One way to learn more about how prescription drugs help correct anxiety, insomnia, and other problems is to compare them. The easies way to do that is to put three of the best-selling drugs on a chart next to one another.
Keep in mind as you read and study this information that it does not mean we are treating you, diagnosing you, or trying to take the place of a doctor. We are just here to help people determine whether it would be helping to them to see a mental health professional or medical doctor about any health concerns they may have.
What you see below is a list of the following three drugs: Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin. These three drugs are among the top ones chosen to relieve intense fear, dread, and heart attack-like symptoms.
You might also use this medications for variety of other reasons. For instance, sometimes Klonopin is used for people who struggle with epileptic seizures or bipolar disorder. Xanax sometimes relieves depression or helps people fall asleep. These medications might even treat all of these conditions at once, depending upon the situation.
Brand Name |
Valium, Valrelease, or Diazepam Intensely (depending upon form) |
Xanax |
Klonopin |
Generic Name/Ingredient |
Diazepam |
Alprazolam |
Clonazepam |
FDA Approved |
1960s |
Yes, initially in the 1976, expired in 1993; new release in 1981. |
Yes, in March of 1999 (generic as early as 1997) |
Supplier/Manufacturer |
Hoffmann-La Roche |
Upjohn, Pfizer and others. |
Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. |
Appearance/Shape |
Round orange or white tablet with distinct “V” cutout in the center, various generic ones may still be available too; also comes in time-released capsules and liquid. |
White tri-score tablets; other variants include oral disintegrating tablets, extended release tablets. |
Round, orange, and with a “K” cut out of the center; Generic version is often blue, white, or yellow. |
Dosage |
Tablets: 2mg, 5mg, or 10mg. |
0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg; or extended release 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg 3 mg |
.5 to 20mg (usually starting out at between .5 to 2 mg) |
Directions (Usage) |
Take it exactly as directed by a psychiatrist, doctor, or pharmacist. Read the label carefully and do not use it for any purpose other than what was prescribed to you. |
Take the dosage you are given with or without food. Taking it while full can reduce stomach irritation. If you miss a dose take it as son as you remember or wait until the next scheduled dosage time-whichever is sooner. |
You should never crush, chew, or break apart the orally disintegrating version of this drug. Otherwise, too large of a concentration can be distributed into your bloodstream at any given time. It often dissolves best when taken with water. |
Special instructions (About cutting them, etc.) |
This medication is scored to be cut. Still, make sure you only take the appropriate dosage. |
Depending which version you use they can be cut. It you want to cut them it probably is best to use the classic tablets verses extended release or orally disintegrating versions. This will prevent over-distribution to your blood. |
Cutting is not recommended, nor is it easy to do. Users are advised to inspect the tablets to make sure they are not chipped or broken. This will ensure that they work properly. |
Side effects |
Somnolence (near sleep or wanting to sleep for too long of a time), Decreased ability to enter REM sleep stage, Impaired coordination or balance, dizziness, nausea, depression, learning disability, cognitive disorders, etc. |
Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, face throat, or tongue, suicidal thoughts (rare). Other problems might include hallucination, slurred speech, dry mouth, increased appetite, or libido change. |
More common/mild side effects: Dizziness, vomiting, unsteadiness, irregular heartbeat, or allergic reaction.
|
Duration of effectiveness |
At least a few hours. |
At least a few hours. |
At least a few hours. |
Price |
Varies |
Varies |
Varies |