Ativan vs Klonopin: benzodiazepines compared
Ativan (lorazepam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) are benzodiazepines used for anxiety, panic and seizures. Lorazepam works faster and wears off sooner; clonazepam lasts longer, so it is taken less often and is approved for panic disorder and seizure disorders.
Updated October 4, 2026
At a glance
- Onset and duration
- Ativan
- Faster onset, shorter action
- Klonopin
- Slower onset, longer action
- Approved for
- Ativan
- Anxiety; injection for seizures in hospital
- Klonopin
- Panic disorder; seizure disorders
- Liver processing
- Ativan
- Simpler, with fewer interactions
- Klonopin
- Through CYP3A4, with more interactions
- Controlled substance
- Ativan
- Schedule IV
- Klonopin
- Schedule IV
- Generic
- Ativan
- Yes
- Klonopin
- Yes
Ativan lorazepam | Klonopin clonazepam | |
|---|---|---|
| Onset and duration | Faster onset, shorter action | Slower onset, longer action |
| Approved for | Anxiety; injection for seizures in hospital | Panic disorder; seizure disorders |
| Liver processing | Simpler, with fewer interactions | Through CYP3A4, with more interactions |
| Controlled substance | Schedule IV | Schedule IV |
| Generic | Yes | Yes |
Short or long acting
Lorazepam’s quick onset and shorter action suit occasional, short-term use, while clonazepam’s longer action gives steadier levels through the day, which is why it is used for panic disorder and seizures. Lorazepam is broken down by a simpler route in the liver, so it is often preferred for older adults and people with liver disease or many medicines.
Risks of all benzodiazepines
Both can cause drowsiness, unsteadiness, memory problems and falls, especially in older adults, and they impair driving. Combined with opioids, alcohol or other sedatives, they can slow breathing dangerously. Regular use can lead to dependence, so they are usually prescribed for short periods, and neither is stopped suddenly after regular use, because withdrawal can include seizures; the dose is reduced gradually.
Alternatives
For long-term anxiety, SSRIs, SNRIs and talking therapies are the main treatments; benzodiazepines are usually a short-term bridge. Non-habit-forming options such as buspirone or hydroxyzine can help some people.
Cost and storage
Both are inexpensive generics. Keep them secure and out of reach of others, and dispose of unused tablets through a take-back program.
Missed doses and travel
If you take either on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember unless the next one is near, and never double up. Carry them in the original labeled container when traveling, since they are controlled substances, and keep a note of when you take as-needed doses so your prescriber can see how often you need them.
Questions for your prescriber
- How long should I take this, and how will we stop it?
- Is it safe with my other medicines and my alcohol use?
- Would a non-habit-forming treatment work for me?
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Sources
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. It is general information, not advice for you or your pet; your prescriber decides which medicine is right.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.