When You Can't Get Klonopin, You Need a Plan B

If your pharmacy can't fill your Klonopin (Clonazepam) prescription, it's natural to feel anxious — especially when this is the medication you take for anxiety or seizures. The ongoing shortage has left many patients scrambling, and knowing your options can make a real difference.

This guide covers what Klonopin is, how it works, and the most common alternatives your doctor might consider if you can't get your usual medication. Important: Never switch or stop a benzodiazepine on your own. Always talk to your prescriber before making any changes.

What Is Klonopin?

Klonopin is the brand name for Clonazepam, a long-acting benzodiazepine. It's FDA-approved to treat:

• Seizure disorders (including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, myoclonic seizures, and absence seizures)
• Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia)

It's also commonly prescribed off-label for generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and essential tremor. Klonopin is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA.

How Does Klonopin Work?

Klonopin works by enhancing the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter. It binds to GABA-A receptors and increases their activity, which reduces overactive nerve signals. This produces calming, anti-seizure, and anti-anxiety effects.

Compared to some other benzodiazepines, Clonazepam has a longer duration of action (the effects last 8 to 12 hours) and a relatively slow onset. This makes it well-suited for conditions that need sustained, all-day control rather than rapid, short-term relief. For a deeper explanation, see our article on how Klonopin works.

Alternatives to Klonopin

If Klonopin is unavailable, your prescriber has several options. The best alternative depends on why you take Klonopin, your medical history, and what's available at your pharmacy.

1. Lorazepam (Ativan)

Lorazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine and one of the most commonly prescribed alternatives to Klonopin. It's FDA-approved for anxiety disorders and is also used for seizures (especially status epilepticus in its injectable form).

• Duration: 6 to 8 hours (shorter than Klonopin)
• Typical dose: 0.5 mg to 2 mg, two to three times daily
• Pros: Widely available, fewer drug interactions than some benzodiazepines, available in multiple forms (tablet, liquid, injection)
• Cons: Shorter duration means you may need more frequent dosing. May not provide the same sustained seizure control.

2. Diazepam (Valium)

Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine — even longer-acting than Klonopin. It's FDA-approved for anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal.

• Duration: 20 to 100 hours (due to active metabolites)
• Typical dose: 2 mg to 10 mg, two to four times daily
• Pros: Very long-acting, smooth effect, useful for tapering off benzodiazepines
• Cons: More sedating for some patients, accumulates with repeated dosing (especially in elderly patients), more drug interactions

3. Alprazolam (Xanax)

Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine primarily used for panic disorder and generalized anxiety. It works faster than Klonopin but wears off sooner.

• Duration: 4 to 6 hours
• Typical dose: 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, three times daily
• Pros: Fast onset (helpful for acute panic attacks), widely available
• Cons: Higher potential for dependence and withdrawal due to short action, requires more frequent dosing, not typically used for seizure disorders

4. Clobazam (Onfi)

Clobazam is a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant specifically approved for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients 2 years and older. If you take Klonopin for seizures rather than anxiety, Clobazam may be the most direct alternative.

• Duration: 12 to 24 hours
• Typical dose: 5 mg to 20 mg daily
• Pros: FDA-approved for the same seizure types as Klonopin, may cause less sedation than traditional benzodiazepines
• Cons: More expensive than generic Clonazepam, may not be as effective for panic disorder

Non-Benzodiazepine Options

Depending on your condition, your doctor may also consider non-benzodiazepine medications:

• For panic disorder: SSRIs like Sertraline (Zoloft) or Paroxetine (Paxil) are first-line treatments and don't carry the same dependence risk
• For anxiety: Buspirone (Buspar) is a non-addictive anti-anxiety medication
• For seizures: Levetiracetam (Keppra), Lamotrigine (Lamictal), or Valproate (Depakote) are commonly used anticonvulsants

These take longer to work than benzodiazepines but may be appropriate as long-term solutions.

What to Ask Your Doctor

If you're considering switching from Klonopin, bring these questions to your appointment:

1. Which alternative is the closest match for my specific condition?
2. Will I need to taper off Klonopin before starting something new?
3. Are there non-benzodiazepine options that might work for me long-term?
4. Is the alternative likely to be available at my pharmacy?

Don't Give Up on Finding Klonopin First

Before switching medications, it's worth trying to locate Klonopin at a different pharmacy. Use Medfinder to check real-time stock near you, and read our tips on how to find Klonopin in stock. Switching medications — especially benzodiazepines — carries risks, so staying on your current prescription is usually the best option if possible.

Final Thoughts

The Klonopin shortage is frustrating, but you have options. Lorazepam, Diazepam, Alprazolam, and Clobazam are all potential alternatives depending on your diagnosis. Work closely with your prescriber, never stop a benzodiazepine abruptly, and use tools like Medfinder to locate your medication before resorting to a switch.