, lasts all day. Many people can take their daily amount of Klonopin in one dose and it provides 24-hour relief. This is more convenient for the patient. Also since Klonopin is gradually released into your system, it has less potential for abuse.

Expand...

Ok. Elimination half life is about 8 hours for lorazepam and 30 for clonazepam. Lorazepam "feels stronger" because the drug gives you a quick and pronounced effect vs clonazepam, but if you refer to equivalent doses (which have more to do with a bunch of people and not you specifically and less to do with your perceived effect) the equivalent dose guidelines are 1mg clonazepam is (for purposes of conversion) 3mg Ativan. Your personal mileage may vary. Typically, the shorter the half life the more perceived relief of symptoms and the more immediate and severe withdrawal symptoms. If you'd like to avoid severe, long-standing symptoms it's good to keep the dose as low as possible and the half life short and not use beyond a couple of weeks. I am being forced to quit due to the potential for interaction with another medication and I find these equivalent doses to be right on the money for me but they are an AVERAGE. Some people get headaches FROM aspirin.

Expand...